SARASOTA, Fla. — If you’re looking to wine and dine this weekend, Sarasota-Manatee County has what you need. The Forks & Corks 12th Annual Food and Wine Festival kicks off this Thursday, May 2 and will run until Sunday, May 5.
The event features celebrity wine makers, world class wine and a wide array of food from 60 independently owned local restaurants on Florida’s Suncoast. Here is the schedule for the festival events.
May 2-4, Winemaker Dinners — These ticketed affairs showcase some of the medal-winning wines with perfectly paired menus at select Sarasota-Manatee Originals establishments. Led by some of the world’s greatest wine purveyors, these intimate and inspiring dinners provide a rare experience for devoted foodies and wine enthusiasts.
May 4, Forks and Corks University Master Class — Led by seven world-renowned industry professionals and winemakers, this exclusive wine seminar will showcase 14 award-winning wines from around the globe. Following the theme of “Technique & Terroir: A Discussion of Old World & New World Wines,” the event will feature wines from California, Oregon, Portugal, Italy and more. The class will be held in the Michael's On East Ballroom from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Tickets are just $50 and include admission to the Master Class and admission to the Michael’s Wine Cellar Retail Tasting, immediately following. You can purchase tickets here.
May 4, Retail Tastings — The county will be peppered with a number of “pop-up” retail tastings hosted by some of the area’s leading local wine merchants. These events range from more intimate get-togethers to large gatherings.
May 5, Grand Tasting — An instant sell-out, the Grand Tasting takes place within the expansive courtyard of The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art in Sarasota. Attendees sip from a collection of more than 350 wines from across the globe – all hand-selected and professionally tasted, judged and recognized as medal winners – and savor culinary creations from members of the Sarasota-Manatee Originals. A retail tent is also available, where patrons can purchase various varietals, making Forks & Corks one of only a few festivals in the Southeast to provide the opportunity to purchase the showcased wines on-site during the event. Tickets start at $150 and can be purchased here.
For more information about the Forks & Corks Food and Wine Festival, click here.
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