The Wharf Uncorked Food & Wine Festival VIP Kickoff + Chef Showdown

The weekend will begin at 4720 Main Street from 6:30-8:30 p.m. with a roster of high profile guests, an open bar with a signature cocktail from John Emerald Distillery, a wine pull benefiting Make-A-Wish Alabama, an auction preview and of course, high-end wine tastings and food samplings. Guests can have a front-row view as Chef Brody Olive of Perdido Beach Resort faces off against three local chefs in a heated battle to defend his title at the Chef Showdown emceed by James Briscione & Brooke Parkhurst. The three additional competing chefs will include Jason Ramirez of Villaggio Grille, Chris Kelly of Driftwood Steakhouse, and Justin Cobb of Wolf Bay Lodge. Judges for the Chef Showdown will include 2016 Wharf Uncorked winner, Chris Sherrill; executive chef for the State of Alabama, Jim Smith; local TV and radio personality, Kelly Finley; and Mobile Bay Magazine executive editor, Maggie Lacey. Tickets on sale now at last minute pricing for $40.