The 2024 Forks & Corks Food and Wine Festival, hosted by the Sarasota-Manatee Originals, will take place January 25-29. Grand Tasting tickets go on sale in October. A full five-day slate of food-and-wine themed fun is planned, including the always-popular University Master Classes (January 27), a bountiful selection of wine dinners at area restaurants (January 25-28), oodles of wine shop tasting events (January 25-27), a trade tasting (January 29) and the much-anticipated Grand Tasting at The Ringling Museum of Art (January 28). Forks & Corks’ most sought-after event is the Grand Tasting which will take place on Sunday in the historic courtyard of The Ringling Museum of Art in Sarasota. Guests will savor delicious dishes presented by over 50 Members of the Sarasota-Manatee Originals, while sampling from a collection of more than 300 unique wines from around the world. There will be live, local musical entertainment, and a wine shop is also available, where patrons can purchase the various wines, making Forks & Corks one of only a few festivals in the Southeast to provide the opportunity to purchase their favorite wines onsite during the event. Due to the unprecedented demand for tickets, ticket sales for The Grand Tasting launch on two consecutive Tuesdays: On October 10 at 9 a.m. there is a pre-sale of the VIP and Early Access tickets. VIP ticket holders ($450+ each) receive a variety of perks including a $150 wine voucher for the onsite wine shop and complimentary valet parking, as well as entry into the Forks & Corks VIP Tent presented by The Scout Guide Sarasota with covered seating, and exclusive VIP tastings and engaging demonstrations. Early Access tickets ($350+ each) include a $50 wine voucher. Both VIP and Early Access Ticket holders will enjoy expedited early access to the Forks & Corks wine shop with a Champagne Reception as well as early event entrance into the Grand Tasting in the Ringling Courtyard. On October 17 at 7 p.m. General Admission tickets ($175+ each) will be available and historically have sold out in a matter of minutes. All Forks & Corks Grand Tasting tickets are available online only at this address: https://forks-corks.squadup.com/. The Online Food and Wine Auction will include a tempting collection of lots featuring rare and exquisite wines, travel, and one-of-a-kind dining and party experiences. The Auction opens for bidding on Monday, January 22 at 8am and ending on Sunday, January 28 at 3pm.