The highly anticipated Visit Lauderdale Food & Wine Festival (VLFWF) returns January 13-19, 2025 with an exceptional week of epicurean experiences that invite food and drink lovers to learn from renowned national and local culinary talents, enjoy one-of-a-kind dinners and explore the diverse and innovative flavors that make the region unique.
The sixth annual premier food and wine event in Broward County offers a lineup of 35 immersive experiences, including interactive culinary classes, unforgettable cooking demonstrations, wine and cocktail seminars, signature events, an exclusive dinner series and fan-favorite, The Grand Tasting.
The weeklong festival showcases the dynamic culinary scene of Greater Fort Lauderdale through an impressive gathering of celebrity personalities and chefs headlined by Fabio Viviani, Nancy Fuller, Jason Smith, Alex Belew, and social media personality Alexa Santos of @alexawhatsfordinner. Joining them in the foodie celebration are the region’s local chef legends, emerging chefs, restaurateurs, and local food and beverage establishments.
“Greater Fort Lauderdale has become a mecca for culinary innovation, and the Visit Lauderdale Food & Wine Festival is the perfect way to celebrate this resurgence,” said Stacy Ritter, President and CEO of Visit Lauderdale. “We’re excited to bring together our community to showcase the bounty of incredible talent and the wide variety of locally made foods and flavors that make up our diverse culinary landscape.”
Visit Lauderdale guests can take part in classes and seminars led by award-winning chefs and beverage experts that will sharpen cooking skills and teach the art of pairing wine and spirits with food. Chef Nancy Fuller kicks off the culinary classes with her Farmhouse Rules session, where attendees will learn to create heartwarming, farmhouse-style meals. Chef Jason Smith, known for his Southern flair, will lead the Country Bling Cooking class, offering guests a taste of the South with a contemporary twist. Chef Jorge Montes, a local favorite, will host two classes – one on the Flavors of Spain and the other on French Cookery, giving attendees a chance to explore two of the world’s most celebrated cuisines. Meanwhile, The Art of Ramen class with Chefs Alex Kuk and Diego Ng promises to be a fan favorite given ramen’s rising popularity in the culinary world.
In addition to culinary classes, the festival’s signature events showcase the best of Broward County’s vibrant food and drink scene. It begins on Jan. 15 with Bar Fight!, a spirited mixologist competition, followed by Wok ‘n Roll on Jan. 16, featuring Asian-inspired dishes and live music. On Jan. 17, BBQ at the Beach with Chef Jason Smith offers Southern-style barbecue and a pitmaster competition.
The marquee event, The Grand Tasting on Jan. 18, is the ultimate exploration of food, wine and cocktails, featuring over 100 tastings, celebrity chef demos and live entertainment. The festival concludes with the family-friendly Picnic in the Park on Jan. 19.
VLFWF 2025 also includes an exclusive dinner series featuring the impressive culinary talents of chefs from Greater Fort Lauderdale’s top restaurants and beyond. Each of these dinners is a unique experience with a creative menu available for one night only. On Jan. 13, a dinner at chef/owner Rino Cerbone’s bustling Italian gem, Heritage, marks opening night of the festival. Tuesday evening promises two exceptional collaborative dinners featuring some of South Florida’s top culinary talents. Evelyn’s joins forces with Miami’s Boia De for an innovative dining experience, while Timon Balloo of The Katherine teams up with surprise guest chefs for a memorable meal. Agave fans will be drawn to the tequila dinner at Toro with chef Juan Mateo on Jan. 16.
While savoring all the culinary excellence of Fort Lauderdale, festival guests are simultaneously supporting an invaluable local non-profit. Each year, the VLFWF donates a portion of all proceeds to Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital. This partnership underscores the festival’s dedication to making a positive impact in the local community with every ticket purchase helping contribute to this worthy cause.
VISIT LAUDERDALE FOOD AND WINE FESTIVAL SCHEDULE
SIGNATURE EVENTS
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 15: BAR FIGHT! A SPIRITED COMPETITION
Kick off the Visit Lauderdale Food & Wine Festival signature event series with this lively competition where top mixologists battle it out in a scenic rooftop setting. Guests can enjoy an exciting evening of innovative cocktails and spirited competition, while sampling cocktails from each competitor and voting on their favorite. Don’t miss this chance to help crown the cocktail champion of Greater Fort Lauderdale. Advance ticket pricing begins at $60 and gradually increases to the event day price of $75, pending availability. Bites can be purchased directly from Rooftop @1WLO.
- Time: 6:30 p.m. – 9 p.m.
- Location: Rooftop @1WLO at 1 W Las Olas Blvd #700, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
THURSDAY, JANUARY 16: WOK ‘N ROLL
Indulge in an unforgettable evening at Wok ‘n Roll, where Asian-inspired cuisine takes center stage amidst vibrant live music. This event promises a fusion of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds and ignite your senses. Immerse yourself in a dynamic atmosphere perfect for culinary exploration, where each dish is crafted to perfection and paired with the rhythmic beats of live performers. Whether you’re a food enthusiast or music lover, Wok ‘n Roll offers an experience that blends cultural richness with culinary excellence. Advance ticket pricing begins at $80 and gradually increases to the event day price of $135, pending availability.
