Minnesota Monthly’s Food & Wine Experience

Sponsor & Exhibitor Portal

DATE:

March 14 & 15, 2026

EVENT HOURS:

VIP Space: 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. both days

General Admission Space: 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. both days

LOCATION:

Target Field | 1 Twins Way, Minneapolis, MN 55403

Participating in the Grand Vine event?

Please review the Grand Vine Sponsor & Exhibitor Portal.

Sponsor & Exhibitor Portal

Welcome to the Food & Wine Experience Sponsor & Exhibitor Portal. Below you will find all the details needed to have a successful and enjoyable experience as a sponsor or exhibitor at the upcoming Food & Wine Experience.

Alcoholic Beverage Sponsors & Exhibitors

If you are serving a beverage at the event, you need to submit the below information by the associated deadline in order to maximize your marketing and event experience.

Please click the header on each section below to access the form or document.

CERTIFICATE OF INSURANCE

Please submit a copy of your business’s comprehensive insurance policy (COI). Required for all sponsors and exhibitors. Please email it to marketing@greenspring.com.

DUE: 3/6

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ALCOHOL SAMPLING AGREEMENT

If you are going to be sampling an alcoholic beverage or will be adding alcohol to your non-alcoholic product, you must agree to the alcohol sampling agreement and the amount of product that can be poured per serving.

DUE: 3/6

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ADDITIONAL OPPORTUNITIES & DOCUMENTS THAT MAY APPLY TO YOU AS A BEVERAGE SPONSOR OR EXHIBITOR ARE LISTED BELOW:

SHORT TERM FOOD PERMIT APPLICATION 

If you plan to use ice or a garnish in your beverage samples, or make coffee or tea on-site, then you must fill out the Minneapolis Short Term Food Permit application. We will provide your application to the Minneapolis Health Department office and we will work with you to ensure that the application is correct. We will pay for the application fee, so please focus only on getting the application completed and returned to us by the due date listed below.

If you have a Seasonal Food Permit issued by the Minnesota Department of Health, please email it to Rick Krueger at rkrueger@greenspring.com.

Ice Bucket: When serving a beverage with ice, you must provide your own ice serving bucket and ice scoop or tongs to serve with. The ice bin provided by the event team is not intended for ice to be served from, but rather to cool cans and bottles of product. The event will supply ice to all beverage vendors.

Required Hand-Washing Stations: You are required to have hand washing supplies if you are sampling food. They are also available for rental (subject to availability) via the Show Service Order Form. You are responsible for complying with all Minneapolis Health Department regulations of food items.

DUE: 2/20

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MN REVENUE OPERATOR CERTIFICATE OF COMPLIANCE FORM (ST-19)

If you are going to sell any prepackaged non-alcoholic beverage or food, or sell your brand swag (t-shirts, stickers, etc.) at the event, you must submit an ST-19 form. Please email it to marketing@greenspring.com.

DUE: 3/6

 

Hemp Derived Consumer Product Sponsors & Exhibitors

If you are serving a Hemp Derived Consumer Product at the event, you need to submit the below information by the associated deadline in order to maximize your marketing and event experience.

Please click the header on each section below to access the form or document.

CERTIFICATE OF INSURANCE

Please submit a copy of your businesses comprehensive insurance policy (COI). Required for all sponsors and exhibitors. Please email it to marketing@greenspring.com.

DUE: 3/6

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HEMP DERIVED CONSUMER PRODUCT DISPLAY & SAMPLING AGREEMENT

This form must be completed by exhibitors sampling Hemp Derived Consumer Product at Greenspring Media events.

DUE: 3/6

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ADDITIONAL OPPORTUNITIES & DOCUMENTS THAT MAY APPLY TO YOU AS A BEVERAGE SPONSOR OR EXHIBITOR ARE LISTED BELOW:

MN REVENUE OPERATOR CERTIFICATE OF COMPLIANCE FORM (ST-19)

If you are going to sell any prepackaged non-alcoholic beverage or food, or sell your brand swag (t-shirts, stickers, etc.) at the event, you must submit an ST-19 form. Please email it to marketing@greenspring.com.

DUE: 3/6

Food Sponsors & Exhibitors

If you are serving a food sample at the event, you need to submit the below information by the associated deadline in order to maximize your marketing and event experience.

Please click the header on each section below to access the form or document.

SHORT TERM FOOD PERMIT APPLICATION 

If you plan serve and sample food on-site, then you must fill out the Minneapolis Short Term Food Permit application. We will provide your application to the Minneapolis Health Department office and we will work with you to ensure that the application is correct. We will pay for the application fee, so please focus only on getting the application completed and returned to us by the due date listed below.

