The Hope Farm in Fairhope is rolling out a pair of September events for guests who want to sharpen their palates, from a first-of-its-kind cocktail showdown to an in-depth tasting through one of France’s most celebrated wine regions.
The farm-to-table restaurant, a fixture of Eastern Shore dining known for its scratch kitchen and locally sourced menu, will host the inaugural Art of Mixology Eastern Shore Bartender’s Championship on Sept. 10 from 6 to 9 p.m. Tickets are $75.
Local Bartenders Face Off
The competition will bring together some of the region’s top bartenders for an evening built around creativity, technical skill and friendly rivalry as they vie for the title of champion. Rather than leaving the outcome to a panel of judges alone, The Hope Farm is putting the decision in guests’ hands: attendees will sample cocktails from each competitor and cast votes for a People’s Choice winner while watching the competition unfold live.
The evening will also feature bites prepared by The Hope Farm’s own culinary team, rounding out the night with food built to complement the cocktails on display.
A Deep Dive Into Burgundy
Two days later, on Sept. 12, The Hope Farm continues its September programming with a different kind of tasting experience: The Wine Educational Series: Stepping into Burgundy. The class runs from 3 to 5 p.m. and costs $50.
Led by Wine Director Will Jones, the session will guide guests through Burgundy, the storied French wine-growing region long regarded as a benchmark for quality winemaking and home to some of the most sought-after bottles in the world. Participants will taste Chardonnay, Aligote and Pinot Noir sourced from four different Burgundy producers, offering a side-by-side look at how the same region can yield such distinct wines.
Jones will walk guests through the factors that shape each pour, including soil types and vinification methods, along with the characteristics that set each producer’s wine apart. Sous Chef Emily Sherrer has designed small-bite pairings to accompany each wine, giving guests a fuller sensory picture of the region.
Tickets and Details
Both events are part of a broader push by The Hope Farm to build out its calendar of hands-on food and beverage programming beyond its regular dining service. Tickets and additional information for the bartending championship and the Burgundy wine class are available on The Hope Farm’s website.