Billings educates on food and wine

  • 2026-03-09
Top chefs and vintners will guide wine and fine dining enthusiasts through tastings as part of the 2026 Wine and Food Festival in Billings.

Chefs will put their culinary expertise to use in preparing gourmet food to pair with fine wines at two main festival events.

The Winemaster Soirée will begin with a social hour when guests can meet the winemakers. An evening of wine tasting will follow and feature two flights of wine, each varietal accompanied by chef’s creations.

The following night, A Vintage Affair will feature a champagne reception, gourmet dining, and a silent auction as part of the evening program.

The festival has become a signature event for the organizer, the Montana State University (MSU) Foundation, as a fundraiser for its student scholarships. Created in 1968, the Foundation recognizes that university students are often financially challenged and, as such, works to promote philanthropy and to expand opportunities for higher education.

Last year, the wine festival, in large part due to event sponsors, raised more than $730,000 to support the Foundation’s scholarship programs. Non-profit groups that present events such as this often use poster printing to help promote their generous sponsors.

The 2026 MSU Billings Foundation's Wine & Food Festival will be held April 16 and 17 at the Montana Pavilion in Billings. Tickets can be purchased on the Foundation website.