Greenwich Food + Wine Festival Returns

The second annual 2012 Greenwich Food + Wine Festival, presented by Serendipity, returns to Greenwich, Conn., Oct. 4 to 6. Celebrity chef Ted Allen, host of Food Network's Chopped, Duff Goldman of Food Network's Ace of Cakes, and Graham Elliot from Fox's MasterChef are giving cooking demonstrations and attending book signings.

The three-day event also includes wine tastings, the event's first Burger Battle, a beer garden, and sommelier presentations along with live music performances throughout the weekend.

The weekend kicks off on Thursday night with a Wine Lover event that features elite wines paired with hors d'oeuvres, introductions of the weekend's nine participating chefs and sponsors, and a wine- and food-themed silent auction.

Friday night boasts a Grand Tasting Gala at 6:30 p.m. The Grand Tasting Gala is an evening filled with tastings by the event's feature chefs, including Clifford Crooks of BLT Steak, Rui Correia of Douro Restaurant, and Debra Ponzek of Aux Delices.

Tickets for Thursday's Ultimate Wine Evening are $125. Friday's Grand Tasting Gala tickets are $275 and Saturday's Greenwich Food + Wine Festival tickets are $95. For $250, guests can purchase a VIP ticket for Saturday, which includes admission to a private lounge and restrooms, a full bar, elite wines, and specialty treats. Every ticket holder receives an official wine glass and tote bag.

Nikki Maniscalco is a Junior Writer at The Daily Meal. Follow her on Twitter @NikkiMarie2116