The More than European Food and Drinks, Savoring Stories campaign showcased the richness and quality of European food and beverages at the Pebble Beach Food & Wine Festival on 11–12 April 2026, engaging a discerning audience at one of the most prestigious culinary gatherings in the United States. Set against the iconic backdrop of California’s Monterey Peninsula, the festival provided an excellent platform to connect with a well-travelled, food-curious audience seeking high-quality, authentic gastronomic experiences.
A standout Seminar Experience rooted in pairing and discovery
A key highlight of the activation was the EU wine and food pairing seminar held on 11 April, led by sommelier Anthony Giglio and chef Nelson German. Designed as an immersive tasting experience, the 90-minute session guided guests through two curated rounds of pairings. Each round featured three refreshing European wines, both red and white, including Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) selections such as Dão PDO from Portugal and Valdeorras PDO from Spain, thoughtfully matched with innovative hors d’oeuvres created by the chef.
This format allowed participants to explore how European wines interact with contemporary, flavor-forward dishes, highlighting the versatility and relevance of EU products in modern cuisine. The seminar also responded to growing consumer interest in guided tasting experiences, where storytelling, provenance, and pairing expertise enhance appreciation.
Attendees engaged directly with the experts, gaining insight into grape varieties, regional characteristics, and the craftsmanship behind European ingredients. The experience reinforced one of the campaign’s core messages: that European food and drinks offer both heritage and innovation in every pairing.
Discovering Europe through taste at the Tasting Pavilion
Over both days of the festival, the campaign hosted a high-visibility booth at the festival’s Outdoor Tasting Pavilion, offering a dynamic and interactive sampling experience.
Visitors were invited to explore a curated selection of European products through guided tastings led by Master Sommelier Chris Gauthier. The experience featured five distinctive European wines representing a range of regions and styles, alongside a selection of four cheeses that highlighted quality and craftsmanship, such as Kashkaval from Bulgaria and Wrångebäcksost PDO from Sweden. It also included a signature dish of golden, crispy risotto bites made with premium European ingredients.
This combination of wine, cheese, and a chef-driven tasting concept created a cohesive and memorable journey across Europe’s culinary landscape. The risotto bites proved highly popular, offering a refined take on a familiar comfort food while showcasing the quality of European ingredients. Many visitors returned multiple times to the booth, drawn by both the quality of the products and the engaging, expert-led experience.
Reinforcing Europe’s place in the US culinary landscape
By combining a premium seminar, expert-led tastings, and a strong culinary concept, the Pebble Beach activation successfully demonstrated the diversity, quality, and contemporary relevance of European food and drinks.
Through direct engagement with consumers, the More than European Food and Drinks, Savoring Stories campaign continues to position Europe as a source of authenticity, craftsmanship, and inspiration - bringing meaningful stories and exceptional flavors to American audiences.
To delve deeper into the world of European food & beverages, follow us at @morethanfoodus and More than Food US.
