The first ever New York City Wine & Food Festival will take place this Columbus Day weekend, Thursday October 9 – Sunday, October 12, 2008, set primarily in the fashionable Meatpacking District.

“The festival’s main goal is to pay homage to New York City and everything that makes it one of the best restaurant cities in the world,” says Lee Brian Schrager, Festival Director. Lee is also Director of Media Relations for Southern Wine & Spirits of America and of the popular South Beach Wine & Food Festival (Sobe) sister event held each February.

The talent line-up for the big apple event includes: Rachael Ray (30 Minute Meals), Paula Deen (Paula’s HomeCooking), Giada de Laurentiis (Every Day Italian), Tyler Florence (Tyler’s Ultimate), Alton Brown (Good Eats), Masaharu Morimoto (Iron Chef America), Guy Fieri (Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives), Bobby Flay (Throwdown with Bobby Flay), and Duff Goldman (Ace of Cakes), Alain Ducasse (Adour Alain Ducasse), Ferrán Adrià (El Bulli), Anthony Bourdain (Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations), Gordon Ramsay (Hell’s Kitchen), Nigella Lawson (Nigella Feasts), Lidia Bastianich (Lidia’s Italian-American Kitchen) and more.

Tickets — which are on sale now — start at $30 for various Times Talks featuring Alice Waters, Nigella Lawson, Ferran Adria and Anthony Bourdain and skyrocket up to $325 for a red-themed dinner (feature a multi-course family style meal of red meat and red wine) hosted by Tom Colicchio, Alfred Portale and Jess Jackson of the Jackson Family Wines. If you’re considering going, check it out now as more than 13 events are already sold out!

Proceeds will benefit the Food Bank For New York City and Share Our Strength. For the most updated event and talent information or to purchase tickets visit www.nycwineandfoodfestival.com or call 1-866-969-2933.