May 31 | Downtown Ottawa, IL
Experience the Ultimate Food & Wine Festival!
Day(s)
:
Hour(s)
:
Minute(s)
:
Second(s)
About
Wines
Food
Music
Tickets
About the Festival
Join us on Saturday, May 31, at the Old Central School lot in downtown Ottawa for an unforgettable experience at the Ottawa Food and Wine Festival!
Indulge in wine tastings from some of the country’s best, award-winning wineries, enjoy live music throughout the day, and celebrate the kickoff to the farmers market with fresh local finds. Watch chef demonstrations, savor delicious small bites, and explore a variety of food and drink offerings that make this festival a must-attend event for wine and food lovers alike.
🎟️ Tickets: $40 each – Includes multiple wine tastings, access to live entertainment, chef demos, and more!
Gather your friends and raise a glass to an extraordinary day of food, wine, and fun in the heart of historic downtown Ottawa. Don’t wait—get your tickets now before they sell out!
Featured Wineries
The Ottawa Food and Wine Festival is proud to feature an exceptional lineup of award-winning wineries from across the country, offering a diverse selection of wines to delight every palate. From the rich, full-bodied reds of Riboli Family Wines and Bogle Family Vineyards to crisp, refreshing whites and unique blends, guests will have the opportunity to explore a curated collection of premium varietals and boutique selections. Whether you’re a seasoned wine enthusiast or a casual sipper, our festival’s featured wineries promise an unforgettable tasting experience, celebrating the craftsmanship and passion behind every bottle.
More wineries are coming soon!
Riboli Family Wines
Established in 1917, Riboli Family Wines has cultivated a rich legacy of winemaking excellence spanning over a century. Founded by Italian immigrant Santo Cambianica in Los Angeles, the family-owned winery has expanded its reach across California, with vineyards in Napa Valley, Monterey, and Paso Robles. Today, the Riboli family continues to honor their heritage, blending tradition with innovation to produce a diverse portfolio of wines.
Our Brands:
-
Stella Rosa: Originating from the Asti region of Piedmont, Italy, Stella Rosa offers a range of semi-sweet, semi-sparkling wines that have become a favorite among wine enthusiasts.
-
Maddalena: Named after the family matriarch, this collection features varietal wines crafted to reflect Maddalena Riboli’s pioneering spirit and dedication to quality.
-
San Simeon: Sourced from the family’s estate vineyards in Paso Robles and Monterey, San Simeon wines embody the unique terroir of California’s Central Coast.
- And many more!
Bogle Family Vineyards
Established in 1968, Bogle Family Vineyards has grown from a modest 20-acre vineyard in Clarksburg, California, to a renowned winery celebrated for its commitment to quality and sustainability. Founded by Warren Bogle Sr. and his son Chris, the family has farmed in the Sacramento River Delta for six generations, transitioning from traditional crops to viticulture.
Our Wines:
-
Chardonnay: A harmonious blend of green apple, pear, and baking spices, this wine offers a creamy, buttery mid-palate with a touch of toasted oak.
-
Cabernet Sauvignon: Rich flavors of cherry, plum, and currant are complemented by hints of clove, nutmeg, and caramel, resulting from aging in American oak barrels.
-
Petite Sirah: Aromas of cocoa and mocha lead to notes of boysenberry, blackberry, and blueberry, creating a luscious and full-bodied experience.
- And many more!
Sip Award Winners
Sample 8 wines from award-winning vineyards across the country
Savor Small Bites
From the farmer’s market to artisanal small bites, nosh on tasty treats
Soak Up Scenery
Enjoy the beautiful riverside atmosphere with local, live music
Wine Lineup
Coming Soon
Event Highlights
Get ready for an unforgettable experience at the Ottawa Food and Wine Festival, where every sip and bite is designed to delight your senses!
🍷 Wine Tastings – Sample an incredible selection of wines from some of the country’s best award-winning wineries. From bold reds to crisp whites and unique blends, there’s something for every palate. Wines will be available to purchase at the event (pickup after the event).
🌿 Farmers Market Kickoff – Celebrate the season launch of the farmers market, featuring fresh produce, artisan cheeses, local meats, and handcrafted goods from some of the region’s finest vendors.
🍽 Gourmet Small Bites – Enjoy perfectly paired small bites from local chefs and restaurants, designed to complement the wines and enhance your tasting experience.
🎶 Live Music – Soak in the festive atmosphere with live performances throughout the day, creating the perfect backdrop for a relaxing and fun-filled event.
✨ VIP Tent Experience – Elevate your festival day with exclusive access to the VIP Tent, featuring unique experiences like grape smashing, private chef demonstrations, and a wine seminar led by industry experts.
Small Bites
Wine Tastings
Live Music
Chef Demos
Live Music Lineup
Aaron Kelly
11 am-12:45 pm
Aaron Kelly was never on American Idol, but did grow up on the edge of the Chicago megalopolis, falling under the influence of John Prine, Townes Van Zandt, and empathy, his songs are carefully crafted and made to last. He’s been featured by American Songwriter Magazine, and released Barefoot and Bottomed Out, his first solo album, in 2016, after zig-zagging across the country for years with Overman. Making up for lost time, Aaron Kelly Band released their debut LP, Songs Still Sing, in 2022, and an adjacent 6-song EP, Letting the Animals Out, on 1/3/24.
Jaik Willis
1-3:45 pm
Jaik Willis is a strumming & drumming One Man Band, a wild fire-breathing freakshow; playing an 11-piece drum set with his feet while playing guitars/bass/harps; while singing and beatboxing simultaneously, live with no looping or electronics. Performing 300 shows a year with appearances at Bonnaroo, Summer Camp Music Fest, Dunegrass, the Chicago Bluegrass & Blues Fests, etc., Jaik Willis got a shout-out in Rolling Stone magazine for his vocal contribution to the album “FreeStyle” that debuted at #1 on iTunes.
Dan Hubbard
4-6 pm
In his 20-year career as a singer-songwriter Dan Hubbard has released 9 studio albums, toured extensively throughout the United States, and shared the stage with countless national acts. Hubbard’s music has been acclaimed as “beautiful, powerful, and often seemingly effortless.” (Independent Clauses)
2025 Ottawa Wine Fest Tickets
Includes 8 wine tastings, access to live entertainment, VIP tent, chef demos, and more!
Gather your friends and raise a glass to an extraordinary day of food, wine, and fun in the heart of historic downtown Ottawa. Don’t wait—get your tickets now before they sell out!
Important Information:
Rain or Shine: Unless otherwise indicated, outdoor events occur rain or shine. If lightning or other dangerous weather is imminent or present, the Ottawa Downtown Association (ODA) reserves the right to cancel or delay any remaining event activities. Updates on the status of an interrupted or canceled event will be posted to Facebook and Instagram @ottawadowntownassociation. Please note, event websites and social media pages may not be immediately updated to reflect any weather-related changes. In the event a ticketed event is canceled, the ODA will email ticket holders with options for their unused tickets.
Refunds: All ticket sales are final. No refunds will be issued. Tickets are non-transferrable. If an event is canceled, the ODA will email ticket purchasers to advise of available options.
This event is 21+ only. Valid government-issued ID required for entry. IDs will be checked at the gate.
Photography/Video Use: The Ottawa Downtown Association takes photographs and videos of attendees for the purpose of promoting our events, promotions, membership, etc. By attending any ODA events and/or promotions the participant (or parent/guardian of a minor participant) agrees to the use and distribution of their image/likeness (or that of a minor child/ward) in photographs, video recordings, and any other electronic reproductions of such activities for any purpose without inspection, compensation, or any other consideration now and in the future.