Sarasota-Manatee Originals is thrilled to announce the rescheduled ticket launch dates for the highly anticipated Grand Tasting event of the 2025 Forks & Corks Food and Wine Festival. The original ticket launch was postponed in October due to the impact of Hurricane Helene and the threat of additional severe weather incoming with Milton. The organization’s top priority remains the well-being and recovery of the community, particularly the local restaurant scene. Grand Tasting Ticket Launch Dates: VIP & Early Access Pre-Sale: Tuesday, November 12, 2024, at 9:00am EST. General Admission: Tuesday, November 19, 2024, at 7:00pm EST. Tickets will be available online only at https://forks-corks.squadup.com. General Admission tickets are expected to sell out quickly.

The Grand Tasting: The Forks & Corks Grand Tasting, the five-day festival's most popular event, takes place on Sunday, January 26, 2025, at the historic courtyard of The Ringling Museum of Art in Sarasota. Guests will enjoy unlimited tastings from over 40 member restaurants of the Sarasota-Manatee Originals and a curated selection of more than 300 wines from around the world. The 2025 event will once again bring the Who’s-Who of winemaking to the Gulf Coast. More than 60 distinguished wineries from the world’s most famous wine producing countries are expected to be represented at the 2025 Festival. Along with world-class wines and delicious dishes from our area’s most passionate culinary professionals, the Grand Tasting will offer live music, a wine retail tent, photo booths, a beer garden, and the immersive Global Market presented by Edible Sarasota magazine. The 2025 theme “Epic Asia!” highlights the rich culinary heritage of Asia and its influence on global food cultures with authentic dishes, drinks, and demonstrations from our region's acclaimed Japanese and Thai-inspired restaurants. Grand Tasting Ticket Options: General Admission ($195+ per person): Provides unlimited tastings at The Grand Tasting from 12:00pm to 4:00pm. VIP ($475+ per person): Includes a $150 wine voucher for the onsite wine shop, complimentary valet parking, Welcome Reception and VIP experience presented by The Scout Guide Sarasota, with covered seating and activities. Early Access ($375+ per person): Offers a $50 wine voucher and early access to a Welcome Reception and The Grand Tasting. Forks & Corks is the primary fundraiser for the Sarasota-Manatee Originals, supporting local, independent restaurants and supported by the generous funding of its sponsors including Suncoast Porsche and Audi Sarasota (Presenting Sponsor).

Taste of The Bay: Additionally, Sarasota-Manatee Originals has announced a new date for the highly anticipated 3rd annual Taste of The Bay – Sunday, December 15, 2024 from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM.. This free-admission, outdoor food festival features signature dishes from 20 of the region’s best locally-owned restaurants. Live music, a photo booth, and a beautiful waterfront setting make Taste of The Bay an idyllic afternoon outing. Food can be purchased with tickets. For more information on both Sarasota-Manatee Originals signature events, visit www.eatlikealocal.com.

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