Florida Winefest & Auction brings charities to the table

The 24th annual Florida Winefest & Auction is one of the biggest charitable events in Florida. The festival benefits 77 local charities, with a focus on children in need in Sarasota and Manatee counties. This year, the festival will include eight events held at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall.

The festival begins with a preview winemaker dinner Wednesday, April 9, at Bijou Café, where Chef/owner Jean-Pierre Knaggs and Executive Chef Bob Camilli will create a multi-course dinner paired with the wines of Collier Falls Vineyard.

The Grand Tasting, Brunch and Charity Auction Saturday, April 12, invites attendees to try wines from more than 40 wineries at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall while raising money with a silent auction.

At the festival’s final event, Wine on the Water, attendees can sample more varieties of vino in a casual, alfresco setting on the waterfront. Four local chefs will offer cooking demonstrations, and food from Nancy’s Bar-B-Q and Coconut Coast Catering will be available for purchase.

For information and to purchase tickets, call 952-1109 or visit floridawinefest.org.

IF YOU GO
Preview Winemaker Dinner
6:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 9, at Bijou Café

Florida Winefest Pops!
6:30 p.m. Thursday, April 10, at the bayfront grounds of Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall

Get Fresh with Winefest
6:30 p.m. Thursday, April 10, at Andrea’s and Suncoast Porsche.

Bayfront Showcase Lunch Tasting
11 a.m. Friday, April 11, at the bayfront grounds of Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall

Business Trade Tasting
12:30 p.m. Friday, April 11, at the bayfront grounds of Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall (By invitation only — Open to members of the hospitality industry who hold a liquor license)

Banquet on the Block
6:30 p.m. Friday, April 11, on Lemon Avenue

Grand Tasting, Brunch and Charity Auction
11 a.m. Saturday, April 12, at the bayfront grounds of Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall

Wine on the Water
1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, April 13, at the bayfront grounds of Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall

Contact Harriet Sokmensuer at [email protected]