Your Nirvana is Just Days Away – April 19th to 22nd

What: Nirvana Food & Wine Festival
When: April 19th to the 22nd
Where: Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain Resort & Spa
The Tickets: Click here for tickets

Nirvana marks its 9-day countdown today with more exciting news.

New on the Nirvana scene are The Bella Twins of WWE fame, stars of E! Network’s Total Bellas, and the inspiration behind Belle Radici wines. Nikki and Brie are slated to co-host Saturday afternoon’s Rosé Parté along with celebrity chef Todd English. Rosé Parté pairs tastings of unique rosé wines from around with entertainment by Urban Electra, diamonds by Addison Taylor, a caviar bar, and treats by Arizona’s top pastry chefs. Tickets are $135 per person. Saturday, April 22, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

And, Kurt Russell has joined the all-star cast that will transform Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain Resort & Spa into a food-lovers’ paradise April 19-22. The Hollywood star and Santa Ynez Valley vintner will bring his award-winning Gogi Wines to town Saturday, April 21, for an intimate wine dinner, Master of Taste C. An all-star lineup of chefs, including Alex Stratta, Bradford Thompson, Ana Graza, Francois DeMelogue and Sanctuary’s own Beau McMillan, will prepare dishes inspired by Russell’s legendary films.

Hosted in an exclusive private home in Paradise Valley, the dinner is priced at $500 per person. Seats are limited and going fast! Saturday, April 22, 7 to 10 p.m.

Here is the rest of the scheduled events…

Bourbon Street Blues
Hosted by mixologist Jason Asher; presented by Bulleit Bourbon
Thursday, April 19, 7-10 p.m.; Infinity Pool and Lawn; $150 per person

Nirvana will kick off with a grand New Orleans-style festival, complete with a dazzling array of food and drinks. Live jazz will set a Mardi Gras mood featuring the Valley’s top mixologists. Guest are encouraged to dress in their best masquerade attire. Participating mixologists include Jason Asher, Brian Blevins, Maxton Kennedy, Bobby Kramer, Eric Wilson, and Libby Longlott. Chefs are Paul Boehmer, Audrey Enriquez, George Frasher, Brian Lieske, Beau MacMillan, Landon Post, and Lenard Rubin.

Flutes & Coops
Hosted by chefs Stephanie Izard and Chuck Hughes, presented by Möet & Chandon and Woodford Reserve
Friday, April 20, 6:30-7:15 p.m. (VIP), 7:15-10 p.m. (general admission); The Sanctuary Ballroom and Lower Lawn; $225 VIP/ $150 GA per person

Fried chicken and Champagne prove to be an inspired pairing as an all-star line-up of local chefs put their own spin on the southern specialty, complete with side dishes, fine bubbly and live music thanks to American country singer/songwriter D. Vincent Williams & the Nashville Allstars. Festival-goers can book VIP admission to enjoy 45 minutes of personal time with their favorite chef. Participating chefs and mixologists include Lindsay Autry, Jacob Cutino, Rochelle Daniel, Michael DeMaria, Eddie Diaz, Ron Dimas, Jacob Ellis, Stephen Jones, James Garron, Kiefer Gilbert, and Bernie Kantak.

Best of the West
Hosted by chef Scott Conant (Mora Italian) and mixologist Tony Abou-Ganim
Saturday, April 21, 6:30-7:15 p.m. (VIP), 7:15-10 p.m. (general admission); elements, Praying Monk, jade bar, Sunset Garden and Lower Lawn; $225 VIP/$150 GA per person

Nirvana’s closing night will bring together the best chefs in the West for a grand finale-worthy walk-around tasting that will take guests to indoor and outdoor settings throughout the resort. VIP attendees gain early access and extra time with the chefs, including Justin Beckett, Cullen Campbell, Ryan Clark, John Conley, Russell LaCasce, Branden Levine, Gio Osso, Jeremy Pacheco, James Porter, Joseph Rodger, Caleb Schiff, Matthew Taylor, and Chuck Wiley.

Tequila & Tortillas
Hosted by chef Aarón Sánchez and mixologist Maxton Kennedy
Sunday, April 22, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.; elements, Praying Monk, jade bar, Sunset Garden and Lower Lawn; $135 per person

Because it’s always five o’clock somewhere, Nirvana’s Southwestern-style show-stopping farewell brunch promises tequila, tequila and more tequila. Festival-goers can shake off the sleep with palate-wakening Mexican specialties and live music to celebrate their final morning in paradise. Participating chefs: Rene Andrade, Jason Asher, Lee Hilson, Beau MacMillan, Aaron May, Julio Mata, Peter McQuaid, Doug Robson, Lenard Rubin, Samantha Sanz, Ana Garza and Suny Santana.

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