Florida Winefest & Auction, Inc. is a 501(c) (3) not-for-profit organization, specifically serving the needs of disadvantaged children and youth in Sarasota and Manatee counties. Our annual event, which takes place in April, is a joyous celebration of fine wine and food and has been recognized as one of the largest events of its kind in the U.S. It is also recognized as one of the top charity wine events of its kind in the southeast U.S. Vintners and winemakers from around the world collaborate with the finest chefs to create winemaker dinners, tastings and educational food and wine seminars. The centerpiece of Florida Winefest is the charity wine auction which to date has funded more than $6.1 million for programs to benefit area disadvantaged children and their families. Florida Winefest & Auction provides an elegant forum for wine connoisseurs and collectors and in 2007 attracted attendees from foreign countries as far away as Australia, 29 states across the U.S. and 85 cities from within the state of Florida.
Florida Winefest & Auction is primarily a volunteer effort, with a paid staff of one. Total man-hours have been conservatively estimated at 45,000+ per year. Florida Winefest & Auction, Inc. is guided by a Board of Directors consisting of twenty community leaders in a wide range of professions. The event is also guided by an International Advisory Board composed of wine and food industry leaders and professionals who meet annually during the event to review the previous year's progress and suggest improvements for the following year.
The goals of Florida Winefest & Auction, Inc. are to:
- Continue to support the children's charities supported by Florida Winefest and to exceed previous years' financial goals
- Provide a unique forum for participating vintners, restaurants and sponsors to showcase their products and services
- Attract local, national and international attendees with specific interests in fine wine and food
- Continue to maintain the status of a premier international wine and food event