The past 24 hours have been a study in contrasts.

Last night, the inaugural Champlain Dinner Club unfolded across seven Burlington restaurants simultaneously…seven groups of matched strangers, sitting down together for the first time, with no idea where they were headed until that morning. It was, by every measure, a smashing success. More on that below.

This afternoon, my computer crashed. Mid-column, mid-newsletter.

And yet…here we are. Somewhat haphazard, and maybe a little more to the point than usual. It’s probably for the better.

The inaugural Champlain Dinner Club was everything we hoped it would be…proof that the best conversations happen when you take away the familiar and hand people something unexpected. Seven local restaurants helped make it happen, and nearly all of the attendees made their way to the Whiskey Room after dinner to meet the other groups and continue the conversations.

We are so grateful to everyone who took the leap with us on Night One. Here's what a few of them had to say:

"Meeting new people as an adult can be challenging, especially when you are new to the area. I stepped out of my comfort zone and I am so happy that I did. It's so interesting that through conversations I learned that we all are connected through our past and present experiences. Can't wait to do it again next month!"

"The dinner club is a wonderful idea and a fun way to network with fellow foodies — the entire evening felt like a friendly neighborhood party."

"Great group. Hit it off instantly. Looking forward to another one."

We also put together a quick Reel from last night…take a peek at the fun!

The next Champlain Dinner Club is scheduled for Tuesday, May 19th, and this time, we’re heading to Winooski. But don’t worry…we’ll definitely be back in Burlington, as well as other surrounding areas, to hit more of the awesome spots we missed this time around. Registration is open, and we’re psyched to see the tables already filling up.

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And if you're in the mood for food, drink and fun on a grander scale…the Burlington Wine & Food Festival is nine weeks out and coming together beautifully. Tickets are still available…get yours today!

Ken Albert has been a pioneer in Vermont’s wine industry for many years, having founded Shelburne Vineyard back in 1998. For much of that time, he has been persistently making the case that the Champlain Valley deserves to be taken seriously as a wine region.

Turns out, the federal government is starting to agree.

The U.S. Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau recently proposed designating the "Champlain Valley of Vermont" as an American Viticultural Area…the official classification that puts a wine region on the map alongside areas like Napa, Willamette the Finger Lakes, and more than 250 other AVAs in the U.S. If it's approved, Vermont winemakers can put it on their labels. More importantly, it tells the world that what's growing here is worth paying attention to.

It's been a long time coming. Ken submitted the petition back in 2022. The public comment period is open through May 26. Great news for the Vermont wine industry and those who love it.

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While we're on the subject of Burlington getting its due: Food & Wine magazine just named Burlington one of the top small cities in the United States for food and drink in 2026, alongside places like Asheville, Santa Fe, and Portland, Maine. The list focuses on cities under 100,000 people with outsized culinary identities. For those of us who live here, it's not a surprise. It's just nice to see it in print.

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Common Roots is a South Burlington nonprofit dedicated to food education, food access, and organic farming…and is also the community partner of the Burlington Wine & Food festival. They're running a Recipe Challenge through May 8th…share your favorite healthy recipe for a chance to win a $200 Nourish Card, good at their farmstand and the Wheeler House. The winner will be judged on taste, seasonal focus, nutritional value, originality, and personal connection. Enter via the QR code on their Instagram.

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An interesting bit worth noting: several standout members Burlington's restaurant scene —”The Class of 2024” — are turning two in the weeks and months to come. Fancy's, Frankie's, Rogue Rabbit, Deep City, and Gold all opened within the same stretch, and they're all thriving. For an industry that chews through new spots at a pretty unforgiving pace, that's worth raising a glass to. Fancy's is marking the occasion this weekend with $2 Detroit-style square pizza slices Friday through Sunday.

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If you work in food, there are a couple of big events on the horizon. On Friday, May 1st, the Vermont Cheese Council hosts its Artisan Cheesemakers Conference in Rutland…this year's theme is storytelling, with an all-day program featuring Adam Davidson, founder of NPR's Planet Money, among many others. Tickets are $125 and space is limited.