If you have a Seasonal Food Permit issued by the Minnesota Department of Health, please email it to Rick Krueger at rkrueger@greenspring.com.

Required Hand-Washing Stations: You are required to have hand washing supplies if you are sampling food. They are also available for rental (subject to availability) via the Show Service Order Form. You are responsible for complying with all Minneapolis Health Department regulations of food items.

DUE: 2/20

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CERTIFICATE OF INSURANCE 

Please submit a copy of your businesses comprehensive insurance policy (COI). Required for all sponsors and exhibitors. Please email it to marketing@greenspring.com.

DUE: 3/6

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ADDITIONAL OPPORTUNITIES & DOCUMENTS THAT MAY APPLY TO YOU AS A FOOD SPONSOR OR EXHIBITOR ARE LISTED BELOW:

MN REVENUE OPERATOR CERTIFICATE OF COMPLIANCE FORM (ST-19)

If you are going to sell any prepackaged non-alcoholic beverage or food, or sell your brand swag (t-shirts, stickers, etc.) at the event, you must submit an ST-19 form. Please email it to marketing@greenspring.com.

DUE: 3/6

Retail/Services Sponsors & Exhibitors

If you are a retail or services sponsor or exhibitor at the event, you need to submit the below information by the associated deadline in order to maxamize your marketing and event experience.

Please click the header on each section below to access the form or document.

CERTIFICATE OF INSURANCE 

Please submit a copy of your businesses comprehensive insurance policy (COI). Required for all sponsors and exhibitors. Please email it to marketing@greenspring.com.

DUE: 3/6

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ADDITIONAL OPPORTUNITIES & DOCUMENTS THAT MAY APPLY TO YOU AS A RETAIL / SERVICES SPONSOR OR EXHIBITOR ARE LISTED BELOW:

MN REVENUE OPERATOR CERTIFICATE OF COMPLIANCE FORM (ST-19)

If you are going to sell your brand swag (t-shirts, stickers, etc.) at the event. You must submit an ST-19 form. Please email it to marketing@greenspring.com.

DUE: 3/6

Load-In and Load-Out

LOAD-IN TIMES

Thursday, March 12: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Friday, March 13: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Saturday, March 14: 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Sunday, March 15: 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM

TARGET FIELD SECURITY | REQUIRED! PLEASE READ! 

As a Sponsor or Exhibitor at the Food & Wine Experience, you are required to submit your company and team information using the link below. This information will be provided to Target Field Security, who will have checkpoints at the two designated entry locations.

 CLICK HERE TO ADD YOUR INFORMATION TO THE ACCESS LIST

Please note:

  • Anyone not listed on the access form will not be permitted entry to Target Field at any time.
  • Include all team members who may need access during load-in or event hours.
  • All staff must be 21+ | no exceptions.

ENTRY LOCATIONS

Minneapolis Ramp A Skyway Entrance

Ramp A in downtown Minneapolis connects directly to Target Field via the skyway — this is also the consumer entrance during the event.

Google Map Pin

Upon arrival:

  • Enter through the Skyway Entrance into Target Field’s Thrivent Club Level.
  • Check in with the Target Field Security Team.
  • Follow posted signage to the Exhibitor Check-In Table for directions to your booth or activation space.

Parking & Equipment Notes:

  • Ramp A is the only parking ramp directly connected to Target Field.
  • Exhibitors are responsible for all ramp parking fees and must follow posted Ramp A rules and signage.
  • Carts and dollies are not provided — please bring your own for move-in and move-out.

A map is available below for reference.

Target Field Twins Parking Lot & Loading Dock

The Twins Parking Lot (behind Target Field) provides access to the Loading Dock and Freight Elevator. This entry point is recommended only for large vehicles (vans, dock trucks, or trailers) delivering event supplies.

Google Map Pin

Parking Pass Requirement (Saturday & Sunday Only):

  • A parking pass is required for each vehicle parked in the Twins Lot.
  • Passes are $20 per day, per vehicle and quantities are limited.
  • Purchase passes via the Show Service Request Form by March 6.
  • Passes will be picked up at the Exhibitor Check-In Table during load-in.

Loading Dock Guidelines:

  • 15-minute maximum at the dock — please be considerate of other exhibitors.
  • Unload materials onto the dock pad, then move your vehicle to a yellow parking stall before bringing items inside.
  • Carts and dollies are not provided — please bring your own.
  • Vehicles may not be left unattended at the loading dock.
  • Parking is allowed in yellow stalls only.
  • Overnight parking is prohibited unless pre-approved by the event team and Target Field. For approval, contact Rick Krueger at rkrueger@greenspring.com.

A map of the lot and dock area is provided below for visual reference.

