American Wine & Food Festival Draws Huge Crowds

Annual event at Universal Studios backlot features top chefs and wineries, raises funds for Meals on Wheels

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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The 2010 American Wine and Food Festival at the Universal Studios backlot in Los Angeles was a huge success, despite some last-minute challenges from the hot and humid weather. The event featured food samples from renowned chefs and wine tastings from top California wineries, all while raising funds for the Meals on Wheels Programs of Los Angeles.

Why it matters

The American Wine and Food Festival is a major annual event that brings together the best of the food and wine world to support a worthy cause. The festival's ability to adapt to weather challenges and still provide an exceptional experience for attendees highlights the organizers' expertise, while the funds raised for Meals on Wheels underscore the event's broader community impact.

The details

Despite the hot and humid conditions, the festival went off nearly without a hitch, with chefs quickly adjusting their plans to serve cooler dishes. Attendees were able to sample a wide variety of wines, from crisp Sauvignon Blancs to bold Cabernet Sauvignons, as well as creative wine blends. The backlot setting provided a unique and memorable atmosphere, with food and wine booths lining the cobblestone streets. While the post-event transportation proved challenging due to tram issues, the overall experience for attendees was exceptional.

  • The American Wine and Food Festival took place on Saturday, September 25, 2010.
  • The event ran throughout the evening hours.

The players

Universal Studios

The host venue for the American Wine and Food Festival, providing the iconic backlot setting for the event.

Meals on Wheels Programs of Los Angeles

The charitable organization that benefited from the funds raised at the American Wine and Food Festival.

Dave

A Universal Studios employee who assisted attendees with transportation challenges at the end of the event.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

The takeaway

The American Wine and Food Festival demonstrated the ability of event organizers to adapt to challenges and provide an exceptional experience for attendees, all while raising significant funds for a worthy cause. The festival's success highlights the enduring appeal of high-quality food and wine experiences in the Los Angeles area.