Forget the traditional wine festival.
The nationally recognized Wine & Culture Fest is coming to Philadelphia this July. The historic Bok Building is transforming into a one-day cultural campus where wine, food, music, education, and Black Diaspora heritage intersect through immersive experiences spread across multiple floors.
Taking place on Saturday, July 25, 2026, beginning at 11 a.m. at the Bok Building, the nationally recognized festival invites guests to explore wine in an entirely different way. Instead of rows of tasting booths, attendees move through classrooms, tasting labs, cultural conservations, artisan marketplaces, rooftop lounges, and chef-driven culinary experiences designed to celebrate the stories behind every bottle.
Recognized by Wine Enthusiast as one of America’s Best Wine Festivals for two consecutive years, The Wine & Culture Fest has become one of the country’s most distinctive celebrations of wine and culture.
What is The Wine & Culture Fest? 🍷
This year’s theme, The Re-Education of the Palate, transforms the former vocational school into a living classroom where education takes center stage. Throughout the day, guests can learn directly from wine professionals, culinary experts, and cultural leaders. Moreover, you can explore the traditions and histories that shape wine, food, and hospitality across the African Diaspora.
The experience extends far beyond wine tastings. Every classroom, hallway, rooftop, and gathering space has been reimagined. The setup encourages learning and discovery, creating a festival that blends education with celebration from morning through evening.
The event is open exclusively to guests 21 and older.
What to expect at The Wine & Culture Fest 🍷
Guests can spend the day exploring a thoughtfully crafted campus where every experience builds on the next. Educational masterclasses introduce attendees to wine, bourbon, and port through guided tastings led by industry experts.
The Hall of Heritage marketplace showcases Black-owned artisans, lifestyle brands, and local makers. Throughout the building, interactive installations and cultural programming create opportunities to connect beyond the glass.
The afternoon also features a highly anticipated Fireside Chat with Jade Novah and Tahiirah Habibi, offering an intimate conversation before the evening festivities begin.
As night falls, the energy shifts into the festival’s signature R.I.C.E Culinary Experience, where chef-curated rice dishes inspired by the African Diaspora are paired with wines. Expect a lively atmosphere filled with music, DJs, and cultural programming. At the same time, VIP guests can enjoy the extensive Don Luchi Rosé Lounge, complete with premium pours and rooftop views overlooking Philadelphia.
Guests participating in the full-day VIP experience should note that the campus temporarily closes between the daytime programming and evening festivities. Attendees can use the time to explore South Philadelphia, recharge, or change before returning for the night’s celebrations.
Full intinerary for The Wine & Culture Fest 🍷
The official schedule includes educational programming throughout the day before transitioning into an evening culinary celebration.
- 10:30 a.m.
- Doors Open & Registration 📋
- 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.
- Jackson Family Wines Masterclass 📝
- Luxury vs. Experience: What Actually Makes a Wine “Good?’
- 12:30 – 1:30 p.m.
- Sandeman Masterclass 📖
- Port 101: Breaking the Rules (the Right Way)
- 2-3 p.m.
- Angel’s Envy Masterclass 🎓
- Bourbon & Bubbles: A Hosting Experience Worth the Envy
- 3:30 – 4:30 p.m.
- Jade Novah & Tahiirah Habibi Fireside Chat 🔥
- 7-8 p.m.
- Chef Panel
- Hosted by Toshira Halyard, featuring Chef Chez Brown, Chef Nana Wilmot, and Felicia Wilson 🧑🍳
- 7 p.m.
- VIP Reception + Don Luchi Rosé Lounge VIP Experience 🥂
- 8 – 11 p.m.
- R.I.C.E Culinary Experience 🥘
How much are tickets? 🍷
The Wine & Culture Fest offers multiple ways to enroll, depending on how much of the experience guests want to enjoy.
The Honor Roll Pass ($106.23, including fees) grants admission beginning at 7 p.m. and includes the Chef Panel, full access to the R.I.C.E. Culinary Experience with chef-curated dishes and unlimited wine pairings, entry to the Hall of Heritage marketplace, and Night School programming
The Summa Cum Laude VIP Pass ($266.71, including fees) provides the festival’s complete experience. Guests receive admission to one masterclass of their choice, reserved access to the Jade Novah & Tahiirah Habibi Fireside Chat, early entry to the Don Luchi Rosé VIP Experience, a priority access to the evening celebration, and the festival’s exclusive Diploma Bag filled with premium lifestyle gifts.
Guess with an Honor Roll Pass can also purchase the Jade Novah & Tahiirah Habibi Fireside Chat as an add-on ticket for $32.90, subject to availability.
Where is the fest taking place? 🍷
The Wine & Culture Fest takes over the historic Bok Building, located at 1901 S. 9th St., Philadelphia, PA 19148. Once home to a vocational high school, the landmark has become one of Philadelphia’s premier creative hubs, making it a fitting backdrop for this year’s Summer School theme.
From classrooms transformed into tasting labs to rooftop gathering spaces overlooking the city skyline, the building itself becomes part of the experience, reinforcing the festival’s mission to blend education, culture, cuisine, and celebration in one unforgettable day.
Seats are limited, several experiences have capped capacity, and the festival’s VIP offerings are expected to fill quickly. Secure your spot now before the final bell rings.
