Versailles, KY (July 8, 2025) — Today Woodford Reserve announces a partnership with the Jacques Pépin Foundation (JPF) to celebrate the legendary chef’s 90th birthday.

The special evening takes place on Sunday, July 20th at the acclaimed Holly Hill Inn near Woodford Reserve Distillery in the heart of Kentucky’s Bluegrass. It’s part of the 90/90 Dinner Series benefitting the foundation, and the only one being held in Kentucky.

“It’s a privilege to celebrate the legendary Jacques Pépin with amazing food and Woodford Reserve cocktails,” said Elizabeth McCall, Woodford Reserve Master Distiller. “This special evening will be an event to remember.”

Launched in Fall 2024, the JPF’s 90/90 campaign  features 90 chef-hosted events nationwide as part of the series to celebrate 90 years of Jacques. The goal is to raise a record amount of funds to further the foundation’s mission of improving lives through culinary education. Through job training in food service for people facing employment barriers nationwide, and improved health and food literacy for all, the gifts collected during this campaign will make a lasting change for the better.

“We are deeply grateful to Woodford Reserve, Chef Ouita Michel, and the entire Holly Hill Inn team for their generous support of the Jacques Pépin Foundation and our 90/90 campaign,” said Claudine Pépin, President of the Jacques Pépin Foundation. “Their commitment to advancing culinary education and honoring my father’s legacy is truly kind. It’s a joy to have them as part of this milestone celebration leading up to my father's 90th birthday.”

“Jacques Pepin’s amazing cookbooks have been a source of inspiration for me as a chef for the entirety of my career,” said Chef Ouita Michel, owner of Holly Hill. “His television shows, his art, his personal story of triumph have enriched the lives of millions of people for more than 50 years. It's an honor to give back to his legacy and the Jacques Pepin Foundation, the best way we know how- preparing a delicious meal and celebrating together in our Holly Hill garden.”

The evening commences at 6 pm with a signature Woodford Reserve welcome cocktail in the garden, accompanied by hors d’oeuvres created by Chef Marc Puil of Lexington’s La Deauville Bistro. Dinner by the Holly Hill Inn culinary team, led by legendary chef and owner Ouita Michel, comprises three courses at table, followed by a selection of celebratory desserts prepared by Chef Martine Holzman of Martine’s Pastries.

The $140 cost per ticket includes a welcome cocktail, dinner, donation and service. They are on sale now via the Holly Hill Inn website. Each ticket includes a one-year Pepin Foundation membership to all attendees.

About Woodford Reserve:
Brown-Forman Corporation has been building exceptional spirits brands for more than 150 years, responsibly upholding our founding promise of “Nothing Better in the Market.” Our portfolio of premium brands includes the Jack Daniel’s Family of Brands, Woodford Reserve, Herradura, el Jimador, New Mix, Old Forester, The Glendronach, Glenglassaugh, Benriach, Diplomático Rum, Chambord, Gin Mare, Fords Gin, Slane, and Coopers’ Craft. With a team of approximately 5,400 employees worldwide, we proudly share our passion for premium beverages in more than 170 countries. Discover more about us at brown-forman.com and stay connected through LinkedIn, Instagram, and X.

Please drink responsibly.
Woodford Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 45.2% Alc. by Vol., The Woodford Reserve Distillery, Versailles, KY. Woodford Reserve is a registered trademark. ©2025 Brown-Forman Distillery, Inc. All rights reserved.

‍About Jacques Pépin Foundation:
Founded in 2016, the Jacques Pépin Foundation (JPF) was created to honor Jacques’ generosity and passion for sharing his culinary knowledge. The JPF’s work is focused on teaching and inspiring all people to cook. Among our programs, we provide hundreds of hours of free instructional videos, available to all, through social media channels, YouTube and our website to teach and enhance cooking skills, and still more to JPF members with access to recipes and videos from renowned and inspiring chefs through our JPF members’ Video Recipe Book Cook with Jacques Pépin & Friends. Our existing Community Kitchens Support program provides grants, cookbook libraries, and other resources nationwide for workforce development, designed for individuals who are under-resourced, enabling them to achieve success through employment in the hospitality industry. The Foundation works with existing Community Kitchens to build their curricula, train aspiring hospitality professionals, and foster a supportive community, hope, and opportunity for a brighter future.  The JPF is a 501(c)3 charitable organization. To support the JPF or learn more visit our website: https://jp.foundation and follow us on Instagram.

‍