The Visit Lauderdale Food and Wine Festival (VLFWF) is back with a bang, unveiling the return of The Grand Tasting and a lineup of exciting signature events for its sixth annual event series. From Monday, Jan. 13 through Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025, this week-long celebration will offer a variety of unique culinary experiences, including signature events, culinary classes, and an exclusive dinner series.
“Greater Fort Lauderdale has become a mecca for culinary innovation, and the Visit Lauderdale Food & Wine Festival is the perfect way to celebrate this renaissance,” says Stacy Ritter, president and CEO of Visit Lauderdale. “We’re excited to bring together our community to showcase the incredible talent and flavors that make our region unique, all while supporting a great cause.”
Organized by 66 Productions, this top-tier festival is a celebration of both established and up-and-coming chefs, restaurateurs, and local food and beverage establishments in the region. The 2025 roster of headline celebrity personalities and chefs is a testament to this diversity, including Fabio Viviani, Nancy Fuller, Jason Smith, Alex Belew, and social media influencer Alexa Santos of @alexawhatsfordinner. These culinary experts promise a rich tapestry of cooking demonstrations and a wealth of exceptional flavors at the festival.
Featured demonstrations will be provided by Chef Fabio Viviani, a well-known personality from Top Chef who is highly respected for his expertise in Italian cuisine. Chef Alex Belew, the winner of Hell’s Kitchen Season 21 and Head Chef at Gordon Ramsay’s Hell’s Kitchen restaurant at Caesars Atlantic City, is known for his creative approach to modern American cuisine. Alexa Santos, recognized for her accessible and delightful recipes, was a contestant on Hulu’s Secret Chef cooking competition show. She has also worked as a food editor and senior producer at @thefeedfeed and was a prominent talent at @buzzfeedtasty.
The signature event hosts are renowned Food Network personalities. Nancy Fuller is recognized for her show Farmhouse Rules and for her role as a judge on the Holiday Baking Championship and Spring Baking Championship. Jason Smith is celebrated for his Southern-inspired cuisine and self-taught culinary skills. He emerged as the winner of Food Network’s Holiday Baking Championship and is presently a judge on Best Baker in America and Worst Bakers in America.
The festival’s main event, The Grand Tasting, will occur on Saturday, Jan. 18, at Las Olas Oceanside Park. The event will feature over 100 tastings, celebrity chef demonstrations, and live music. General admission includes unlimited tastings and access to seminars, while VIP tickets offer early entry and exclusive lounge amenities. Wrapping up the festivities on Sunday, Jan. 19, is Picnic in the Park, presented by Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital. This family-friendly event at Las Olas Oceanside Park will offer a relaxed atmosphere with a curated lineup of food trucks, hands-on culinary classes for the whole family, kid-friendly cooking demonstrations, live entertainment, the JDCH Kid’s Zone, and local artisan vendors.
The Visit Lauderdale Food and Wine Festival will kick off on Wednesday, Jan. 15 with Bar Fight! A Spirited Competition at Rooftop @1WLO. This event will feature top mixologists competing in a scenic rooftop setting, offering guests an exciting evening of innovative cocktails and spirited competition. Continuing on Thursday, Jan. 16, Wok’ n Roll will take place at Backyard FTL, promising a fusion of flavors with Asian-inspired cuisine and vibrant live music. On Friday, Jan. 17, BBQ at the Beach, presented by Demesmin & Dover, will be hosted by Celebrity Chef Jason Smith at its new home at Las Olas Intracoastal Promenade Park. Attendees can enjoy mouthwatering barbecue delights and a friendly pitmaster competition. As the festival’s signature events draw to a close on Sunday, Jan. 19, Beachside Brunch hosted by Chef Nancy Fuller will offer a relaxing conclusion at Las Olas Oceanside Park, allowing guests to indulge in delectable brunch creations amidst the tranquil backdrop of the ocean.
