Cited as one of the 10 Best Food and Wine Festivals in the country, the Key West Food & Wine Festival splashes down on Wednesday, January 26 and washes over the island through Sunday, January 30. The festival attracts thousands of culinary explorers from around the world who descend on our small tropical island to escape the winter and delight their senses.
Now in its thirteenth year, our own home-grown culinary arts celebration is THE place to be in January and includes twenty delectable events: from swanky Home Tours, Art Signings, Wine Seminars, and Shopping Excursions to intoxicating Wine Lunches, Winemaker/Chef collaborations, a Grand Tasting, and lots of other local funky happenings.
There is just so much going on that you’ll be hard-pressed to take it all in.
On Wednesday, January 26, you’ll want to head on over to Ocean Sotheby’s at 1075 Duval Street, where you’ll find the Festival Welcome Center open from 10 am – 2 pm. Later that day, Ocean Sotheby’s will be hosting a fun Opening Night Party from 4 – 6 pm, where you can rub elbows with other wine lovers and chat with festival organizers.
Things rev up on Thursday, January 27, with the Swanky Home Tour from 1 – 3 pm followed by ”Fiesta on Fitzpatrick.” This colorful theme party takes place from 4 – 6 pm and includes Panama hats, Spanish wine, Bad Boy Burritos, music, and more. Topping off the night is a special Cigar Tour and Rum Tasting by Papa’s Pilar Rum. 
On Friday, January 28, “A Night in Tuscany Wine Dinner” follows a jammed-packed day of events. This food and wine paired dinner, which starts at 5:30 pm at the Hyatt Centric Key West, features an authentic Tuscan menu by Chef Pietro Con-sorti and an array of fabulous hand-picked Italian wines.
Mark your calendars for Saturday, January 29. “The Rooster Grand Tasting” cock-a-doodles from 5 – 7 pm at the 24º North Hotel with a great selection of premium wines, lite bites, music, and dancing. The party continues with smoked drinks, absinthe fountains, specialty crafted cocktails, more great wines, and live music for VIP ticket holders.
On Sunday, January 30, the madness continues with a “Mad Rooster Brunch” and the Key West Artisan Market from 10 am – 2 pm.
Of course the list of fun things to do goes on and on — far too many for us to cover here. For complete details and late -breaking news, your best bet is to hit up keywestfoodandwinefestival.com.
Cin, Cin!
