San Francisco is and always will be a major influencer for food and wine trends, food politics and the sustainability movement. It is a community rich with farmers, writers, winemakers, spirits distillers, artisans and vibrant independent chef owned restaurants. The population is well-educated, diverse and appreciative of great food and good living. Mild weather ensures quality produce year-round. The moderate climate is also perfect for growing grapes, and Northern California is recognized as one of the top wine producing regions in the world. A devotion to social consciousness has led the area to become the epicenter of sustainability in farming, fishing and ranching. Rounding out the natural bounty is Pacific Ocean seafood from just outside the Golden Gate, one of the richest fisheries in the world.

SF Chefs. Food. Wine. is a food and wine event celebrating the unique flavor, diversity and bounty of Northern California. The main tasting tent will be in Union Square, where chefs, wine makers and distillers will offer an exploration of taste featuring local products. Classes and seminars will offer interactive opportunities for the public to participate with local farmers, ranchers, chefs, winemakers, distillers, media, luminaries, authors, vintners, mixologists and culinary experts in an entertaining forum.

The 2009 event supported four charities. San Francisco Food Bank (a member of Feeding America) provides food to over 133,000 people every year through more than 600 community programs. Meals on Wheels provides food and meal delivery especially to seniors and others with mobility issues. The Golden Gate Restaurant Association Scholarship Foundation provides funding for culinary and hospitality students based upon economic need. Project Open Hand provides Meals with Love to people living with HIV/Aids in San Francisco. All four charities received funding from the weekend’s activities.

Please join us in our goal of achieving a zero waste event creating no landfill. All paper products will be recycled, all disposable silverware and glassware is made from corn resin and will be composted after use. We are proud to be partnering with the San Francisco Conservation Corp. They will work with us throughout the event to assist in properly composting and recycling. The event is centered at Union Square. We encourage you to walk from morning seminars to the Grand Tasting Tent and enjoy the urban experience.