- Time: 6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
- Location: Backyard at 100 Southwest 3rd Ave Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312
FRIDAY, JANUARY 17: BBQ AT THE BEACH PRESENTED BY DEMESMIN & DOVER HOSTED BY CELEBRITY CHEF JASON SMITH
Join Visit Lauderdale Food and Wine Festival for an immersive culinary experience at BBQ at the Beach, presented by Demesmin & Dover and hosted by Food Network star Chef Jason Smith. Newly located at Las Olas Intracoastal Promenade Park, this event promises a mouthwatering celebration of BBQ cuisine and competition against the backdrop of Fort Lauderdale Beach. Enjoy live entertainment, soak up the lively atmosphere, savor flavors that perfectly capture the essence of Fort Lauderdale and witness who will be taking over this year’s BBQ champion. Advance ticket pricing begins at $85 and gradually increases to the event day price of $135, pending availability.
- Time: 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.
- Location: Las Olas Intracoastal Promenade Park at 80 Las Olas Cir, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
SATURDAY, JANUARY 18: THE GRAND TASTING
The Grand Tasting will be the highlight of the festival where attendees will enjoy over 100 food and beverage tastings, celebrity chef cooking demonstrations, and live music. Advance General Admission (GA) tickets are priced at $95 and gradually increase to the event day price of $150, offering three hours of unlimited tastings, a commemorative tasting glass, and access to cooking demos and wine/cocktail seminars. Advance VIP tickets are SOLD OUT!.
- Time: GA Access 1 p.m- 4 p.m.; VIP Access Noon – 4 p.m.
- Location: Las Olas Oceanside Park at 3000 E Las Olas Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
SUNDAY, JANUARY 19: PICNIC IN THE PARK PRESENTED BY JOE DIMAGGIO CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL
Picnic in the Park presented by Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital is a family-friendly event for all ages, held at Las Olas Oceanside Park, that offers a relaxed atmosphere where attendees will enjoy a curated lineup of food trucks, hands-on culinary classes for the whole family, kid-friendly cooking demonstrations, live entertainment, the JDCH Kid’s Zone, and local artisan vendors. Picnic in the Park is designed to be a day of fun and relaxation, celebrating the spirit of community and togetherness.
- Time: Noon- 4 p.m.
- Location: Las Olas Oceanside Park at 3000 E Las Olas Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
SUNDAY, JANUARY 19: BEACHSIDE BRUNCH HOSTED BY NANCY FULLER
Join us for Beachside Brunch hosted by the beloved Food Network Star Chef Nancy Fuller, known for her warm hospitality and farm-to-table expertise. This exquisite culinary experience allows attendees to indulge in delectable brunch fare expertly prepared by some of the top culinary talent in Greater Fort Lauderdale. This event promises to be a relaxed and gourmet affair where every bite is savored with views of the tranquil beach. Advance ticket pricing begins at $75 and gradually increases to the event day price of $95, pending availability, offering an exceptional opportunity to enjoy the best flavors of the coast in an idyllic walk-around setting.
- Time: 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
- Location: Las Olas Oceanside Park at 3000 E Las Olas Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
DINNER SERIES
MONDAY, JANUARY 13:
OPENING NIGHT AT HERITAGE
- Kick off the culinary festivities with an unforgettable opening night at Heritage, featuring a lineup of exquisite dishes and curated experiences. ($225)
TUESDAY, JANUARY 14:
EVELYN’S X BOIA DE!
- Join the exciting collaboration between Evelyn’s and Boia De for a night of exceptional dining and innovative culinary creations. ($275)
THE KATHERINE: TIMON BALLOO AND FRIENDS
- Indulge in a memorable dining experience with Timon Balloo of The Katherine and friends, combining distinctive flavors and exceptional dishes. ($200)
PIZZERIA MAGADDINO BEER PAIRING DINNER
- Experience an evening of delicious pizza paired perfectly with craft beers, brought to you by Pizzeria Magaddino. ($99)
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 15:
BURLOCK COAST WITH KATHLEEN BLAKE AND MELISSA KELLY
- Savor a collaborative dinner at Burlock Coast with celebrated chefs Kathleen Blake and Melissa Kelly, featuring farm-to-table flavors. ($200)
ROBBIE FELICE AT TRP TASTE
- Enjoy a one-of-a-kind meal with Chef Robbie Felice at TRP Taste, with options for Chef Counter seating ($250) or Dinner seating ($200).
