Your Field Guide to the USA Today Wine & Food Experience
I went. I experienced it. Here’s what you need to know.
“If Gus’s Fried Chicken is at the festival, get in that line first.” A seasoned festival-goer shared this rule with me while we waited at the gates of the USA Today Wine & Food Experience, and she was right. One bite of the piping-hot chicken leg, perfectly seasoned with a hint of spice, set the tone for everything that followed.
Spring and fall kick off the festival season here in Arizona (we skip summer for obvious reason 😅), but the USA Today Wine & Food Experience deserves a spot on your list every year, no matter the season.
After see the USA Today Wine & Food Experience advertised on every social platform, I finally gave in and bought tickets to see if the hype was real. General Admission tickets were $65.00. Worth it.
TIP: Always take advantage of presale pricing. In some cases, you can save up to $20 per ticket.
Location, Parking, and Arrival Experience
The festival takes place at an outdoor venue space on High Street in Scottsdale, Arizona. We arrived about an hour early to get in line, which turned out to be a great move.
Parking was easy and stress-free. We parked in the surface lot for free, and there was also a parking garage available for overflow parking. That was complimentary for the event day as well—no validation required.
Entry Process and What’s Included with Admission
While waiting in line, the couple behind us asked if we’d attended the USA Today Wine & Food Experience in previous years. We hadn’t—but they had.
We asked if early entry was worth the extra cost as we watched early entrants already enjoying the festival. Their answer? No.
After finishing the festival ourselves, we completely agreed. Everything is still available during standard entry hours (1 PM–4 PM), and the lines move surprisingly fast. You won’t miss out by skipping early access.
Entry Process and What’s Included With Admission
Before the gates opened, vendor staff walked the line to check IDs and place wristbands on everyone. Once security opened the gates, we were handed plastic wine glasses—and just like that, we were on our way.
Once inside, there are no additional costs. All wine and food samples are included with admission, which makes it easy to relax and enjoy without constantly pulling out your wallet.
TIP: Restrooms and hand-washing stations were easy to find, but also bring your hand-santizer.
Food, Wine, and the Gus’s Fried Chicken Rule
Most vendors offered small bites and wine samples—except for Gus’s Fried Chicken.
Gus’s was by far the most popular vendor at the festival, handing out regular-sized chicken thighs and legs. A seasoned festival-goer shared an important rule with us: If Gus’s is at the festival, get in line first.
Even though the line looked long, we were through it in about five minutes. At first, I thought the portions were small… until I realized we hadn’t even made it halfway around the festival and I was already full.
There were plenty of seating areas and tall, stand-up tables scattered throughout the venue, making it easy to take breaks as needed.
The festival also had a well-curated playlist that set the vibe without overpowering conversations. Just enough energy to keep you moving in between booths.
TIP: Complimentary bottled water is provided. Bring a small bag to stash vendor freebies.
Standout Bites and Favorite Festival Moments
One of my standout moments was having one of the best lamb chops I’ve ever eaten. The Country Financial sponsored lounge-style seating had lamb chops straight off the flamed grill from the steakhouse, Ocean Prime.
I took one bite and immediately took a photo to remember the moment.
Some vendors featured at the festival included:
1000 Stories
Benovia Winery
California Fish Grill Casual Kitchen
Casamigos
El Bandido Yankee Tequila
Fetzer
Frasher’s Steakhouse & BBQ
Gus’s Fried Chicken
Humble Bistro
Modelo
Nosh & Por
Ocean Prime Seafood & Steak
Rancho La Glforia
San Simeon Wines
Titos
And Many More!
Wine, Spirits, and Pacing Yourself
Toward the end, I was officially tapping out and found a shaded seat where I stayed for a while, while my husband continued his journey through bourbon, whiskey, and liquor tastings.
Even though it’s the Wine & Food Experience, there were definitely some heavy hitters in the spirits category as well.
TIP: Always designate a driver before participating in tastings.
How Long to Expect to Stay
After making our rounds—and doubling back to our favorites—we headed out.
Total time inside the event: about 2.5 hours.
It was the perfect amount of time to enjoy everything without feeling rushed or overwhelmed.
Final Verdict: Is the USA Today Wine & Food Experience Worth It?
The USA Today Wine & Food Experience is officially on our permanent annual list. We couldn’t stop saying how much of a good time it was—and honestly, that’s the best kind of review.
If you love great food, good wine, and a well-organized festival experience, this one absolutely delivers.
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Sharonda Shariee 