A major international culinary organization is bringing one of its marquee U.S. events to the Finger Lakes this month, with a Cayuga Lake winery selected to host key gatherings.
Knapp Winery in Romulus will serve as a central venue for the 2026 National Mondiale of the Chaîne des Rôtisseurs, marking the first time the event has been held in the region.
According to organizers, Knapp Winery and its on-site restaurant, Field & Vine, will host two featured events during the May 3–7 gathering, which is expected to draw culinary professionals and wine experts from across the country.
Field & Vine will host the National Young Sommelier Competition Dinner on May 3, where top emerging wine professionals will compete for national recognition. Two days later, Knapp Winery will host a Mondiale Gala Dinner, bringing together chefs, sommeliers, and members of the international gastronomic society for a showcase of food and wine.
The Chaîne des Rôtisseurs, founded in France in 1248, is one of the world’s oldest culinary organizations, with more than 25,000 members across 80 countries.
Local organizers say the selection of Knapp Winery reflects the Finger Lakes’ growing profile as a destination for high-end wine and culinary experiences.
“We are deeply honored to welcome the Chaîne des Rôtisseurs to Knapp Winery and Field & Vine,” co-owner Cole Wilson said, pointing to the region’s reputation for wine production and farm-driven cuisine.
Knapp Winery, located less than a mile from Cayuga Lake, has been producing wine in the region for more than 40 years and is known for its early adoption of Cabernet Franc and other varietals in the Finger Lakes. Its restaurant, Field & Vine, focuses on locally sourced, seasonal menus paired with regional wines.
The broader Mondiale event will be anchored at del Lago Resort & Casino in Waterloo, with additional programming across the region.
Organizers say the multi-day event represents one of the largest recent gatherings of Chaîne des Rôtisseurs members in the United States, highlighting the Finger Lakes’ continued emergence on the national food and wine stage.
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