For nearly three decades, Bern’s Winefest has been more than just a celebration of food and drink — it’s a ritual, a feast, and a phenomenon. Every year, wine lovers, culinary adventurers, and curious first-timers descend upon South Tampa to be part of this iconic week-long affair. Mark your calendars, because April 21–27, 2025, is when the magic unfolds — culminating with the Grand Tasting Experience.
A Taste of Legacy: What Is Bern’s Winefest?
Think of Bern’s Winefest as the Super Bowl of South Tampa’s culinary scene. Hosted by the Laxer Family Foundation, this event isn’t just about sipping fine wine — it’s a fundraising powerhouse, a gastronomic pilgrimage, and a celebration of craftsmanship. The proceeds support the Bern Laxer Memorial Scholarship Fund, administered by the James Beard Foundation, empowering future talents in culinary arts, hospitality, and viticulture — the soul of winemaking.
Crème de la Crème: The Grand Tasting Experience
On April 27, 2025, the spotlight lands on Haven for the Grand Tasting Experience, running from 12–4 p.m. It’s not your everyday wine event — it’s elite sipping, decadent bites, and musical enchantment. Over 300 hand-selected wine labels will be poured, including the legendary 2021 Don Melchor and rare vintages like Rowan and Favia.
Expect everything from caviar and oysters to a show-stopping cheese display. And with live sounds by the Manhattan Band of Jordan Kahn Productions, the vibe is pure magic.
Why This Year Is Bigger Than Ever
Each Winefest brings new collaborations, bold wines, and exquisite dinners — but 2025 is special. With all events sold out, the buzz is electric. If you missed tickets, the online auction is your second chance. Expect rare bottles, luxury experiences, and the thrill of supporting future chefs and sommeliers.
Behind the Scenes: How the Wine is Chosen
Curated by wine director Chris Belk, Winefest’s lineup is the product of a year-long global search. The focus? Biodynamic wines, sustainable producers, and rare gems you’ll likely never find again. From big names to boutique winemakers, each bottle tells a story that begins in the soil and ends in your glass.
The Dinners: A Feast for the Fearless
Across the week, guests enjoy immersive culinary experiences. Highlights include the Ruinart Champagne Seminar, where bubbles meet truffled hot dogs, and the Bordeaux dinner — a tribute to first growths paired with a five-course masterpiece by chef Chad Johnson.
Collaborators this year include Paul Hobbs, Ridge Vineyards, M. Chapoutier, and Domaine Clarence-Dillon. These aren’t just dinners — they’re gastronomic symphonies.
Event Details: Bern’s Winefest 2025 Schedule
📅 April 21 – April 27, 2025
- April 21: M. Chapoutier Dinner at Bern’s Steak House
- April 22: Bern’s Bordeaux Dinner
- April 23: Bern’s Legacy Dinner & Ruinart Champagne Seminar
- April 24: Bern’s Legacy Dinner (Encore)
- April 25: Haven Winemaker Dinner feat. Paul Hobbs
- April 26: Ridge Vineyards Blending Seminar & Picnic
- April 27: Grand Tasting Experience at Haven
Bonus Highlight:
- April 21, 2024 – Scholarship Recipients Celebration
Tips for First-Time Guests
Belk urges newcomers to embrace the unknown. Ask questions, taste everything, and don’t let fancy labels scare you off. Wine isn’t about perfection — it’s about discovery.
“Just try,” she says. “Let your palate guide you. You’ll be surprised.”
The Passion Behind the Pour
To Belk, wine is an eternal mystery. Her current obsession? Grower champagnes — made by those who farm the grapes themselves. These are wines with soul. Wines with dirt under their fingernails. Wines that taste like truth.
Why You Shouldn’t Miss Event
This isn’t just a date. It’s a portal. A moment when Tampa turns into Bordeaux, Burgundy, and Napa all at once. If you crave luxury, learning, and the thrill of tasting something unforgettable — the Grand Tasting on April 27 is calling you.
If you’re ready to step into a world of rare bottles, culinary genius, and once-in-a-year magic — then Bern’s Winefest from April 21–27, 2025, is where you belong.
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