The Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance (SAACA), in collaboration with Local First Arizona and the Tucson Botanical Gardens, just announced the return of the SAVOR Southern Arizona Food & Wine Festival on Saturday, January 25.
This year’s event is happening from noon – 3 p.m. at 2150 N. Alvernon Way (Tucson Botanical Gardens), giving eaters the opportunity to explore Southern Arizona’s culinary heritage.
Bring a big appetite and perhaps some stretchy pants because SAVOR brings together more than 60 chefs, wineries, breweries, and food artisans!
“Each bite at SAVOR tells a story,” said Da’Lice Shepard of SAACA. “This festival celebrates the creativity and dedication of our culinary community while showcasing the ingredients and flavors that make Tucson truly unique.”
From heritage foods like tepary beans and mesquite flour to contemporary culinary creations, the festival highlights Tucson’s evolving food scene while honoring its centuries-old traditions.
Other Highlights Include:
- Live entertainment, live music, and DJs will be on site
- Explore the Botanical Gardens and exhibits
- Meet-and-Greets
- A local makers’ market
Get your Tickets!
- VIP Admission: $160 – Includes early access at 11 a.m., a welcome cocktail, exclusive tastings, commemorative gifts, and reserved parking. Learn more.
- General Admission: $125 – Access from noon – 3 p.m. including tastings, live music, and a commemorative wine glass. Learn more.
Participating Restaurants, Purveyors & Chefs
(Subject to Change)
- [POPPED] Artisan Popcorn
- 1989 BAKE HOUSE
- A. Toraño Family Vineyard
- Agave Pantry
- Alfonso Gourmet Olive Oil & Balsamics
- Amelias Mexican Restaurant
- Ate Kei’s Filipino Treats
- Barnyard Crafthouse and Eatery
- Barrio Brewing Co.
- Bawker Bawker Cider House
- Bella’s Gelato Shoppe
- Beyond Bread
- BlackJack Citrus Infusions
- Boca By Chef Maria Mazon
- Borderland Spirits
- Brick Box Brewery
- Brucedog LLC
- Button Brew House
- Cactus Jack Pickled Veggies
- Canción Tequila
- Cielos @ Lodge on the Desert
- Cookinwitcort
- Copper Horse Vineyard
- Culinary Dropout
- Dante’s Fire
- Desert Forager
- Dirty T Tamarindo
- Doughbird
- El Corral
- El Torero
- Forty Niner Country Club
- GAP Ministries
- Hammbone’s Meat & Three
- Heineken USA / Finley Distributing
- HighWire Tucson
- I’d Smoke That BBQ
- Isa Bey LLC
- La Cumbre Brewing Company
- Life Under the Oaks Lavender Farm. LLC
- Los Milics Vineyards/Winery
- Malta Joe’s Baked Goods
- Mark Anthony Brands
- Maynards Market & Kitchen
- Monsoon Chocolate
- Mother Road Brewing Company
- Mr. Ice Guy – Gourmet Italian Ice
- Mujer Bonita Catering
- Olive Oil Ring of Tucson
- Philters Zero Proof Spirits
- Postino
- Pueblo Vida Brewing Company
- Purple Devil Donuts
- Purple Tree Truck
- Redbird Scratch Kitchen + Bar
- Sahaurita High School Culinary
- Scratching The Plate Catering
- Seis Kitchen
- Tabú Restaurant and Bar
- The Cork Tucson
- The Lodge at Ventana Canyon
- The Royal Room
- Transit Tea
- Tucson Chefs Food Trucks
- Tucson Chocolate Factory
- Westbound
- Whiskey Del Bac
- Wisdom’s Cafe
- Yellow Brick Coffee
Restaurants can apply to participate here 2025 Savor Culinary Festival RSVP.
This 21+ event is expected to sell out quickly (it has every time in previous years), so early booking is encouraged.
The SAVOR Southern Arizona Food & Wine Festival is happening at 2150 N. Alvernon Way (Tucson Botanical Gardens). For more information about SAVOR, visit saaca.org.
Article written by:
Matt Sterner
More about MattAt a very young age, Matt Sterner was gifted with the artistic ability to masterfully roll a burrito to the highest of standards, but the wrapped medley of delicious innards wasn’t his first love. Matt’s first true love was a combination of reading, writing, and creating. He grew up reading comics, the ingredients list of his shampoo and conditioner bottles, choose-your-own-adventure books, and the Scrabble dictionary — something he found useful when challenging his grandmother to a game.
He attended college at New Mexico State University and graduated with a degree in Digital Filmmaking. One of his favorite classes was screenwriting because he became responsible for the story’s birth before it came to life on-screen. After school, Matt took on numerous positions at a local television station in Tucson. From dealing out stories about heartbreak to producing “fluffier” content for a lifestyle broadcast, he learned what it takes to adapt to the many emotions the world of media can stir. Since 2017, Matt has dabbled in the culinary world of Tucson as well as San Diego, California from time to time.
If you’re in the mood for strange stories, head over to his pride and joy, wonkytimes.com. And in case you’re curious — yes, after all of this time, he still manages to roll a killer burrito.
