Greater Fort Lauderdale attracts visitors from around the globe, creating a diverse culinary scene where you can enjoy a literal buffet of international cuisine year-round. The combination of diverse cuisine and a thriving food and beverage scene has given rise to our ultimate foodie event: the Visit Lauderdale Food & Wine Festival.
Although the event is just a few years old, it has quickly exploded into a major festival on par with other regional gatherings that have garnered international acclaim.
Before you go, here’s everything you need to know about the Visit Lauderdale Food & Wine Festival:
About the Festival
The Visit Lauderdale Food & Wine Festival is now in its sixth year, taking place from Jan. 13 to 19, 2025 in various locations throughout Greater Fort Lauderdale. This year, 35 events are planned, from classes and seminars to dinners and the festival’s pinnacle, the Grand Tasting.
Take notes from the pros during classes and seminars taught by the local and nationally recognized pros, from Chef Nancy Fuller’s Farmhouse Rules and Chef Jason Smith’s Country Bling Cooking to Chef Jorge Montes’ Flavors of Spain and French Cookery. Be sure to also check out The Art of Ramen with chefs Alex Kuk and Diego Ng from Fort Lauderdale’s own Temple Street Eatery.
Some of the culinary chefs themselves will host intimate dinners during the Visit Lauderdale Food & Wine Festival. The dinner series kicks off on Jan. 13 at Heritage, hosted by Chef and Owner Rino Cerbone. Two dinners follow on Jan. 14, with Fort Lauderdale’s Evelyn’s teaming up with Miami’s Boia De; and Timon Balloo of The Katherine collaborating with surprise guest chefs. Finally, on Jan. 16, a tequila dinner will be held at Toro Latin Kitchen & Tequila Library with Chef Juan Mateo.
Signature events are a highlight of the Visit Lauderdale Food & Wine Festival, drawing attendees back year after year. The festivities begin with the mixology competition Bar Fight! on Jan. 15 at Rooftop @1WLO, where bartenders will shake things up. On Jan. 16, Wok ‘n Roll will offer an evening of Asian-inspired dishes paired with live music at Backyard Fort Lauderdale.
On Jan. 17, Chef Smith will take the spotlight at BBQ at the Beach, featuring Southern-style barbecue and a pitmaster showdown at Las Olas Oceanside Park (The LOOP).
The excitement peaks with The Grand Tasting on Jan. 18, a 21+ event also held at The LOOP, where attendees can explore a variety of food, wine, and cocktail vendors. Chefs Fabio Viviani, Alex Belew, and Alexa Santos will host live demonstrations and make appearances. While savoring the flavors, guests can cast their vote for Best Bite.
The festival wraps up with two more can’t-miss events. On Jan. 19, Chef Fuller hosts Beachside Brunch, and the celebration concludes with the family-friendly Picnic in the Park.
Giving Back
With every bite and sip you take at the Visit Lauderdale Food & Wine Festival, attendees will feel good knowing they’re helping give back to the community. That’s because a portion of proceeds from the event will be donated to Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital, Broward County’s top children’s hospital. These vital funds will help the hospital connect children with pediatric specialists as well as expand facilities, conduct research, and provide support programs to those who need them.
Plan your trip
Greater Fort Lauderdale makes it easy to enjoy your visit while attending the Visit Lauderdale Food & Wine Festival.
Land at the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, located minutes from the main events. And once again, the festival has partnered with Delta Airlines to offer attendees discounted airfare using event code NM45K.
If you’re looking for a place to stay, you’ll find endless beachfront and downtown accommodations throughout Greater Fort Lauderdale. The official headquarters of the Visit Lauderdale Food & Wine Festival is the iconic B Ocean Resort Fort Lauderdale and partner hotels include Bahia Mar Fort Lauderdale Beach - a DoubleTree by Hilton, Courtyard by Marriott Fort Lauderdale Beach, and Hilton Fort Lauderdale Marina.
Whether you’re a local wanting to support your favorite chef in town or a visitor to Greater Fort Lauderdale eager to explore the community’s culinary offerings, the Visit Lauderdale Wine & Food Festival is the best way to eat your way through Broward County. No matter your tastes, you’re sure to find something for everyone under the sun.