March 4, 2019 – Minneapolis, Minn. – This May, three culinary events are descending on Minneapolis for a jam-packed weekend, full of food and booze. Both first-time events for the Twin Cities, the Whisky Extravaganza will take place on Friday, May 3, and the Wine Riot 2.0 will follow on Saturday, May 4. On Sunday, May 5, the series of events will conclude with fan favorite, Cochon555, where 1,500 pounds of heritage pig will be prepared by five chefs to benefit the Piggy Bank charity.

The Whisky Extravaganza Friday, May 3, 2019, 7:30 – 10PM (6:30– 7:30PM Masterclass), Loews Hotel Minneapolis Tickets : General Admission $95, VIP $195

Since 2000, The Whisky Extravaganza has been fostering a broader and deeper appreciation of whisky and its complexities by connecting whisky lovers to the world of whisky through curated experiences. Featuring more than 100 varieties of the most prestigious single malts, premium scotch whiskies and other unique whiskies from around the world, the highly anticipated Whisky Extravaganza is coming to Minneapolis for the first time this May. Join fellow enthusiasts in an exploration of whisky through two ticketing options. General admission tickets include whiskey tastings, light bites, and a souvenir tasting glass. Enthusiasts can enjoy the signature Connoisseur ticket series with exclusive access to the masterclasses, the connoisseur lounge, culinary pairings and a beautiful GlencairnTM tasting glass . The Connoisseur masterclass series is curated by industry experts and take a deep dive into whisky distilling, flavor profiles, history, traditions, and the evolution of the American single malts in a fun and intimate setting. Whether a whisky aficionado or at the beginning of your whisky affair, you’ll no doubt find something to ignite your passion at The Whisky Extravaganza.

Wine Riot 2.0 Saturday, May 4, 2019, 2:30 – 5PM & 7:30 – 10PM, Loews Hotel Minneapolis Tickets : General Admission $65, VIP $95

In its eighth year, Wine Riot is back on its tasting tour expanding to six U.S. cities. Wine Riot 2.0 kicks off for the first time in Minneapolis this year, offering guests a tasting revolution with a twist. Hosted by internationally renowned sommelier Erik Segelbaum, Wine Riot 2.0 is blending the old with the new by reinventing educational components and elevating attendee favorites to infuse new life into an event that has continued to introduce new wines to a growing millennial audience. Wine Riot 2.0 features wines from over 40 internationally recognized brands, photo booth, VIP area, and The Sparkling Lounge featuring bubbly wines including Cava, Prosecco, Rose, Champagne and more. General admission tickets grant access to all wine tastings, lite bites, and event programming including The Somm Sit Down Series, local wineries, head-to-head competitions, and a Scavenger Hunt. VIP tickets grant access to all that as well as entry into the VIP lounge with food and wine pairings, one on one exclusive access to local sommeliers and wine experts and 30 minutes early access to the event. Join the revolution, and riot on.

Cochon555 Sunday, May 5, 2019, 5:00 – 7:30PM (4PM VIP Entry) Loews Hotel Minneapolis Tickets : General Admission $130, VIP $200

Cochon555 is a culinary competition promoting local family farming and whole pig cookery through the eyes of five notable chefs. Tasked with the goal to win votes from celebrity judges and participants, chefs have one week to prepare a 200-pound pig and present a “Judge’s Plate” scored on utilization; technique; and overall flavor. The winner of the local competition is announced the Prince or Princess of Pork and advances to the national finale. Grand Cochon spotlights the 'Best 3 Bites' from all Cochon555 regional events in a head-to-tail, winner-takes-all showdown for the crown. Dishes for the competition are just the beginning -- all in, we’re talking about 1,500 pounds of responsibly raised heritage breed pork and dozens of delicious drinks from some of the best bartenders in the Twin Cities. Start the event by exploring our signature Cheese Bar curated by local cheesemongers. Sip cocktails, wine, beer and enjoy the Manhattan Project featuring premium bourbons from Eagle Rare and Buffalo Trace topped with Luxardo cherries. Guests wanting a sweet bite with a savory twist will enjoy innovative desserts spotlighting a notable pastry chef working with Perfect Puree of Napa Valley. Placing the spotlight on “knowing where your food comes from", the event will feature an educational whole animal butchery program called the Pop-Up Butcher Shop and Silent Auction with gifts from chefs, sponsors and John Boos & Co., to benefit our sister charity, Piggy Bank.