Vanessa James Media Productions is thrilled to announce the triumphant return of Food, Wine, and Fete, powered by LunaLite Drone Technologies, Miami’s premier Caribbean all-inclusive beachside Soca Fete experience, set for Saturday, May 17, 2025, from 5-11 pm at the Historic Virginia Key Beach Park’s Grand Pavilion, celebrating its 80th anniversary. Prepare for an immersive journey into the heart of Caribbean culture, a sensory explosion that will have you immediately craving an island getaway.
Now in its third year, Food, Wine, and Fete showcases the diaspora’s most visionary chefs, innovative mixologists, and trendsetting tastemakers, alongside a curated selection of popular wines and spirits of the Caribbean.
“Food, Wine & Fete isn’t just an event; it’s our love letter to the culture that we treasure so dearly. It’s about igniting that longing for home, that yearning for the warmth of our islands, unrivaled anywhere else in the world,” said co-founder Vanessa James.
In its third year, there’s a fresh lineup of culinary stars, including James Beard award winner Chef Irie, Emmy award-winning Chef Simeon Hall, Jr. (joining from the Bahamas with a live cooking demo), Barbados-born celebrity chef Paul Griffith, and Myriam “Chef Mimi” Charles, a Miami native an award-winning pastry chef and the founder of Lux Cakery, among others.
Then there’s the driving force behind any true Caribbean fete: SOCA. Prepare to move your waistline from the get-go. Taking center stage at FWF this year is celebrated Trinidadian Soca artist Farmer Nappy, performing his decades of chart-topping hits and heating things up alongside Chef Irie in the demo kitchen.
Plus spinning live, the Soca DJ Lineup includes:
- Team Soca’s own DJ Spice
- LL Cool Blaze
- DJ Eternal Vibes
- DJ Sinister
- Co-hosted by Barrie Hype and Giselle the Wassi One
Festival sponsor LunaLite Drone Technologies returns to close the fete with a breathtaking drone show, illuminating the Miami skyline.
Food Wine & Fete has also added a philanthropic arm of the event to support Caribbean creatives, chefs, and businesses of the diaspora. By partnering with the Miami Foundation, the organization has created the VJMedia x FWF Culture and Caribbean Leadership Fund through the Miami Foundation, a community fund that serves as the platform to highlight the cultural creatives of South Florida.
“It’s a shared experience where we all come together as one Caribbean family. From the moment you arrive, you’ll be part of something truly special, an interactive celebration that ignites the spirit of our culture. And most importantly, get ready to FETE — to dance, wine, taste, and celebrate the boundless energy that makes us who we are — one incredible diaspora!” says co-founder Marcos Rodriguez.
Tickets are available for purchase on Eventbrite starting at $125 and $185 for VIP. The festival has partnered with Hilton Garden Inn Miami Brickell South to provide reduced group rates for those visiting from out of town or South Florida who want to make a weekend out of the experience.
Participating sponsors include: Vanessa James Media, LunaLite Drone Technologies, LaFete Rose Wine, Bajan 1966 Rum, DonDadda Tequila, Duke and Dame Whiskey, Carib Beer, Caribe, The Montpelier Hotel Nevis, The Jamaica Pegasus Hotel, Best Dressed Plate, and more.
For more information about partnership opportunities, sampling opportunities, and press inquiries, visit www.foodwineandfete.com. Follow the Food, Wine, and Fete fun on Instagram and Facebook.
