The 18th Annual Forks & Corks Food and Wine Festival, presented by the Sarasota-Manatee Originals, was a feast for the senses – and we at Beneva Flowers were thrilled to be part of it! As a proud sponsor, we loved seeing Sarasota’s incredible culinary and wine scene take center stage during this week-long celebration. From exclusive tastings to unforgettable dining experiences, the event truly highlighted the best our local food and beverage community has to offer.

Photo by: Sorcha Augustine (www.SorchaAugustine.com)

A Flavor-Packed Week

The festivities kicked off with the always-popular Online Food and Wine Auction, where bidders competed for rare wines, luxury travel experiences, and one-of-a-kind dining packages. It was a great way to set the tone for what was to come: pure indulgence!

As the week unfolded, food and wine lovers indulged in a series of Winemaker Dinners hosted at some of Sarasota’s top restaurants, including Offshore Tapas & Wine Bar, Michael’s on East, Mattison’s, Fins at Sharkey’s, and many more. These dinners were a perfect blend of expertly paired dishes and world-class wines, giving guests an intimate taste of culinary craftsmanship at its finest. Each course, each pour, and each conversation made these experiences truly special.

For those who wanted to take their wine knowledge up a notch, the University Master Classes were a must-attend. Led by renowned industry experts, these sessions gave attendees a deep dive into the art of winemaking, complete with guided tastings that left everyone with a greater appreciation for what goes into every bottle.

It all came together on Sunday, January 26, at the Grand Tasting, held in the breathtaking courtyard of the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art. This is the event that local food and wine lovers wait for all year – and it didn’t disappoint! More than 40 area restaurants served up their best dishes alongside an impressive selection of over 350 wines from around the world.

Between the delicious bites and sips, guests enjoyed live entertainment, snapped fun pictures in photo booths, explored the beer garden, and even stocked up on their favorite wines to take home. The energy, the flavors, the setting – it all made for a truly unforgettable experience.

Photo by: Sorcha Augustine

Why We Love Supporting Forks & Corks

At Beneva Flowers, we believe that community events like Forks & Corks are what make Sarasota such a vibrant place to live, work, and celebrate. Food and wine have a way of bringing people together, and this festival perfectly captures that magic.

Thank you to the Sarasota-Manatee Originals, the talented chefs and winemakers, and the dedicated volunteers who made this event possible. Your hard work and passion were evident in every detail. And to all the attendees: Thank you for coming out to support local businesses and making Forks & Corks 2025 such a spectacular success!

We’re already counting down the days until next year’s festival. Until then, let’s keep raising our glasses to Sarasota’s incredible food and wine scene!

Photo by: Sorcha Augustine

Photo by: Sorcha Augustine