Voted the #1 Food and Wine Festival in the country, the Key West Food & Wine Festival returns for its 14th edition on Wednesday, January 25, through Sunday, January 29. 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 fourteenth year, our own home-grown culinary arts celebration is THE place to be in January. This year’s global theme, “Viva Argentina,” includes an array of specially curated events: from a fun opening night Carnival dinner, intoxicating Wine Lunches, and Winemaker/Chef collaborations to an absolutely fabulous Grand Tasting and other cool happenings.
On Wednesday, January 25, you’ll want to head on over to Ocean Sotheby’s International Realty at 1075 Duval Street in Duval Square. This is where you’ll find the Festival Welcome Center, which is open daily from 10 am – 2 pm. Stop in to get your festival event tickets, enjoy a taste of wine, and pick up your VIP gift. You can also purchase the festival’s official limited edition 2023 print there. Later that afternoon, Ocean Sotheby’s hosts a Welcome Reception for VIP ticket holders from 4 – 4:50 pm. Kick things off with great music, art, and fine wine before joining the festival’s first Gaucho Parade that will take you down the street to the
Carnival de Buenos Aires from 5 – 7 pm at Viva Argentinian Steakhouse at 903 Duval Street. Enjoy an evening of Roasted Meats & Malbec with a bit of Torrents, traditional Argentine music, and more. Make it even more fun by dressing up in your most outrageous costume. It is a Carnival, after all! Of course, this is just the beginning of the Key West Food & Wine Festival’s fabulous five-day fiesta. Here’s what else you’ll find in store:
THURSDAY, JANUARY 26
1 – 3 pm
Empanada Making, Empanada Eating & Wine Lunch
Frita’s Garden
425 Southard St
Get a taste of Argentina’s local cuisine with this interactive tasting experience.
Master the art of making empanadas from Marcia, the owner of Frita’s, one of the best in Key West.
Then sit down to a meal of authentic Argentine cuisine and a hand-picked selection of wine from Argentina!
6 – 10 pm
Che Guevara’s Piatelli Vineyards Wine Dinner
Banyan Tree Garden
408 Greene St
Winemaker Valeria Antolin and Master Sommelier Elizabeth Schweitzer pair some of Piatelli Vineyards’ finest wines with a gourmand dinner prepared by Executive Chef David Furman. Menu highlights include Braised Duck Thigh, Local Caught Grouper, Short Ribs, and a lovely dessert course.
FRIDAY, JANUARY 27
Noon – 2 pm
Choripan & Chimichurri Lunch
VIVA Argentinian Steakhouse
903 Duval St
Have you ever had hot dogs and Champagne? This lively lunch includes Choripan –- a traditional Argentinean appetizer or snack consisting of grilled chorizo on bread topped with chimichurri sauce. Dress like an Argentine tourist for this authentic street food fair.
4:30 – 8 pm
Ode to Francis Mallmann Wine Dinner
Lost Beach At Island Farm
Stock Island
Francis Mallmann is an Argentine celebrity chef, author, and restaurateur who specializes in Argentine cuisine, and especially in Patagonian cuisine. Presented by Key West native Chef Martin Liz of The Lost Kitchen Supper Club, this tribute dinner to Mallman includes a special wine presentation, family-style Asado, and a hand-picked and tasted selection of Argentine wines. Meet promptly at 4:30 pm to board Old Town Trolley at Ocean Sotheby’s International Realty,1075 Duval St in Duval Square.
SATURDAY, JANUARY 28
11:30a m – 2 pm
Perón Wine Lunch – Don’t Cry for Me
Audubon House & Tropical Gardens
205 Whitehead St
Enjoy an assortment of hand-selected wines from Argentina’s top-rated provinces and a delicious lunch of Tiradito, Empanadas, Langostinos, local yellowtail and sugar-topped fritters. Limited to forty people.
5 – 7 pm
SLaM Grand Tasting
Lighthouse & Keepers Quarters
938 Whitehead St
From San Juan, La Rioja, Mendoza, and more, taste wine from every region of Argentina and enjoy a sensational dinner of Argentina specialties, including Deviled Eggs with Tuna Chipas, Blood Sausage Skewers, Roulade of Flank Steak, and Roasted Vegetables.
SUNDAY, JANUARY 29
11am – 1 pm
Last Tango in Cayo Hueso Brunch
KAYA Island Eats
628 Duval St Rear
Music, tango dancing, Argentine wines, and great food make for a fabulous festival finale on KAYA’s Gran Patio Trasero. Menu highlights include Argentine Hominy Stew, Assorted Sandwiches, and Argentinian Churrasco with Chimichurri and assorted desserts.
For complete details and late-breaking news, hit up keywestfoodandwinefestival.com
