Rhode Island’s Food and Wine Powerhouse Events Return: The Providence Culinary Collective and Wine X

Photos courtesy of Go Providence

Coming off last year’s standout debut, the Providence Culinary Collective and Rhode Island Wine Experience (Wine X) return March 26-29. With an expanded lineup of tastings, chef-driven collaborations, expert-led educational panels, and immersive programming that showcases the depth and talent of the region’s food and wine culture, the event aims true to its quickly earned reputation as Rhode Island’s premier synchronized food and wine event.

Whether you completely geek out when it comes to wines or are simply looking to sip and savor, The Grand Tasting at The Capital Grille anchors the event. Nearly 50 acclaimed wine producers will be pouring wines from around the globe alongside artisan food vendors providing delicious bites. Guests can peruse a host of reds, whites, sparklers, and a thoughtful selection of rosés to find their next favorite. For spirits enthusiasts, the new Spirits Lounge features a curated lineup of premium pours.

“Bringing Wine X into its second year is such a proud moment. We’re welcoming so many incredible guests from outside Rhode Island, French winemakers, Napa industry leaders, and media, which really shows how much momentum this event has built in such a short time,” says Wine X founder Rosanna Ortiz. 

Panels on Saturday, March 28th feature familiar names including John Nunes, owner of Newport Vineyards; Matt Grant, sommelier at Sakonnet Vineyards; Gail Ciampa, food and dining editor at The Providence Journal; Nicole Eacuello from The Savory Grape in East Greenwich; Bethany Caliaro from Oberlin and Gift Horse; legendary Al Forno founder, chef and cookbook author, Johanne Killeen; and former chef-owner of Fluke in Jamestown turned Group Director of Wine & Culinary Education at the Ocean House, Matthew MacCartney. MacCartney is also a familiar face at Forty 1 North’s Fermentation events and the wine director for the annual Newport Mansions Wine & Food Festival.

But it’s not just Rhode Island star power on stage. You’ll also find industry leaders, media voices, and sommeliers including J. Lohr Vineyards co-owner and chief brand officer Cynthia Lohr;  A Street Hospitality CEO Eric Papachristos; and beverage director and partner of New York’s JF Restaurants and 2026 James Beard Foundation Award Semifinalist for Outstanding Professional in Beverage Service, Amy Racine, among others.

Coinciding with Wine X, the Providence Culinary Collective brings together paired dinners, signature tastings, hands-on cooking classes, food truck festivities and more. Among these is Hope & Main’s Foodcraft: An Evening of Global Flavors, Locally Made. The free culinary event showcases Rhode Island-made one-of-a-kind specialty foods (reserve here). Fans of PBS’s Weekends with Yankee won’t want to miss Divine Providence – A Culinary Conversation With Yankee Magazine Senior Food Editor Amy Traverso, an exploration of regional culinary influences and the stories behind iconic New England dishes at the Johnson & Wales Culinary Museum. Seven Nations, One Table: Celebrating Culinary Futures will feature Newport’s own James Beard finalist chef Kevin O’Donnell of Giusto and Mother Pizzeria.

Ortiz looks forward to guests learning from the event. “It’s about creating something that feels sophisticated but still welcoming, and positioning it as a place where meaningful conversations around wine and hospitality can happen.”

The full line-up of events for the Providence Culinary Collective can be found here.