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Taste CT: A $20+ Million Culinary Festival Coming to Connecticut in 2026

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  //food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2026/01/02 .. nary-festival-coming-to-connecticut-in-2026.html
  Published in Food and Wine on Friday, January 2nd 2026 at 18:59 GMT by Hartford Courant

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A Culinary Celebration: "Taste CT" Set to Transform Connecticut's Food Scene in 2026

Connecticut is poised to become a major destination for food and wine enthusiasts with the launch of “Taste CT,” a brand-new, large-scale festival slated for early 2026. The ambitious event, spearheaded by New York City-based production company Great Performances, promises to bring together world-renowned chefs, acclaimed wineries, and engaging culinary experiences unlike anything Connecticut has seen before. The Courant article details the significant investment and vision behind this project, highlighting its potential to elevate the state’s profile as a premier food destination.

Great Performances, known for their work on prestigious events like the U.S. Open Tennis Championships' food service and catering for high-profile galas (as detailed in their company bio), is committing substantial resources – reportedly over $20 million – to establish Taste CT. This isn’t just a weekend festival; it represents a long-term investment aimed at creating a permanent culinary hub within the state. The initial plan involves transforming a 65-acre parcel of land in Haddam, Connecticut, into a vibrant complex featuring multiple kitchens, demonstration areas, gardens, and dedicated spaces for wine tasting and dining.

The core concept revolves around interactive experiences. Unlike traditional food festivals where attendees passively observe chefs preparing dishes, Taste CT aims to foster direct engagement. Chefs will actively interact with guests during cooking demonstrations, offering insights into their techniques, ingredient sourcing, and culinary philosophies. The article emphasizes the desire for a "chef-guest connection," creating a more intimate and educational atmosphere. This aligns with Great Performances’ philosophy of providing immersive experiences that go beyond simply serving food – they aim to tell stories through cuisine.

The lineup of chefs already confirmed is impressive, featuring both nationally recognized names and rising stars in the culinary world. While the full roster isn't yet complete, early announcements include luminaries like Missy Robbins (known for her Italian-American restaurants Lilia and Misi in New York City), Kwame Onwuachi (a James Beard Award winner and author of "My America: Recipes from a Blended Kitchen"), and Ashley Christensen (renowned chef and restaurateur behind several acclaimed establishments in Raleigh, North Carolina). The diversity of culinary backgrounds represented – Italian-American, Afro-Caribbean, Southern – promises a rich tapestry of flavors for attendees to explore.

Wine will be an integral component of the festival. While specific wineries haven't been finalized, organizers are committed to showcasing both Connecticut’s burgeoning local wine scene and internationally recognized producers. The article notes that Taste CT aims to highlight the quality and potential of Connecticut wines, which have historically struggled for recognition compared to those from larger wine-producing regions like California or New York. This presents an opportunity to educate consumers about the state's unique terroir and winemaking practices. The festival will likely include guided tastings, educational seminars on viticulture, and opportunities to meet with vintners directly.

Beyond the core cooking demonstrations and wine tastings, Taste CT envisions a broader range of activities. These could include farm-to-table dinners, pop-up restaurants featuring visiting chefs, workshops on culinary skills (like bread baking or pasta making), and even live music performances. The goal is to create a multi-sensory experience that appeals to a wide audience, from seasoned foodies to casual diners.

The economic impact for Connecticut is expected to be significant. Beyond the creation of numerous construction jobs during the development phase, Taste CT anticipates generating substantial tourism revenue and boosting local businesses in Haddam and surrounding areas. The Courant article quotes David Brigati, CEO of Great Performances, as stating that the festival could attract hundreds of thousands of visitors annually, injecting millions of dollars into the state's economy. This aligns with Connecticut’s broader efforts to revitalize its tourism sector and promote itself as a desirable destination for leisure travel.

However, the project isn't without potential challenges. The scale of the undertaking – both financially and logistically – is considerable. Securing necessary permits and approvals from local authorities will be crucial, and ensuring that the festival operates sustainably and minimizes environmental impact will also be paramount. The article mentions ongoing discussions with Haddam officials regarding infrastructure improvements to accommodate the anticipated influx of visitors.

Ultimately, “Taste CT” represents a bold and ambitious venture that has the potential to reshape Connecticut’s culinary landscape. By combining world-class talent, interactive experiences, and a commitment to showcasing both local and international flavors, the festival aims to establish itself as a premier destination for food and wine lovers – and put Connecticut firmly on the map as a serious player in the national culinary scene. The success of this venture will depend not only on the quality of the food and wine but also on its ability to create a welcoming and engaging atmosphere that fosters a genuine connection between chefs, guests, and the vibrant culture of Connecticut itself.

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