SONOMA COUNTY, CA – A 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 wine country experiences, Aug. 21–22.
The inaugural event brings together a lineup of culinary talent for a collaborative weekend celebrating Sonoma’s 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, 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.
