Key West Food and Wine Fest to Blend Cuisine, Vintages and Florida Keys Flair

KEY WEST, Florida Keys — Adventurous aficionados of fine food and vintages can explore creative cuisine, premium wines and unique events in a subtropical island setting during the annual Key West Food and Wine Festival.

Set for Wednesday through Sunday, Jan. 25-29, the festival's indoor and outdoor events showcase local chefs' culinary flair and favorite indigenous ingredients, intriguing libations and distinctive Florida Keys atmosphere.

Attendees can whet their appetites for island-style excellence at Henry Flagler's Welcome Party, planned for 5-7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 25, on the Atlantic Ocean beach of Casa Marina, A Waldorf Astoria Resort, at 1500 Reynolds St. The mouthwatering gathering is to recall the elegance of the early 1900s, shortly after the completion of Flagler's Florida Keys Over-Sea Railroad and the luxurious Casa Marina. Subsequent festival standouts include two Wine Around Neighborhood Strolls set for 4-6 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 26. Guests can choose from the Bahama Village or Historic Seaport experience, both featuring stops at unique neighborhood emporiums for samples of cuisine and wines.

Friday's schedule stars the oceanfront Sunset Grand Tasting at Key West's Reach Resort, 1435 Simonton St. Attendees can enjoy fine wines and light bites from the property's Spencer's by the Sea, featuring the casually sophisticated fusion fare of Chef Jose Gomez.

Key West's historic Old Town is to be the setting for an adventure for wine lovers Saturday afternoon during "Old Town Uncorked." The event pairs a tasting stroll featuring vintages from diverse wine regions with an exploration of more than 25 enticing boutiques, shops and galleries.

In addition, festival attendees can immerse themselves in a series of exclusive winemaker dinners scheduled nightly Jan. 25-28. Each intimate dinner pairs inspired cuisine with a selection of fine wines from a leading vineyard or winery. The experiences are curated and guided by acclaimed wine experts.

Other festival events include a stargazing after-dinner cocktail cruise, informative wine seminars, the intriguingly named "Bad Ass Brunch Series" and a traditional shrimp boil featuring Key West pink shrimp. In addition, festivalgoers can choose to attend the Master Chefs Classic culinary competition that showcases the talents of local chefs.

A VIP "connoisseur experience" package is available covering admission to multiple events and exclusive benefits, or attendees can purchase tickets for individual events.

Festival information and ticketing: keywestfoodandwinefestival.com

Key West visitor information: fla-keys.com/keywest or 1-800-LAST-KEY

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