FORKS & CORKS FOOD FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES GRAND TASTING TICKET LAUNCH!
Get ready to savor the best of Sarasota & Manatee!
SARASOTA, FL (September 9, 2024) – Sarasota-Manatee Originals is thrilled to announce ticket information for the highly anticipated Grand Tasting event of the 2025 Forks & Corks Food & Wine Festival. Due to the high demand for tickets each year, Forks & Corks Grand Tasting tickets launch on two different dates. General Admission tickets will be available on October 15 at 7PM and are expected to sell out quickly. For those who want an exclusive edge, VIP and Early Access tickets for The Grand Tasting will be available starting Tuesday October 8 at 9AM in a Pre-Sale. All Forks & Corks Grand Tasting tickets are available online only at this address: https://forks-corks.squadup.com
Forks & Corks’ most sought-after event is The Grand Tasting taking place on Sunday, January 26, 2025 in the historic courtyard of The Ringling Museum of Art in Sarasota. Guests will sample and savor delicious dishes presented by over 40 Members of the Sarasota-Manatee Originals restaurant group and sip from a collection of more than 300 unique wines from across the globe.
“The 2025 event will once again bring the Who’s-Who of the wine world to the Gulf Coast,” said Michael Klauber, Forks & Corks Wine Chairman, and Owner of Michaels on East and The Green Orchid. “We are assembling a stellar group of international winemakers to showcase their wines alongside our area’s most passionate culinary professionals and restaurateurs.” Event wines are selected by Klauber and judged by an esteemed group of beverage professionals prior to the January event. More than 60 distinguished wineries from the world’s most famous wine producing countries are expected to be represented at the 2025 Festival.
The Forks & Corks Grand Tasting also features live musical entertainment, a wine retail tent where patrons can purchase the various wines tasted, photobooths, and a beer garden. Additionally, returning again this year is the immersive Global Market presented by Edible Sarasota magazine which highlights the cultural diversity of our area’s restaurant scene. The 2025 theme, Epic Asia, celebrates the rich and diverse culinary heritage that has influenced food cultures worldwide. From the bustling streets of Tokyo to the serene temples of Thailand, Grand Tasting guests can embark on a flavorful journey as they explore authentic dishes, drinks, and demonstrations from our region’s acclaimed Japanese and Thai-inspired restaurants.
Grand Tasting ticket types include:
● General Admission ($195+ per person) provides unlimited tastings at The Grand Tasting from 12 to 4PM
● Grand Tasting VIP ticket holders ($475+ each) receive a variety of perks including a $150 wine voucher for the onsite wine shop, complimentary valet parking, and tent-covered seating and fun activities at the Forks & Corks VIP Experience presented by The Scout Guide
● Early Access tickets ($375+ each) include a $50 wine voucher.
● Both VIP and Early Access Ticket holders will enjoy expedited early access to a Welcome Reception (11AM to 12PM) as well as early event entrance into the Grand Tasting in the Courtyard at 11:30AM
Since its inception in 2008, the Forks & Corks Food and Wine Festival has grown to include more than 24 events over 5 days. In addition to The Grand Tasting, the 2025 Festival schedule includes the always-popular University Master Classes (Saturday, January 25), a bountiful selection of Wine Dinners at area restaurants (Thursday, January 23 – Saturday, January 25), local wine shop tasting events (January 25), an industry-exclusive trade tasting (Monday, January 27) and the Forks & Corks Online Food and Wine Auction (Monday, January 20 to Sunday, January 26 at 3pm.)
Forks & Corks is the primary fundraiser for the Sarasota-Manatee Originals, supporting local, independent restaurants. For more information visit www.eatlikealocal.com