Good times uncorked at annual Forks & Corks Grand Tasting

Other than a few early gusts, it was hard to imagine a better day in the courtyard of the Ringling Museum as Sarasota's weeklong epicurean festival known as Forks & Corks came to its culmination Jan. 25.

VIP guests to the Grand Tasting event were greeted with early entry, a Champagne toast and a wine store ready with carts to fill. 

Under the watchful eye of The Ringling’s David statue, which stands just over 16 feet tall at the west edge of the courtyard, more than 1,500 guests packed the venue. Dolled up in their finest colors, hats, suit jackets and footwear, attendees made it a true garden party. 

Dana Lawrence and his Kettle of Fish provided the tunes, while restaurants and winemakers bustled about serving up the kind of food and wine these discerning palates have come to expect.

Forks & Corks is hosted by Sarasota-Manatee Originals, an organization made up of independent and locally owned restaurants. For the event, the establishments work together to bring local chefs and restaurateurs together with winemakers from around the world.

In addition to supporting the work the Originals does to market the Suncoast as a culinary destination, the event donated $5,000 to the All Star Children’s Foundation, which helps children and families in foster care.