WINE PAIRING DINNER AT PLANTA WITH CHEF DAVID LEE
- Take a plant-based culinary journey at Planta with Founder and Chef David Lee, featuring wines by Frey Vineyards and Kwaya Cellars ($150)
THURSDAY, JANUARY 16:
S3 OMAKASE WITH CHEF PED
- Delight in an expertly crafted omakase experience at S3, led by Chef Ped, offering a modern Japanese-inspired menu. ($250-$340)
RYAN O’SULLIVAN AND MARTIN VERANO COLLAB AT TRP TASTE
- Join Chefs Ryan O’Sullivan and Martin Verano for a collaborative dinner at TRP Taste, available at the Chef Counter ($250) or Dinner seating ($200).
TEQUILA DINNER AT TORO WITH CHEF JUAN MATEO
- Embark on a flavorful journey with a tequila-infused plant-based dinner curated by Chef Juan Mateo at Toro. ($150)
CULINARY AND BEVERAGE CLASSES
MONDAY, JANUARY 13:
FARMHOUSE RULES WITH NANCY FULLER AT ALLIED KITCHEN & BATH – 6:30 PM
- Hosted by the beloved celebrity chef known for her show “Farmhouse Rules,” this class is perfect for those who want to explore rustic, home-cooked meals with a modern twist. ($85)
TUESDAY, JANUARY 14:
THE ART OF RAMEN WITH CHEFS ALEX KUK AND DIEGO NG AT TEMPLE STREET EATERY
- Discover the secrets behind one of the world’s most beloved comfort foods in this class that brings the complex flavors of ramen to life. ($75)
THE FLAVORS OF SPAIN WITH CHEF JORGE MONTES AT SISTRUNK MARKETPLACE
- Explore the bold and vibrant world of Spanish cuisine with Chef Jorge Montes as he guides you through the preparation of traditional Spanish dishes. ($75)
HIGH BROW/LOW BROW PAIRINGS WITH SOMMELIER DAVE LOPEZ AND CHEF WALTER NAVARRO AT SIDEWALK BOTTLESHOP
- Explore the intersection of fine wines and comfort foods with this playful yet sophisticated pairing seminar. ($75)
WEIRD GRAPES WITH SOMMELIER ROBERTO COLOMBI AT UNION KITCHEN & BAR
- Expand your wine knowledge with a deep dive into rare and lesser-known grape varietals. ($65)
ALL ABOUT AGAVE WITH COCKTAIL UNCULTURED AT PRIMO LIQUORS
- Discover the rich history, culture, and science behind tequila—a star in the family of spirits born from the mighty agave—as we journey from the blue Weber agave of Jalisco to the wild agaves of Oaxaca, learning to taste, smell, and appreciate the nuances of this iconic Mexican libation while crafting unforgettable cocktails. ($65)
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 15:
FRENCH COOKERY WITH CHEF JORGE MONTES AT SISTRUNK MARKETPLACE
- For those with a penchant for classic French cuisine, Chef Montes will take you on a journey through essential French dishes and techniques. ($75)
ICE CREAM AND OHANA WITH CHEF JIMMY ANDERSON AT SWEET ALOHA ICE CREAM
- This family-friendly class lets you craft your own ice cream creations while learning about the significance of Ohana in Hawaiian culture. ($50)
UNITED STATES WINE TOUR WITH SOMMELIER ROBERTO COLOMBI: AT UNION KITCHEN & BAR
- Embark on a coast-to-coast wine journey that highlights the best of American vineyards. ($65)
THURSDAY, JANUARY 16:
COUNTRY BLING COOKING WITH JASON SMITH AT SISTRUNK MARKETPLACE
- Join celebrity chef Jason Smith, known for his Southern-inspired cuisine, as he teaches attendees how to bring a little sparkle to their home-cooked meals. ($85)
PROHIBITION ERA COCKTAILS WITH COCKTAIL UNCULTURED
- Sip on the spirit of rebellion with classic Prohibition-era cocktails like The Bee’s Knees, The Manhattan, and The Clover Club. Born in smoky speakeasies and hidden haunts, these iconic drinks embody a little defiance in every glass. Join Cocktail Uncultured to learn the art of these historic libations and bring a taste of the Roaring Twenties to your next gathering. ($65)
AU NATUREL DEEP DIVE WITH SOMMELIER DAVE LOPEZ AND CHEF WALTER NAVARRO AT SIDEWALK BOTTLESHOP
- Explore the growing trend of natural wines, focusing on minimal-intervention winemaking and its distinct flavors. ($75)
FRIDAY, JANUARY 17:
THE SWEETEST PAIRINGS WITH SOMMELIER TIMOTHY GRAHAM AND CHEF LEE MAZOR AT SMALL WINE SHOP
- Indulge your sweet tooth with this seminar that pairs
- decadent desserts with complimentary wines. ($75)
Tickets are now on sale now for the sixth annual Visit Lauderdale Food & Wine Festival. The full schedule of classes, signature events and dinners can be found on the festival’s website at VLFoodWine.com.
Photos Courtesy of Visit Lauderdale Food & Wine Festival