Escape to Argentina in Key West
Named Best Wine Festival in the 2022 USA Today Readers Choice awards, the festival is shining a light on Argentina’s foods and wines through a series of events that range from empanada making to Ode to Francis Mallman, a wine presentation and asado at Lost Beach at Island Farm.
Key West Food and Wine Festival at a Glance
Wed.-Fri., Jan. 25-27
Welcome Center open daily 10am-1pm
Ocean Sotheby’s International Realty
Get tickets to events and enjoy a taste of wine.
Wed., Jan. 25
Malbec vs. Malbec Tasting, 1-2pm
Join Master Sommelier Elizabeth Schweitzer for a tasting of Malbecs from Argentina, France and America. Synonymous with Argentina, the Malbec grape takes up three-quarters of Argentina’s vineyards.
Welcome Reception and Carnaval de Buenos Aires, 4pm-7pm
Welcome to Key West for a preview of the festival’s events, the first Gaucho Parade, an evening of roasted meats and Malbec plus traditional Argentine music.
Thur., Jan. 26
Empanada Making, Empanada Eating and Wine Lunch, 11:30pm-2pm
Master the art of making empanadas, then sit down to a meal of authentic Argentine cuisine and a handpicked selection of wines.
Che Guevara’s Piattelli Vineyards Wine Dinner, 6pm-10pm
Wine dinner at the Banyan Tree Garden from executive chef David Fuhrman, food historian Francesca Defranchis, winemaker Valeria Antolin and master sommelier Elizabeth Schweitzer.
Fri., Jan. 27
Choripan, Chimichurri and Chandon Argentina Lunch, noon-2pm
Try this traditional Argentnean snack of grilled chorizo on bread topped with chimichurri sauce and accompanied with Mauricio Lorca Rosado Extra Brut.
Ode to Francis Mallman Wine Dinner, 4:30-7:30pm
Wear shoes to walk in the sand at Lost Beach at Island Farm. A trolley will take you to your destination, where you will enjoy the sunset and a wine presentation followed by a family-style asado and desserts.
Sat., Jan. 28
Eva Peron Wine Lunch, Don’t Cry for Me, 11:30-pm-2pm
Lunch at the exquisite Audubon House and Tropical Gardens features a special menu that starts with the Eva Peron cocktail, includes tiradito, langostinos and local yellowtail.
SLaM Grand Tasting, 5-7pm
From San Juan, La Rioja and Mendoza and More, this event at the Lighthouse and Keeper’s Quarters showcases a carving station with matambre relleno, morcilla and provoleta.Sun., Jan. 29
Last Tango in Cayo Hueso, 11am-1pm
Tango dancing, music, Argentine wines and outstanding brunch at KAYA Island Eats Gran Patio. Dress is Argentine casual, unless you will be dancing.
The original art for this year’s festival was created by Carrie Disrud.
For tickets and more information, visit the Key West Food and Wine Festival.
