Winefest Chef & Restaurant Application '26

The Coeur d'Alene Downtown Association is seeking passionate and creative local chefs to participate in Winefest on April 18, 2026, from 1 to 6 p.m.

This one-day event features local wines and culinary pairings, welcoming approximately 900 attendees. Participating chefs will showcase their food inside designated host site locations (boutiques, coffee shops, galleries etc.) throughout Downtown Coeur d'Alene as guests sip and stroll.

Participating chefs and restaurant brands will receive exposure to 900 attendees and be featured across official Downtown Coeur d'Alene marketing channels.

Chefs will prepare signature small bites designed to pair with select local wines. A "bite" is a small hors d'oeuvre intended to be enjoyed in two bites and complement the wine.

General admission locations require 850 bites and will receive a $400 stipend.
VIP locations require 300 elevated bites and receive a $250 stipend.

All participating chefs must operate out of a commercial kitchen and complete a temporary health permit to ensure safe and compliant food service. This ensures that all food is prepared in a safe, sanitary environment that meets industry standards, guaranteeing quality, consistency, and safety for all event attendees.

If you're interested in participation, please complete the application below. Space is limited, apply early!

Any questions, contact the Coeur d'Alene Downtown Association at:
208-415-0116 | info@cdadowntown.com

Application deadline: March 29, 2026

Restaurant Name*

Chef Full Name*

First NameLast Name

Address*

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState

Zip Code

Email*

example@example.com

Phone Number*

General Admission Business (850 Attendees)VIP Business (300 Attendees)

Are you already partnered with a Downtown business? *

If yes, please provide business name:*

Please provide details on the small "bite" you plan to serve: *

A "bite" is a small hors d'oeuvre designed to be enjoyed in two bites and to complement the wine sample. This could be sweet or savory.

Do you have any wine pairing requests?

E.g. Varietal, Winery, Region, Cellar etc.

Please specify the total footprint you require (width x depth in feet): *

At minimum, chefs will have a 6' wide table space for serving. Please indicate the total space needed for your prep setup so we can match you with a business appropriately. *Note space is not guaranteed and setup may need to be modified or condensed.

Please write a short bio of you/your business so we can feature you on our webpage!

Please limit this to 50 words or less!

Please upload a headshot to go alongside your bio.

Please submit a square image

Who should the reimbursement check be made payable to, and what mailing address should it be sent to? (Checks mailed after the event.) *

NOTE: The Downtown Association reserves the right to amend compensation based on attendance, quantity and quality of product.

Health Permit
All participating restaurants/chefs will need to complete and submit a Temporary Health Permit with the Panhandle Health District. All completed permits must be returned on or before Noon on April 10, 2026.

*Full-service restaurants need to obtain a separate, temporary event license to prepare and serve food at a location other than their restaurant.

Temporary Food Vendor Permits are issued at their first inspection, which will be at Winefest. Once submitted, please provide us with the receipt, as permits will not be issued until Panhandle Health can verify and document compliance with Idaho State food safety regulations (via inspection).

Retrieve permit application here.

Permits must be turned into:
Panhandle Health District
8500 N. Atlas Road
Hayden, ID 83835

Panhandlehealthdistrict.org
208-415-5220

Insurance Requirements

Indemnification: Chefs shall indemnify The Coeur d'Alene Downtown Association and their respective partners, subsidiaries, divisions, and affiliates, and are required to provide a Certificate of Insurance naming The Coeur d'Alene Downtown Association as additionally insured.

Certificate of Insurance Additional Insured name and address:
The Coeur d'Alene Downtown Association
105 N. 1st ST. STE. 100
Coeur d'Alene, ID 83814

Signature*