International Bugatti Tour to Showcase a Display of 80 Luxury Automobiles Around Reflecting Pools
SARATOGA SPRINGS – Saratoga Performing Arts Center announced that it will partner with Colin Cowie Lifestyle and the Saratoga Automobile Museum for this year’s Saratoga Wine and Food Festival, slated for September 7 – 9. Proceeds from the festival – presented in partnership with the Saratoga Automobile Museum, benefit education programming at SPAC and the Auto Museum.
The weekend destination event is an annual tradition, drawing in food and wine enthusiasts from across the region. This year the festival will expand with the participation of Colin Cowie Lifestyle, a company known for its innovative production and design approach and reputation for throwing one-of-a-kind events. In addition, the convergence of 80 luxury Bugatti automobiles coming in from every corner of the globe will join the festival as part of the International Bugatti Tour. Additional highlights of the 2018 festival include fine wine and gourmet food tastings, luxury car displays, VIP experiences and an energetic Sunday “Brunch with Colin Cowie.”
The Bugatti brand has been made famous by its history and heritage, especially The Atlantic 57SC, Pebble Beach Best of Show, and it’s modern design, Bugatti Veyron and Chiron, driven by celebrities like Jay-Z, Tom Cruise in Mission Impossible 3, Jay Leno and Ralph Lauren. Guests at the festival will have the rare opportunity to witness Bugatti’s automotive design in person as the 2018 International Bugatti Tour, an exclusive one-week rally, will visit the United States for the first time in a decade — descending on the Saratoga Spa State Park’s Reflecting Pools for a “Bugatti Ballet” auto display.
“Our Saratoga Wine + Food Festival is always a singular event attracting connoisseurs of great wine, food and cars. This year, partnering with the Colin Cowie Lifestyle team, known for throwing the most creative and elegant events in the world, we offer a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness 80 of the finest Bugatti cars coming to the festival from every corner of the globe,” said Elizabeth Sobol, President and CEO of Saratoga Performing Arts Center. “Thanks to our partners at the Saratoga Automobile Museum, guests will be treated to a feast for the eyes with a dazzling show of Bugatti collector cars set against our opulent reflecting pools in addition to our legendary displays of Ferrari, Maserati and Porsche automobiles, to name a few.”
“It’s no secret that I adore Saratoga Springs. I could not be more excited to work with our partners at SPAC to create a new, revamped Wine + Food Festival this September. We’ve made some fabulous additions and are looking forward to taking this event to the next level, of course using our signature five senses approach to ensure everything guests smell, touch, taste, see and hear reflects the DNA of Saratoga, SPAC and the American Bugatti Club. I always want to tell a story with a well thought out beginning, middle and end, and with the help of our collaborative partners have made sure there will be more than a few ‘WOW’ moments throughout the weekend festivities,” said Colin Cowie, Founder + CEO of Colin Cowie Lifestyle.
Presented annually at the end of its classical season, the Saratoga Wine and Food Festival is an epicurean showcase featuring two days of gourmet events showcasing fine international wines, innovative chef-prepared menus, cooking demonstrations and wine seminars, expansive tastings, and a luxury auto show. Held under elegant tents on SPAC’s lawn, the weekend is anchored by four events: an Adirondack Road Tour and Luncheon, Friday’s Fired Up! Grill Competition, Saturday’s Grand Tasting, the festival centerpiece and a new Brunch with Colin Cowie. Proceeds from the festival – presented in partnership with the Saratoga Automobile Museum, benefit education programming at SPAC and the Auto Museum.
“We’re excited to partner with the Saratoga Performing Arts Center and Colin Cowie Lifestyle on revving up this year’s Saratoga Wine and Food Festival with the International Bugatti Tour,” said Carly Connors, executive director of the Saratoga Automobile Museum. “Each Bugatti, ranging from the mesmerizing 1936 Bugatti Type 57SC Atlantic to newer models including the Chiron and Veyron, is a work of incredible art and craftsmanship. Through our partnership with the American Bugatti Club, guests of the Saratoga Wine and Food Festival will be able to experience the legendary exclusivity of the Bugatti brand at SPAC this September.”
“Throughout this weekend, we will celebrate and savor the artistry of flavor in wines, spirits, cuisine and car design — all in the stunning ambience of the Spa State Park. Our primary fundraiser for educational programming, including Classical Kids, the festival is the perfect way to toast the end of the summer season,” Sobol added. “Stay tuned for announcements about additional attractions including VIP experiences, live music, world-class wines, celebrity guests and chef demonstrations.”
FESTIVAL EVENT SCHEDULE
FRIDAY, SEPT. 7
Adirondack Road Tour + Gourmet Luncheon | 10:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
This spirited 1 ½ hour, professionally-led road rally for auto collectors winds through beautiful Adirondack roads to finish at the historic Lake George Club, where a delicious cocktail reception and three course wine-paired luncheon will be served.
Fired Up! | 7 -10 p.m.
Fired UP! will boast a sizzling new take on grilling. The kick-off to the weekend’s events at SPAC, chefs from the Capital Region’s finest restaurants will battle it out for the FIRED UP! title as guests enjoy great music, exotic performers, celebrity appearances, gourmet food, BBQ, craft beers, wines and spirits and an exclusive VIP nightclub.
SATURDAY, SEPT. 8
Grand Tasting | Saturday, Sept 8, noon – 4 p.m.
Against the lush backdrop of 2,000 acres of lofty pines and healing springs, the Grand Tasting is a feast of the senses with curated foods and wines, an exclusive Bugatti auto display, live music and an “Iron Chef” styled competition. Taste New York’s finest creations and enhance your sommelier skills in the VIP Lounge.
SUNDAY, SEPT. 9
Brunch with Colin Cowie | Sunday, Sept 9, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Colin Cowie will personally host a farm to table brunch including floral arranging demonstrations, custom scent consultations, design competitions, live music and a phenomenal menu with delectable bites and cocktails.
For more information about the festival, visit spac.org.