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Important Event Policies and Rules

To order Show Service Items (hand washing stations, electrical power, chairs, wastebaskets, extra exhibitor badges), you can do so through the Show Services Request Form (select ‘Food & Wine Experience’). Orders must be submitted by: 3/6

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EXHIBITOR STAFF BADGE POLICY

Quantity: If you have purchased one standard exhibitor table space, you will receive TWO exhibitor badges. For other exhibitors/sponsors, the number of badges due will be noted on your contract.

Additional Badges: Additional exhibitor badges can be ordered in advance for through the Show Services Request Form. Personnel may also purchase additional badges on site. Orders must be submitted by: 3/6

Where to pick up your badges: EXHIBITOR BADGES WILL BE PROVIDED DURING LOAD-IN at the Exhibitor Check-In Table

Badge Guidelines: You will only be provided your badges during your load-in. If a staff member is splitting a shift with someone, it is their responsibility to make arrangements to transfer their badge to that person. You may return your badge at the end of the day, at the Exhibitor Check-In Table so that it can be provided to the staff next day. Badges lost or stolen will NOT be replaced. Badges must be displayed at all times inside the event, and will be checked. These badges are intended for staff personnel only. Exhibitors distributing their badge to others will have their badge confiscated.

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STAFFING AND AGES

Exhibit areas must be staffed during show hours. All of your employees working the show during show hours must be at least 21 years of age. Please have a photo ID easily accessible.

REMINDER: Anyone 21 and under are prohibited from the show floor at ALL times during the event and during move-in and move-out hours.

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YOUR EXHIBIT SPACE

Your exhibit fee includes a linen-covered table and items explicitly listed on your contract. There is no pipe/drape.

Please review your contract and media kit to determine the size of your space. If you are not a sponsor, your space will be 8’×8′.

Ice, ice tub for chilling bottles/cans, water pitchers, and refuse buckets will be provided to exhibitors sampling alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Water and ice will be replenished throughout the show as needed. We are supplying all attendees with sampling glasses at the door. You are responsible for providing your own serving utensils, bottle openers, corkscrews, bar rags, product and personnel. If you want to serve your beverages in cups other than the provided glass (e.g. if pre-mixing cocktails), you must provide your own sampling cups. Remember to review any Minneapolis Deaprtment of Health requirements if you are securing a temporary food permit.

Restaurant partners are responsible for any cooking equipment, barware, plates, glasses, napkins, etc. You must provide any supplies needed to sample/serve your product. No open flames are allowed, no grills are allowed, no oil fryers are allowed in the venue. Remember to review any Minnesota Department of Health requirements if you are securing a temporary food permit.

If you reserved a concesion space, and need the details on what is included in your space, please contact Rick Krueger | rkrueger@greenspring.com

HANDWASHING STATION: You may rent a handwashing station on the Show Service Order Form. Orders must be submitted by: 3/6

ELECTRICITY: If you need access to electricity, you must purchase it on the Show Service Order Form. Max power available is 120 volt/20 amp max. Orders must be submitted by: 3/6

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EXHIBITOR DISPLAYS & GUIDELINES

Exhibit Display Restrictions: Please be sensitive of your neighbors when setting up your display table. Event Staff reserves the right to adjust your area if you are obstructing your neighbor or isle way.

Tents: NO tents are allowed. There can be no blockage between the ceiling sprinklers and your booth.

Signage / Decorations: All signage materials must look professional and be contained within the realm of your space/table. Decorations may NOT be taped, nailed, tacked, stapled or otherwise fastened to ceilings, doors, floors, walls, glass, columns, painted surfaces, fabric or decorative walls. Pressure-adhesive sticker/decals, gum or similar promotional items cannot be distributed or sold within the event. Decorations must be fireproof, and have proper documentation. Balloons are not allowed in Target Field. 

Literature and Noise Restrictions: Interviews, demonstrations, and distribution of literature must be done within the exhibitor’s space. You may not “work the aisles.” Amplified systems, loud music, or other noise which interferes with other exhibitors is prohibited.

Other: Helium balloons and stickers are NOT allowed and they may not be sold, given or distributed within the facility.

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GARBAGE & EXCESS PRODUCT

At the end of your set-up, and at the end of each event day, please place any excess trash neatly in front of your space and the venue staff will remove it.

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GIVEAWAYS & DRAWINGS

You may have an entry box/container in your space for giveaways and drawings. A second entry box/container and entry forms must be placed on an alternate entry table located at the main attendee entrance to the event prior to the start. If the giveaway involves drawings throughout show hours, you are responsible for checking the second entry box for entries prior to conducting any scheduled winner drawings. It is your responsibility to remove the additional entry box from the lobby upon close of the show on Sunday.

