Visit Lauderdale Food and Wine Festival Jan. 13-19
Tickets are on sale now for the Visit Lauderdale Food & Wine Festival Jan. 13-19! Founded by Kate Reed and Phillip Marro, this annual celebration of Greater Fort Lauderdale's rich culinary scene is set against the backdrop of 24 miles of stunning beaches and vibrant downtown communities. This immersive event features an array of experiences, including wine tastings, gourmet dinners, craft beer samplings and spirits showcases. The festival also supports local charities, reinforcing its commitment to the community. Here are highlights:
Culinary Classes and Seminars
Jan. 13: Farmhouse Rules with Nancy Fuller at Allied Kitchen & Bath
This class is perfect for those who want to explore rustic, home-cooked meals with a modern twist. ($85)
Jan. 14: The ARt of Ramen with chefs Alex Kuk and Diego Ng at Temple Street Eatery
Discover the secrets behind one of the world’s most beloved comfort foods in this class that brings to life the complex flavors of ramen. ($75)
Jan. 14: The Flavors of Spain with chef Jorge Montes at Sistrunk Marketplace
Explore the bold and vibrant world of Spanish cuisine with Chef Jorge Montes as he guides you through the preparation of traditional Spanish dishes. ($75)
Jan. 15: French Cookery with chef Jorge Montes at Sistrunk Marketplace
Chef Montes will take you on a journey through essential French dishes and techniques. ($75)
Jan. 15: Ice Cream and Ohana with chef Jimmy Anderson at Sweet Aloha Ice
This family-friendly class lets you craft your own ice cream creations while learning about the significance of Ohana in Hawaiian culture. ($50)
Jan. 16: Country Bling Cooking with Jason Smith at Sistrunk Marketplace
Join celebrity chef Jason Smith, known for his Southern-inspired cuisine, as he teaches attendees how to bring a little sparkle to their home-cooked meals. ($85)
Wine Seminars at Visit Lauderdale Food and Wine Festival
Jan. 14: High Brow/Low Brow Pairings at Sidewalk Bottleshop
Explore the intersection of fine wines and comfort foods with this playful yet sophisticated pairing seminar with sommelier Dave Lopez and chef Walter Navarro at Sidewalk Bottleshop. ($75)
Jan. 14: Weird Grapes at Union Kitchen & Bar
Expand your wine knowledge with a deep dive into rare and lesser-known grape varietals with sommelier Roberto Colombi. ($65)
Jan. 15: United States Wine Tour at Union Kitchen & Bar
Embark on a coast-to-coast wine journey with sommelier Roberto Colombi that highlights the best of American vineyards. ($65)
Jan. 16: Au Naturel Deep Dive at Sidewalk Bottleshop
Explore the growing trend of natural wines, focusing on minimal-intervention winemaking and its distinct flavors with sommelier Dave Lopez and chef Walter Navarro. ($75)
Jan. 17: The Sweetest Pairings at Small Wine Shop
Indulge your sweet tooth with this seminar that pairs decadent desserts with complimentary wines, with sommelier Timothy Graham and chef Lee Mazor. ($75)
Visit Lauderdale Food and Wine Festival Signature Events
The festival kicks off on Jan. 15 with Bar Fight!, a spirited mixologist competition, followed by Wok ‘n Roll on Jan. 16, featuring Asian-inspired dishes and live music. On Jan. 17, BBQ at the Beach with chef Jason Smith offers Southern-style barbecue and a pitmaster competition. The marquee event, the Grand Tasting on Jan. 18, features over 100 tastings, celebrity chef demos, and live entertainment. The festival concludes with the family-friendly Picnic in the Park on Jan. 19.
The full schedule of classes, seminars, and signature events can be found on the festival’s website at VLFoodWine.com.
