Sarasota Wine Festival brings wines from around the world

By Ian Swaby
| 8:50 a.m. March 23, 2025

Laura George pours wine for Jason Campbell and his mother Colleen Campbell.

Sarasota
Neighbors

On March 22, sampling wines from multiple locations around the world was as easy as a walk in the park.

The Sarasota Wine Festival, held at Selby Five Points Park, brought wines from partners that included Rutini Wines in Argentina, Familia Torres of Spain, Justin Winery of California and others.

The event also featured live music by Jack'd Up, seminars and mixology classes, food trucks, a market with local vendors and more.

"It's a lovely event for Sarasota, and nice to see people come downtown and see what downtown has to offer," said attendee Renate Budreau.

Event attendee Ed Ryder complimented the Justin wines, for which he said his group went back several times, as well as "great Riojas" from Spain.

"I've been to 100 of these things," he said. "It's kind of small and condensed, but they had a good variety for a small event."

David Weinstein and his dating partner Lisa Eshkov take a selfie in front of an SRQ Wine sign.

The event took place at Selby Five Points Park.

Sharon Frank, Dawn Eldrand and Renate Budreau chat

Greg Boulanger and his partner Lisa Ardito

Kurt Kiehnle and Larry Kirby of the band Jack'd Up play off of each other's energy.

Ed Ryder, Maggie Ryder, Grant Kief and Carolyn Kief

There was a variety of wine served at the event.

Artist Stephanie Linden paints a fitting image.

Sheley Osmond pours a wine for Karissa Campbell.

Sarasota's Shana Shields of Jasmine Hat Co. was one of the event vendors.

Theresa Salvatori meets Pebbles, a Great Dane who belongs to Jill and Jeff Tabak.

José Hernandez prepares to serve a bottle of wine.

author

Ian Swaby

Ian Swaby is the Sarasota neighbors writer for the Observer. Ian is a Florida State University graduate of Editing, Writing, and Media and previously worked in the publishing industry in the Cayman Islands.