Entry boxes must clearly state the rules of your giveaway. If entries will be used to generate contact lists, or if entrants will be contacted or solicited in any way, the entry blank must bear a disclaimer or provide a box for entrants to ‘opt out’ from future communication. Drawings valued over $1,500 must obtain a City license. If your business is a non-profit, you have the option of applying for an exempt permit from the City of Eagan. For more information please contact the Minnesota State Public Safety Gambling Enforcement Agency.

**Remember, alcohol CANNOT be carried out of the event by attendees. It is illegal to give away bottles of alcohol on site!

Marketing Opportunities

Please see below for additional ways to market your brand to the guests at the Food & Wine Experience.

Tasting Notes | WINE EXHIBITORS ONLY

Please submit the list of wines that you will be sampling at the Food & Wine Experience on Saturday & Sunday. These will be featured in the printed Tasting Notes handed out to each guest at the event. 

FOOD & WINE EXPERIENCE TASTING NOTES SUBMISSION — CLICK HERE

Submission deadline for onsite Tasting Notes: 2/11

GRAND VINE EXHIBITORS:
There is a separate Event Program and Tasting Notes submission form for Grand Vine. Go to the Grand Vine Sponsor & Exhibitor Portal here. 
Event Product Listing

Please submit the list of products that you will be sampling at the Food & Wine Experience on Saturday & Sunday. 

EVENT PRODUCT LISTING — CLICK HERE

Submission deadline for onsite Tasting Notes: 2/27

Best Of | Best Value Wine Competition | WINE EXHIBITORS ONLY

As an exhibitor in Minnesota Monthly‘s Food & Wine Experience, you are eligible to participate in our Best of Show and Best Value Wine Competitions.

BEST OF | BEST VALUE WINES SUBMISSION FORM — CLICK HERE

Submission deadline: 2/11

Product delivery deadline: 2/20  (shipping details below)

One Best of Show entry will be selected in each of the following categories and recognized in the Food & Wine Experience onsite Tasting Notes. You are not limited to the amount of wines you submit into each catagory.

  • Sparkling
  • Sauvignon Blanc
  • Pinot Grigio
  • Chardonnay
  • Fruity
  • Imported White
  • Cool Climate White (MN or WI)
  • Pinot Noir
  • Bordeaux Varietal (Cab/Merlot/Malbec/Meritage Style)
  • Imported Red
  • Cool Climate Red (MN or WI)
  • Rose
  • Rhone Ranger
  • Red Blend

In addition, one Best Value wine will be selected in each of the above categories. Best Value wine entries must retail for $20 and under.

Shipping Information

Details on shipping & delivery are also outlined in the Best Of | Best Value Wines Submission Form linked above.

  • Quantity: Please ship 2 BOTTLES OF EACH WINE, minimum. To prevent a wine from being eliminated because it was “corked”, we recommend that you send two bottles of each entry.
  • Labeling: Best of Show and Best Value entries MUST be shipped in separate boxes clearly labeled “Best of Show Wine” or “Best Value Wine”. Wines must be shipped separately and clearly identified with appropriate label and must arrive by the delivery deadline.

Product delivery deadline: 2/20

Address:

Food & Wine Experience – Wine Competition
ATTN: Beth Wulf
Greenspring Media
9401 James Avenue S, Suite 152
Bloomington, MN 55431

 

Please affix the appropriate label to the outside of the package and circle which competition it is being entered into:

Social Media Toolkit

Congratulations on being a part of Minnesota Monthly’s Food & Wine Exeprience! We’re so excited to have you joining us!

We want to make sure that your loyal base of fans & followers know that you’ll be joining us for this event, so we’ve created the following toolkit to help you promote your partnership with us on your social media platforms.

Graphics & Logos

The following assets can be downloaded and overlaid on top of your images and logo:

Food & Wine Footer

Food & Wine Layover Label (RED)

Food & Wine Layover Label (WHITE)

Social Media Tags

Minnesota Monthly

Facebook: Minnesota Monthly  |  Facebook Event Site

Instagram: @MNMOmag

X: @MNMOmag

Presenting Sponsor (J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines)

Facebook: J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines

Instagram: @JLohrWines

X: @JLohrWines

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Join us at Minnesota Monthly’s annual Food & Wine Experience, presented by J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines! We’ll be there [pouring, sampling, etc.] and can’t wait to see you! Grab your tickets and stop by to see us. FoodWineExperience.com 

Don’t miss Minnesota Monthly’s 31st annual Food & Wine Experience, presented by J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines, March 13-15 at Target Field. We’ll be there all weekend serving up [what you’ll be serving]. Get your tickets today! FoodWineExperience.com  

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