The Tampa Bay Wine & Food Festival 2025 is set to return from April 8-12, bringing together the biggest lineup of culinary masters yet. Hosted on Tampa’s vibrant waterfront, this five-day celebration of gastronomy will feature renowned chefs, exquisite wines, and extraordinary food experiences. With celebrity chef Robert Irvine as the guest host and honorary chef Sean Brasel, the festival promises to be an unforgettable experience for food enthusiasts and connoisseurs alike.
A Grand Celebration of Tampa’s Culinary Scene
Backed by Breakthru Beverage Florida, along with GOYA Foods, Publix, Fresh From Florida, and the Epicurean Hotel, the 2025 edition is expanding with new events and more restaurant participants. Two exciting additions—“Experience St. Pete” and “Experience Tampa”—will showcase the best of both cities’ culinary landscapes. Fans can also look forward to the thrilling Chef Showdown competition and the iconic Grand Tasting event, featuring over 40 of Tampa Bay’s top restaurants.
A Star-Studded Chef Lineup and Exclusive Dining Experiences
The festival is delighted to welcome Chef Robert Irvine, a Tampa Bay favorite, back as the host. Joining him will be Executive Chef Fernando Desa of GOYA Foods and festival-long honorary chef Sean Brasel of Meat Market. These culinary powerhouses, alongside other top chefs and mixologists, will craft immersive dining experiences paired with world-class wines and cocktails.
Festival Highlights You Can’t Miss
Day 1: Tuesday, April 8 – An Evening at the Tampa Club
The festival kicks off with an exclusive, invite-only cocktail gathering at The Tampa Club. Sponsored by Breakthru Beverage, Milagro Tequila, and Irvine Spirits, this event offers an elegant preview of the culinary delights ahead.
Day 2: Wednesday, April 9 – Experience St. Pete
A brand-new addition, this event highlights St. Pete’s coastal dining gems. Guests will indulge in four-course dinners at top restaurants, paired with expertly curated wines and cocktails.
Day 3: Thursday, April 10 – Experience Tampa
Expanding on last year’s Hyde Park focus, this evening spotlights Tampa’s best culinary destinations. Food lovers can enjoy four- to five-course meals, crafted by celebrity chefs and paired with premium beverages.
Day 4: Friday, April 11 – Breaking Bread with Heroes & Chef Showdown
- Breaking Bread with Heroes: An invite-only breakfast honoring 250 veterans, first responders, and military personnel. Hosted by Chef Robert Irvine and Publix, this heartwarming event is a tribute to local heroes.
- Irvine’s Spirits Chef Showdown: A must-see culinary battle featuring 16 top chefs competing in eight categories, including Surf n’ Turf, Smokehouse, Fried Chicken, and Seafood. Attendees will sample dishes and vote for their favorites, while Chef Irvine serves as the official Chef Ref.
Day 5: Saturday, April 12 – The Grand Tasting Finale
The Grand Tasting, presented by Breakthru Beverage Florida, GOYA Foods, and Publix, brings together 40+ premier restaurants at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park. Guests can sample a variety of gourmet dishes, wines, craft cocktails, and beers while enjoying live music and chef demos.
Supporting a Good Cause
For the third consecutive year, the festival supports EAT SMART, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing healthy meals and nutritional education to Florida’s youth. A portion of the festival’s proceeds will benefit this initiative, making this culinary celebration not only indulgent but also impactful.
Get Your Tickets Now!
- Weekend passes and VIP packages are available, including exclusive hotel stay options at the Epicurean Hotel.
- General admission and VIP tickets for select events are on sale now. Weekday dinner tickets go live in January 2025.
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit TampaBayWFF.com. Follow along on Instagram at @tampabaywff and on Facebook at @tampabaywff.
An Engaging Invitation
As the Tampa Bay Wine & Food Festival 2025 unfolds, each moment is designed to leave you craving more. The innovative culinary battles, exclusive dining experiences, and heartfelt tributes are sure to captivate your senses and spark a renewed passion for gourmet adventures. Embrace the celebration, and remember to use promo code “latest10” to save money, as every bite tells a story, every chef ignites a spark, and every event is a celebration of Tampa’s rich culinary heritage. Discover the magic that awaits and let your taste buds embark on an adventure like never before – the flavor of the future is just one festival away!
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