The biggest change for this year's Food & Wine Experience? It's moving out of the city to the Omni Lakes Hotel in Eagan.
After years at Target Field, Minnesota Monthly's three-day event, March 3-5, will take over the hotel's event and patio spaces with exhibits that feature 30 vineyards from across the country and several local restaurants. There also will be bonfires, patio heaters, ice sculptures and music — and free parking. Here are the details for the 28th annual event:
New digs: Omni Lakes Hotel, part of the Minnesota Vikings training campus, is at 2611 Nordic Way, Eagan. The events are on one level and parking is free.
Grand Vine Tasting: This special event, a high-end wine tasting with gourmet bites and music, is March 3 from 6:30-9:30 p.m. in the hotel's Norse Hall. Tickets are $100 and are going fast.
General admission: This will get you into the main event, March 4-5 from 1 to 5 p.m. Tickets are $90 in advance, $100 at the door. VIP tickets, which get you in an hour early, are sold out.
Eat locally: Look for some familiar restaurants at the event, including Butcher's Tale, Café Latte, Earl Giles, Farmer and the Fishmonger, Kyndred Hearth, Lucky 13, Mill Valley Kitchen, Mr. Paul's Supper Club, Mucci's, Pajarito and more.
Don't miss the wine wall: There's a daily raffle for chances to win 50 bottles of wine. Tickets are $10 each; 100% of the proceeds benefit the M Health Fairview Masonic Children's Hospital.
Learn a little: At noon on March 5, J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines will discuss the unique grape varietals grown in the Paso Robles region. Tickets are $10 and includes tastings showcasing the region's diversity. (Saturday's "We Love Our Dirt" session with Willamette Valley Wines is sold out.)