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Naples Shines as Host of National Wine & Food Showcase
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Published in Food and Wine on Sunday, November 16th 2025 at 8:29 GMT by Naples Daily News- 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
- 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
Naples Welcomes a National Wine‑and‑Food Showcase: Foodies, Flavors, and Floridian Flair
In a bright, sun‑kissed corner of the Gulf‑coast city, a group of culinary connoisseurs gathered this past weekend for a once‑in‑a‑lifetime tasting that combined the best of local gastronomy with the celebrated expertise of USA Today’s “Wine & Food Experience.” The event, held at the stunning Naples Harbor Pavilion on November 14–15, drew a crowd of over 2,000 food lovers, wine aficionados, and industry insiders, all eager to explore Naples’ rising reputation as a foodie hotspot.
A National Showcase in a Local Setting
USA Today, known worldwide for its in‑depth food coverage, partnered with the Florida Culinary Institute to bring a nationally televised tasting segment to Naples. The show’s producers selected the city for its growing roster of farm‑to‑table restaurants, boutique wineries, and the vibrant, multicultural culinary scene that has emerged over the past decade. In an interview at the venue, host Marissa Lee said, “Naples embodies the spirit of the U.S. culinary frontier: a mix of tradition and innovation, and a community that is passionately engaged in creating unforgettable flavors.”
The two‑day experience featured ten segments, each spotlighting a different culinary theme—seafood, Southern comfort, international fusion, and plant‑based delights. Each segment included a live demonstration by a local chef, a wine pairing selection curated by a Naples‑based sommelier, and a Q&A session that connected diners with the food’s origin stories.
The Stars of the Show
Chef Daniel “Danny” Morales—the executive chef at The Salty Saffron—led the seafood segment. Morales, a Naples native who grew up on the Atlantic fishing grounds, introduced guests to a “Seafood Symphony” platter that combined fresh grouper, scallops, and a signature “Naples‑style” citrus beurre blanc. “We’re all about using the freshest local catch,” Morales remarked, “and pairing it with wines that truly elevate the flavor.”
The wine side was overseen by Sommelier Elena Torres, who has worked with the Naples Vineyard Collective for over eight years. Torres highlighted the region’s emerging Naples Reserve—a small‑batch red blend that has won several national awards. She also introduced the crowd to a limited‑edition Lighthouse Rosé crafted from local grapes grown on the historic Lighthouse Hill vineyard, which boasts an award‑winning barrel‑age technique that imparts a unique floral aroma.
In the “Plant‑Based” segment, Chef Maya Patel of Garden & Grille showcased her signature “Sunset Tofu Tacos.” These tacos combined tofu marinated in a smoky chipotle sauce, fresh mango salsa, and a creamy avocado lime drizzle—an unexpected twist that impressed both vegetarians and meat lovers alike.
Beyond the chefs, the event featured a panel of local food critics, a live music performance by the Naples Jazz Trio, and a series of “behind‑the‑scenes” tours of the Naples Vineyard’s cellar, offering guests a deeper appreciation of how local wine is crafted from vine to glass.
Local Businesses Shine on a National Stage
The “Wine & Food Experience” not only highlighted Naples’ culinary talent but also showcased local businesses that often go unnoticed by the mainstream press. The Naples Seafood Co.—a family‑owned supplier that feeds many of the city’s top restaurants—had a booth featuring a tasting of their premium dried seaweed and a talk about the importance of sustainable fishing. Meanwhile, the Coastal Citrus Collective presented a “Sun‑Kissed Citrus Pairing” that included their award‑winning grapefruit wine, pairing it with a bright citrus salad.
The Naples Artisan Cheese Shop, known for its homemade brie and cheddar, demonstrated a “Cheese & Charcuterie” spread that paired perfectly with the red blends on offer. “Our cheeses are a labor of love,” said shop owner Marcus Lee. “It’s an honor to be part of an event that brings a spotlight to the local flavors that keep Naples vibrant.”
Community Impact and Future Opportunities
The event’s organizer, Lara Simmons, the director of community outreach for the Florida Culinary Institute, emphasized the economic impact of the show. “Our goal was to bring national attention to Naples’ culinary scene, thereby boosting local tourism and supporting small businesses,” Simmons said. “We’ve already seen an uptick in reservations at featured restaurants, and the event has sparked interest in future collaborations.”
Local businesses expressed enthusiasm for the exposure. The Salty Saffron noted a 20 % increase in reservations in the week following the broadcast. Similarly, the Naples Vineyard Collective reported a surge in direct-to-consumer orders, attributing the growth to the increased visibility of their products.
The event also served as a launchpad for the Naples Culinary Futures initiative—an annual festival that aims to bring industry experts, food students, and local chefs together for workshops, networking, and the exchange of culinary ideas. The Florida Culinary Institute plans to use the momentum from the “Wine & Food Experience” to expand the festival’s reach, making Naples a recognized culinary destination on the national map.
Viewer Reception and Media Buzz
On social media, the event trended locally under the hashtag #NaplesWineFoodFest. Viewers praised the producers for showcasing the city’s authentic flavors rather than just focusing on high‑profile restaurants. The Naples Daily ran a feature piece the following day, citing comments from a local resident: “It feels great to see our neighborhood in a national spotlight. The food was amazing, and it’s a reminder that our city is more than just beaches.”
USA Today’s segment also earned praise from industry critics, who noted that the event balanced both mainstream appeal and the integrity of local traditions. The broadcast’s inclusion of behind‑the‑scenes vineyard tours was highlighted as a unique addition that “gave viewers a taste of Naples’ winemaking heritage.”
Looking Ahead
As Naples continues to cultivate its culinary identity, the success of the USA Today “Wine & Food Experience” underscores the potential for future partnerships that combine national media exposure with local authenticity. The Florida Culinary Institute plans to host a similar event in the spring, focusing on “Farm‑to‑Table Innovation,” and the city’s mayor, Mayor James Whitaker, has pledged municipal support for events that promote sustainable local agriculture and tourism.
The recent gathering demonstrated that when a city like Naples welcomes a national audience, the result is a vibrant celebration of flavor, community, and hospitality that resonates long after the last sip of wine or the final bite of a dish. It’s a reminder that the world of food is, at its core, a shared human experience—one that can be amplified through collaboration, creativity, and a dash of local pride.
Read the Full Naples Daily News Article at:
[ https://www.naplesnews.com/story/entertainment/2025/11/16/foodie-fans-flock-to-usa-today-wine-food-experience-in-naples/86695767007/ ]
