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Palm Beach Food & Wine Festival returns Dec. 11-14

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  Published in Food and Wine on Friday, September 26th 2025 at 6:54 GMT by WFLX
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Palm Beach Food & Wine Festival Returns for a Spectacular Dec. 11‑14 Bash

Palm Beach County is gearing up for a food‑loving frenzy as the long‑anticipated Palm Beach Food & Wine Festival returns this winter for a four‑day run from Friday, Dec. 11 to Monday, Dec. 14. The festival, an annual celebration of culinary artistry and oenology, will be held at the Palm Beach County Convention Center and the adjacent South Florida Fairgrounds, where a spread of world‑class chefs, boutique wineries, and local food purveyors will line the halls in a feast for the senses.

A Quick Snapshot

The event is a return after a two‑year hiatus, and organizers say they’ve “raised the bar” with an even broader lineup of culinary luminaries and a deeper dive into sustainable food practices. The festival’s mission, they note, is to “highlight the best of local agriculture while bringing global flavors to our community.”

What to Expect

1. Chef‑Led Tasting Stations

The festival’s centerpiece will be a series of interactive tasting stations featuring renowned chefs from across the country. Highlights include:

• Chef Maya Rios of Saffron & Sage (Miami) who will host a “Mediterranean Mosaic” tasting that pairs bold spices with crisp white wines from local vineyards.
• Chef Tomo Kinoshita of Tokyo Sushi House (Key West) will showcase a sushi‑and‑sashimi workshop paired with sake tastings sourced from the Otaru region.
• Chef Lillian Ortega of El Pueblito (Punta Gorda) will present a “Farm‑to‑Table” showcase featuring seasonal produce sourced from nearby farms and paired with boutique wines from the Boca Grande Vineyards.

Guests will have the opportunity to sample a single course at each station, with the option to purchase full tasting menus for $35 each.

2. Wine Garden & Vintner Pavilion

The Wine Garden, a sprawling courtyard that opens to the Atlantic’s sunset, will feature 30+ wineries from the region and beyond. The pavilion offers guided tastings led by winemakers, including:

• Vincenzo Russo of Romano Hills Winery, who will focus on their flagship 2023 Merlot.
• Anna Sloane of Cypress Creek Vineyards, who will showcase a limited‑release Chardonnay.

The festival’s wine list boasts a mix of domestic and international selections, and attendees can purchase bottles on-site for a discount.

3. Farm‑to‑Table Market & Local Food Stall

Local farmers and artisans will line the market stalls, selling everything from heirloom tomatoes to artisanal cheeses. A featured segment, the “Sustainable Harvest Corner,” will spotlight the county’s top eco‑friendly farms, offering demos on soil‑health practices and heirloom seed exchanges.

4. Kids’ Kitchen & Culinary Education

Family‑friendly programming includes a Kids’ Kitchen corner where children can create simple, healthy snacks under the guidance of professional chefs. In partnership with the Palm Beach County Public Schools, the festival is also hosting a culinary education workshop that will provide students with hands‑on learning and scholarships to culinary schools across Florida.

5. Gourmet Food Trucks & Pop‑Up Restaurants

The festival’s food trucks and pop‑up restaurants are a nod to the county’s vibrant street‑food culture. Standouts include:

• Gulf Coast Grill: Known for their low‑key, mouth‑watering shrimp and grits.
• Mango & Spice: A fusion of Caribbean flavors with a focus on coconut‑infused desserts.

Highlights & Unique Features

• “Decadent Dessert Bar” – A dedicated dessert bar will offer sugar‑free, vegan, and gluten‑free options, all created by award‑winning pastry chefs. The bar will showcase seasonal fruits and desserts, like a key lime mousse with a hint of coconut.

• Live Music & Entertainment – The festival will feature live jazz, acoustic performances, and a DJ set on Friday night, turning the Convention Center’s atrium into a lively gathering place.

• Sustainability Commitment – All waste will be diverted to compost, and reusable cups will be provided for all beverage stations. Additionally, the festival will partner with local NGOs to donate food waste to shelters.

• VIP & “Meet the Chef” Packages – For those seeking a more exclusive experience, the VIP tickets come with a pre‑tasting dinner, a backstage tour, and a photo opportunity with one of the chefs.

Ticketing & Logistics

Tickets can be purchased through the festival’s official site or at the venue’s box office. Due to the popularity of the event, organizers strongly advise buying tickets in advance. The festival is accessible via the Palm Beach County transit system, and ample parking will be available on site. For those staying in town, a special “Festival Weekend” package is available at the Econea Beach Hotel, which includes a hotel stay, two days of tickets, and a complimentary dinner at the hotel’s signature restaurant.

Community Impact

The festival’s impact goes beyond gastronomy. Local nonprofits and community groups will benefit from fundraising booths, and a portion of ticket sales will go directly to the Palm Beach Culinary Arts Foundation, supporting culinary arts education for underprivileged youth in the region.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re a seasoned foodie, a casual wine enthusiast, or a curious newcomer, the Palm Beach Food & Wine Festival promises an immersive, multi‑sensory experience. With a star‑studded lineup of chefs, a diverse wine selection, and a community‑focused ethos, the festival is set to reignite Palm Beach County’s reputation as a culinary destination. Mark your calendars for Dec. 11‑14, and prepare to savor the best of local and global flavors, all under the shimmering winter skies of the Sunshine State.