SONOMA COUNTY, CA (July 23, 2026) — A major new culinary festival is coming to Sonoma County this summer as Graton Resort & Casino debuts Savor Sonoma, a two-day showcase of renowned chefs, live-fire cooking and unforgettable wine country experiences, Aug. 21–22.
The inaugural event brings together an extraordinary lineup of culinary talent for a collaborative weekend celebrating Sonoma’s renowned food and wine culture. Headlined by chef, restaurateur and television personality Aarón Sánchez, known for “MasterChef” and “Chopped,” the festival will transform Graton Resort & Casino into a multi-venue culinary destination featuring celebrity chef appearances, exclusive dining experiences and live-fire programming across the property.
The debut lineup features Sánchez alongside Bryan and Michael Voltaggio, “Top Chef” alumni and co-owners of Voltaggio Brothers Steak House; Marcus Samuelsson, acclaimed chef and restaurateur behind Red Rooster and “Top Chef Masters”; Charlie Palmer, Sonoma culinary pioneer and founder of the Charlie Palmer Collective; Dustin Valette, Michelin-recognized Sonoma chef-vintner and founder of Valette Hospitality; and Roy Ellamar, Executive Chef at Graton Resort & Casino’s AYA and formerly of Michelin-starred L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon.
“Sonoma County is one of the great food and wine destinations in the world, and we believe Graton has a unique opportunity to bring that story to life in a way that only we can,” said Lana Rivera, President of Graton Resort & Casino. “Savor Sonoma is about bringing nationally recognized culinary talent together with the extraordinary winemakers, farmers and producers who define this region, creating experiences guests simply can’t find anywhere else. We envision this as a signature annual celebration of Sonoma’s remarkable food and wine culture.”
In addition to celebrating Sonoma’s culinary community, Savor Sonoma will support the Aarón Sánchez Impact Fund, a program of Emeril Lagasse Foundation founded by Chef Aarón Sánchez to uplift Latino youth through food. Graton Resort & Casino will donate $15,000 to the fund, along with an additional $5 from every ticket sold throughout the festival. The fund advances its mission through the Aarón Sánchez Scholarship and Human Services Grants, expanding access to culinary education, nutrition education and food resources.
FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS
The Headliners’ Dinner at AYA, August 21
A signature five-course collaborative tasting dinner at AYA, Graton Resort & Casino’s rooftop restaurant overlooking sweeping views of the Sonoma County hills. Featuring Aarón Sánchez, Charlie Palmer, Bryan and Michael Voltaggio, and Roy Ellamar, each chef will personally present a course in an intimate seated experience. The curated pairing program will highlight top Sonoma County wines featured alongside the meal.
With limited seating, the experience is priced at $300 per person.
Live Fire & Vine, August 22
A large-scale culinary experience spanning the pool deck and ballroom, built around two distinct experiences: open-flame cooking at the pool and a walk-around Sonoma wine country village indoors.
At the pool, chefs cook proteins live over an open flame and plate them at individual stations, bringing guests into direct view of the cooking process. Inside the ballroom, guests will explore a curated wine, agave, and craft beer village featuring Sonoma wineries, craft breweries, and a zero-proof bar, as well as select Sonoma restaurant partners.
General admission tickets are $165, with entry at 1 p.m. VIP experience tickets are $245 and include 12 p.m. early access, an exclusive lounge, reserve pours, and an agave masterclass experience led by Manny Hinojosa.
After Hours at AYA, August 22
Once the afternoon festivities conclude, the inner circle migrates to the after hours party in the AYA rooftop lounge. This exclusive, unstructured gathering offers an intimate glimpse into where festival talent unwinds over premium cocktails, ambient beats, and curated late-night bites. Due to limited capacity, this elite event remains the weekend’s most coveted perk, granting exclusive access to VIP guests.
EVENTS AT A GLANCE
Friday, August 21
- Aarón Sánchez Meet & Greet (free to public) – The Portal, 3 p.m.
- The Headliners’ Dinner ($300 per guest) – AYA, Reception at 6 p.m., Dinner at 7 p.m.
Saturday, August 22
- Live Fire & Vine (GA $165, VIP $245) – Pool Deck & Ballroom, 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. (VIP early access at 12 p.m.; GA opens at 1 p.m.)
- After Hours at AYA ( VIP only) – AYA rooftop restaurant, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Admissions Note: Please note that all Savor Sonoma events, dinners, and tastings are strictly open to guests ages 21 and older. Valid ID is required for entry.
Additional Savor Sonoma programming will be announced in the coming weeks. For more information, visit SavorSonoma.com and follow @gratoncasino on Instagram.