Then on Monday, May 4th, the Vermont Specialty Food Association hosts its first-ever Producer Expo at the Capitol Plaza Hotel in Montpelier…a business-to-business trade show connecting Vermont producers with buyers, distributors, and retailers, running 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Both events require advance registration.

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And because we can always use something a little lighthearted: Christie's Gone Bananas officially opened last weekend. It’s a banana stand on Route 2 in Grand Isle, slinging chocolate-dipped frozen bananas, popsicles, and smiles, seven days a week from 10 to 6. They run on the honor system. Because they trust you. Go be a little bananas.

Tonight (April 23), Mad River Distillers kicks off a new recurring event at their Burlington Tasting Room on St. Paul Street…Board Game Night, now happening every third Thursday from 5 to 9. Good friends, good games, and the introduction of their "$10 Roll for Cocktail."

Also tonight: La Reprise is hosting a Wine Bar Takeover with Kermit Lynch Wine Merchants…one of the most respected names in imported wine. There’s a free tasting from 4 to 7 p.m., with the bar takeover from 4 to 9. Walk-ins are welcome.

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Tomorrow night, April 24th, Black Flannel Distilling takes over the Hilton Garden Inn in Burlington for an evening of spirits sampling,…check out their whiskey, aquavit, genever, and spiced rum from 6 to 9 p.m. You’ll also enjoy live music while you sip on featured cocktails highlighting field-to-glass distilling.

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A quick reminder that this weekend is also the Vermont Maple Festival, Wit & Wine at Shelburne Vineyard, and the Waterbury Onesie Pub Crawl (now with a waiting list)…all covered in recent issues. Get out there and enjoy.

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The Lake Champlain Chocolates flagship store on Pine Street is hosting an “Ultimate Chocolate Tasting” on Saturday, April 25th. Their experts walk you through how it's made, what separates good chocolate from great, and how to taste it…with a flight of confections included. Ages 10 and up are welcome...grab tickets in advance.

Also on Saturday, Queen City Brewery on Pine Street hosts the 15th Annual Greg Noonan Memorial Homebrew Competition, hosted by the Green Mountain Mashers homebrew club. Entries have closed, but it’s sure to be a fun event to attend as a spectator (taster)?

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For those feeling a little crafty…on Tuesday, April 28th: 1st Republic Brewing Co. in Essex Junction teams up with Art by Anna-Lena for a Spring Bunny Paint & Sip from 6 to 8 p.m. All materials are provided, and beginners are welcome.

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There are evenings that are just dinner, and then there are evenings at Bistro de Margot. They’re hosting a Bordeaux Wine Dinner on Wednesday, April 29th…five courses, each paired with wines poured from their own collection. There’s one seating at 6 p.m., with just 24 seats. Reservations are highly recommended.

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Next Thursday, April 30th: Wilder Wines is bringing taking a trip to the Mediterranean with a curated lineup of Sicilian wines, including a magnum of Occhipinti, paired with a menu inspired by the island's food culture. Come on by for shared plates, vibrant wines, and good company from 5 to closing.

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Looking ahead to May, Foam Brewers is turning 10, and they're celebrating all weekend long May 1st through 3rd…live music, anniversary beer releases, food vendors, and more at the brewery on Lake Street. On Saturday evening, May 2nd, the taproom closes early so the team can head to Higher Ground for special anniversary show with Built to Spill. Plan accordingly.

May 2 is also Green Up Day…and after you've done your duty sprucing up Vermont, you can head to Switchback Brewing for the Green Up Hoedown from noon to 9. Live music, mint juleps, BBQ, Switchback brews, and the Kentucky Derby on the big screen. Rounding out the festivities are a Derby Hat Contest featuring designs made from recycled materials, and…hobby horse racing. Yes, really.

Also that evening, Adventure Dinner is going full witchcraft for their Halfway to Halloween dinner…a multi-course feast themed around the 30th anniversary of The Craft from 6 to 9 p.m. at their Clubhouse in Colchester. Check out their website for the witchcraft-inspired menu and activities

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And for anyone with serious distilling ambitions: Vermont State Colleges is running a week-long Craft Distilling intensive with Dave Mosher from Black Flannel from May 4th through 8th…hands-on training covers the full distillery operation, plus visits to working Vermont distilleries. There are only eight seats, so if this is on your radar, don't wait.