The New York City Wine & Food Festival in 2025 soared to a new level.
Presented by Invesco QQQ, the premier wine and food festival is celebrating a fantastic 18 years of unforgettable culinary experiences.
The five-day annual festival this year showcases the talents of the world’s most renowned chefs, restaurants, creators, celebrities, wine and spirits producers, mixologists, and America’s beloved television chefs through more than 50 events—including walk-around tastings, intimate dinners, cocktail parties, brunches, master classes and FoodieCon®—highlighting the vibrant energy of New York’s food scene.
Launching at a brand-new campus in the historic Seaport neighborhood in Lower Manhattan, thousands of guests in the first two days have gathered at the waterfront setting for signature events and beloved experiences.
The brand-new Invesco QQQ Festival Campus in the Seaport provided a look and feel that embraced everything beautiful about the Big Apple. With sweeping views of the harbor and Brooklyn Bridge mixed with the best and brightest offerings of food and drink around, there was nothing better.
The premier wine and food festival celebrated a fantastic 18 years of unforgettable culinary experiences in the most glorious way.
The five-day annual festival this year showcased the talents of the world’s most renowned chefs, restaurants, creators, celebrities, wine and spirits producers, mixologists, and America’s beloved television chefs through more than 50 events—including walk-around tastings, intimate dinners, cocktail parties, brunches, master classes and FoodieCon®—highlighting the vibrant energy of New York’s food scene.
Burger Bash has been NYCWFF’s ultimate fan-favorite for over 16 years. The beats were pumping from celebrity DJ CASSIDY. And longtime host and celebrity cook Rachael Ray—who’s been with Burger Bash since the very beginning—returned to the spotlight. In 2025, she was joined by artist, influencer, and tastemaker Brooklyn Beckham.
Using Pat LaFrieda’s legendary custom burger blend as their canvas, these culinary innovators served bold, inventive takes on this classic favorite. And along the way, Blue Moon’s refreshing beers were enjoyed along with creative top-shelf cocktails and a curated selection of bold wines.
Here we fell in love with them all, but especially a shoutout to Bareburger, who, like all the booths, was full of passionate workers on the line to serve the happy crowd.
In between all the delicious fun, we wet our whistle with the best wines and beers around. From cocktails to water from the amazing Bevi Smart Water Cooler, we were hydrated and blissfully happy.
Judges Panel includes Ja Rule, Grammy-nominated rap icon, Ana Navarro, Co-host of ABC News’ “The View,” Sunny Anderson, Food Network host, Ben Leventhal, former CEO of Resy, Olivia Tiedmann, content creator, and Joshua Weissman, professional cook and content creator.
The party went TACO crazy, then on Saturday night, when celebrity chef and television host Aarón Sánchez took over Gitano NYC for the fantastic Tacos and Tequila. Special appearances by authors of the upcoming cookbook “PARTY PEOPLE “, Brie Larson, and chef Courtney McBroom were down on the Seaport for spicy fun.
The walk-around tasting featured bold tacos, fresh salsas, and street eats crafted by top chefs—paired with expertly poured tequila, mezcal cocktails, and a DJ set.
Then the late-night crowd headed over to the Wall Street Hotel for the 2025 Chef After Party.
The rooftop celebration capped off the city’s most anticipated culinary weekend, drawing a dynamic crowd of celebrities, award-winning chefs, and industry tastemakers who came together for an unforgettable night of flavor and festivity at one of downtown Manhattan’s chicest rooftops.
Prince A. Sanders, Lee Schrager (Courtesy Wall Street Hotel/Madison McGaw, BFA.com)
Hosted by The Wall Street Hotel’s General Manager Prince A. Sanders, New York City Wine & Food Festival Founder Lee Brian Schrager, and a21 CEO Brett Friedman, the soirée drew an energetic crowd of renowned chefs, festival talent, industry insiders, and New York tastemakers.
Here is to an amazing 2025!
