University Communications and Marketing

MSU Billings Foundation launches ticket sales for 2018 Wine and Food Festival

Tiffini Gallant, Alumni/Foundation Marketing Coordinator at MSU Billings Foundation, (406) 657-2252, tiffini.gallant@msubillings.edu

MSU BILLINGS FOUNDATION NEWS—April 9 marks the first day of ticket sales for the MSU Billings Foundation’s 2018 Wine & Food Festival. Beginning at 8 a.m., tickets to the week-long festival of events will be available for purchase.

This year’s Wine & Food Festival week is May 14-19 and features events each day. Guest chefs showcase their culinary prowess with wine and food pairings to satisfy any palate. Participants learn how using different glasses complement a wine during a Riedel wine glass tasting. Those who prefer beer can attend a Brewmaster Symposium featuring craft ales from Founders Brewing Company.

Wine novices and experts alike are sure to enjoy the Winemaster Symposium – a special event featuring winemasters and a chance to taste wine from their wineries. This year’s featured winemasters are Chad Johnson of Dusted Valley Vineyards in Walla Walla, Washington and Jeremy Leffert of Rabble Wine Company in Paso Robles, California. 

Wine & Food Festival culminates in two evenings under the “Grand” tent on the MSU Billings campus. Art, jewelry, international getaway packages, fine wines and more are up for bid during live and silent auctions. Guests will enjoy gourmet cuisine and fine wine during their choice of casual celebration or elegant affair in the final two festival events. A wine store and private cellar will be on site for purchasing a selection of wine favorites.

All Wine & Food Festival events benefit the MSU Billings Foundation, a non-profit which supports the University and its students through investment and financial stewardship. In 2017, Wine & Food Festival netted $301,000 in proceeds, used to fund scholarships.

“We are looking forward to another wonderful year of fabulous wines, delicious foods, educational opportunities and fun activities,” said Jeanne Moller, development officer at the MSU Billings Foundation who has organized the Wine & Food Festival for 23 years. “When the white party tent goes up on the campus of MSU Billings, it’s a sure sign that spring has arrived!”

Purchase tickets to Wine & Food Festival at winefoodfestival.com or call the MSU Billings Foundation at (406) 657-2242.

For more event information, contact Jeanne Moller, (406) 657-1623, jmoller@msubillings.edu.

Wine & Food Festival Schedule of Events

Monday, May 14

Guest Chef Dinner: Dinner with Roxanne Spruance Kingsley NYC

6 PM – TEN at Northern Hotel | 19 N Broadway, Billings, MT

We are pleased to have Chef Roxanne join us for our Wine & Food Festival week kickoff event. Collaborating with Chef Roxanne is Executive Chef Peter Birk of the Northern Hotel. These two highly skilled and talented chefs create an unforgettable dining experience for our guests.

$150 per person

Tuesday, May 15

Home Cooking School: River Bank Picnic

11 AM – Donna Yeargain residence | 5332 Green Teal Dr, Billings, MT

Don’t miss a home cooking course with Executive Chef Shawn Smith of Bighorn River Lodge in Fort Smith, Montana. Chef Smith began cooking at a young age, and his passion for culinary arts only grew through his education and experience. His love of the outdoors and fly-fishing led him to Fort Smith where he’s spent four seasons.

$75.00 per person

Home Cooking School: Moonlight Madness

6 PM – Cliff and Susan Edwards residence | 4375 Laredo Pl, Billings, MT

Inspire your inner chef by learning from a culinary expert who’s traveled the globe to find magic in restaurant kitchens. Executive Chef Kathleen Moon of Laughing Horse Resort in Swan Lake, Montana says, “You have to love what you cook. That allows me to be really creative. Never cook something you wouldn’t eat yourself.”

$75 per person

The Content Commands the Shape! Riedel Wine Glass Tasting Seminar

7 PM – MSU Billings Student Union Building Atrium | 1500 University Dr, Billings, MT

Riedel, the world’s premier wine glass maker, knows that the pleasure of consuming wine starts with the glass. Compare how the shape of a glass can profoundly affect a wine’s bouquet with this hands-on, informative seminar. Participants will get to take home their very own set of Veritas wine glasses!

$100 per person

Wednesday, May 16

Home Cooking School: An Evening with Chef Jeff

6 PM – Mike and Marti Miller residence | 2929 Rugby Dr, Billings, MT

Private Chef Jeff Brauer of Big Sky, Montana has eaten his way through Europe, North Africa, the Caribbean and South America on a mission to further his culinary education. He’s since learned the “time and effort that goes into making gourmet Montana food,” and now serves as a personal chef to fellow Montanans and visitors to the region.

$75 per person

Brewmaster Symposium

7 PM – Billings Petroleum Club | 27 N 27^th St, 22^nd Floor, Billings, MT

Craft brew lovers are invited to enjoy an evening with Tina Rulewicz of Founders Brewing Company in Grand Rapids, Michigan. This seminar will give participants the opportunity to learn and taste the characteristics that make Founders Brewing Company beers unique with ale and food pairings that are sure to delight.

$75 per person

Thursday, May 17

Home Cooking School: Pranzo con Marialucia

11 AM – Bill and Laverne Royer residence | 2613 Westfield Dr, Billings, MT

Get a taste for the traditional with this special home cooking class presented by Marialucia Luongo. Marialucia is a native of Napes, Italy who has authored a cookbook of ancient recipes and teaches classes and seminars on the history of Italian cuisine. Visiting Billings from all the way in Perugia, Italy, Marialucia will educate her students in the traditions of Italian cooking.

$75 per person

Home Cooking School: Celebrating Spring with Roxanne Spruance

6 PM – Jim and Timilynn Kisling residence | 6132 Arthur Ave, Billings, MT

Wine & Food Festival welcomes Executive Chef Roxanne Spruance of Kingsley Restaurant in New York City, New York. Not only has Chef Roxanne has held coveted spots under several renowned chefs, she won the Food Network’s show Chopped in 2013. Chef Roxanne is thrilled to bring her vision and passion to our guests.

$75 per person

Winemaster Symposium

7 PM – Northern Hotel | 19 N Broadway, Billings, MT

Taste exquisite wines with the guidance of the experts who crafted them. Our 2018 winemasters have carefully chosen wines, some seldom seen outside the wineries, to illustrate the subtleties of the winemaster’s art. Enjoy superb wine and food pairings in a relaxed setting.

$100 per person

Friday, May 18

Wine and Food Pairings under the “Grand” Tent

6 PM – In the tent on the MSU Billings campus | 1500 University Dr, Billings, MT

On the eve of the final Wine & Food Festival event, enjoy a relaxing celebration with wine and food tasting. Bid on silent auction items and purchase your favorite wines from the on-site wine store and private cellar.

$85 per person

Saturday, May 19

The Fine Finish under the “Grand” Tent

5:30 PM – In the tent on the MSU Billings campus | 1500 University Dr, Billings, MT

Relish in casual elegance during the Fine Finish event, marking the end of another Wine & Food Festival. You’ll indulge at a champagne reception followed by a gourmet dinner. Place your bid during live and silent auctions, and “Cheers!” to another great year celebrating food and wine with the MSU Billings Foundation.