Florida Food and Wine Events

Culinary Fun at Florida Food and Wine Events

Most of us love to eat. And pair that food with a great glass of wine and you have the ultimate in dining experiences. That's why Florida's many food and wine festivals are so appealing. They bring together the best chefs the world has to offer for weekends full of tasty delights combined with top-notch vintages that truly complement the food with which they are being paired. For the attendee, the result is a treat for the palate.

Some festivals are held in one central location while others take participants to the area's finest restaurants. Many are fundraisers, so while you're eating and imbibing, you're helping others less fortunate. Some events are rather costly while others are affordable enough for any budget. In some cases, events are quite formal; others consist of concessions where guests can purchase only the items they wish to try.

Happily, these festivals are literally located throughout the entire state, with events being held up and down both coasts and in places in between. Wherever you are, there's probably a food and wine fest near you. Here's a list of some of the most notable:

 

- February -

 

Naples Winter Wine Festival

Held from the 6th through the 8th, this festival is dubbed "one of the top 10 entertainment festivals for wealthy Americans." That means the cost tends to be a bit prohibitive for the average Joe, but if you can afford it and you're a die-hard foodie, it's worth it. This year, Emeril Lagasse tops the list of 17 chefs that will appear at the event and more than two dozen vintners will arrive with their best vintages as well. The proceeds go to the Naples Children and Education Foundation. Tickets? A mere $7500 per couple.

 

Food Network South Beach Food and Wine Festival

Pair the Food Network with South Beach and you get an unforgettable event! Not quite as costly as its Naples counterpart, this festival is indeed star-studded. Occurring from Feb. 19-22, this event will even welcome the King and Queen of Spain! (It's $1,000 pp to spend some time with them, in case you're interested!) Other events throughout the festival cost much less, however, and there are even family-friendly activities throughout the week. Guests can hobnob with many of their favorite Food Network chefs for a truly fun time.

 

- March -

 

Abilities Wine and Food Festival and Silent Auction

Held at St. Petersburg's Tropicana Field on March 7, this event offers food from about 40 area restaurants, a chance to sample premium wines, and the opportunity to bid on rare items and listen to great entertainment. Proceeds go to Abilities, a foundation which helps Floridians with all types of disabilities obtain mainstream jobs and affordable housing.

 

- April -

 

Taste the Best of Tampa Bay

Proceeds from this April 4 event benefit the non-profit Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center. Events include live music, a silent auction, wine tasting, and food from dozens of area restaurants, all served on the beautiful Riverwalk outside the center.

 

Sarasota's Florida Winefest and Auction

From the 23rd through 26th, dozens of winemakers will descend upon Sarasota, offering up tastings, parties, pairing dinners, seminars, and much more. Great wines will also be auctioned at this event, which benefits a number of arts- and kid-related charities.

 

- May -

 

Tampa Bay Wine and Food Festival

Guests are invited to "unleash their palate" at this event, which takes place on the 15-16 of May at the Don CeSar Resort on St. Pete Beach. In its second year, this festival will include tastings, dinners, and even a chef's competition. Proceeds benefit the H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center.  

 

- September to November -

 

Epcot International Food and Wine Festival

By far the longest such festival, this Disney World extravaganza lasts for more than a month. Scores of celebrity chefs and representatives from dozens of wineries head to WDW for dinners, tastings, and so much more. Tickets sell out fast and come in a variety of price ranges, so if you're planning on going, book your preferred events by the mid-summer.

 

- November -

 

Safety Harbor Wine Festival

This day-long festival is affordable for everyone. Scheduled for Nov. 7, it features food vending, wine sampling, arts and crafts vendors, and live entertainment. Admission is free and wine and food is purchased on an as-desired basis. Profits go to local civic and charitable organizations.

 

Colony Stone Crab Seafood and Wine Festival

The Colony Resort on Longboat Key is the setting for this long-running festival, which marks the start of stone crab season. Leading chefs and vintners strut their stuff in an intimate setting along the waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Demonstrations are also part of the fun. Participation is limited and tickets go fast.