Here’s another reason to go to Palm Beach (besides J’Da one of my favorite boutiques and the Norton Museum) –the annual Palm Beach Food & Wine Festival 2024 (PBFWF) in partnership with Wine Spectator, a four-day lineup of food-related and wine happenings taking place Thursday through Sunday, December 12-15, 2024. Guests can anticipate a star-studded lineup of renowned chefs and culinary personalities from around the globe, from live cooking demonstrations and wine tastings to intimate chef-led workshops and private dinners. Thanks to the partnership with Wine Spectator,  wine is a major part of the draw.

For instance, at the Festival’s Grand Tasting closing event this year,  they will offer an expanded wine program with over 100+ wineries pouring only selections with a prestigious 90+ rating by Wine Spectator, a record-breaking increase from the dozen wine tables featured in the 2022 event. (Note: All wines poured throughout the festival will also be rated 90+ by Wine Spectator). 

 A listing of the events for this year’s festival with available tickets are as follows:

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13

• SUSTAIN featuring Bouchaine Vineyards — The four-course seated lunch with wine pairings features ingredients caught by local fishermen. The collaborative dinner focusing on sustainable seafood will be held at PB Catch Seafood & Raw Bar and includes the talents of guest chefs Alex Seidel and festival newcomer Paula DaSilva, and is hosted by Kevin Sawyer. $225 per person
• SUNSET & SWIRLS presented by Tour Office of Spain — Held at the stunning Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa, this blissful gathering features a distinguished wine expert guiding guests on a tasteful tour of the various wine regions of Spain while elaborating on the secrets of the wine pairing. Featured wineries from the Spain region include: Bodegas Volver, CVNE, Familia Torres, and Marques de Caceres. $150 per person
• **New Event** DINNER AT POLPO featuring Zenato Winery — Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa is elated to host their first official seated Festival dinner at Polpo. Guests will join celebrated chefs Joe Flamm, Sarah Grueneberg and Giorgio Rapicavoliwith host chef Neall Bailey for a dinner blending authentic Italian fare with seafood complemented with excellent wine pairings. $275 per person. $275 per person
• FESTIVAL KICK-OFF PARTY presented by Cheney Brothers — For the second annual year, the Festival partners with The Boca Raton Resort, where ticket holders can expect a beautiful display of food, wine and spirits, prepared by executive chef Andrew Roenbeckand his team, along with an array of culinary options by guest chefsLindsay Autry, Tiffani Faison, Ben Ford, Neal Fraser, Antonia Lofaso, Jonathon Sawyer, Stephen Stryjewski, and festival newcomer James London. Featured wineries include: Domaine Della, Galil Mountain, Golan Heights and Montes Wines. $275 per person

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 14

• MASTER TASTE — Explore the world of wine through the eyes of Master Sommelier Virginia Philip of Virginia Philip Wine Spirits & Academy, as she offers insight into select wines’ color, aromas, flavors and acidity. $200 per person

• **New Event** LUNCH AT NIMO featuring Far Niente Wine Estates —Hosted by chef Niven Patel with featured chefs Ayesha Nurdjaja and Timon Balloo, guests can indulge in the extravagant four-course brunch prepared by this trio of South Florida’s top culinary talent. $225 per person
• LUNCH AT ELA — In honor of his third-year hosting this “can’t miss” lunch,chef Pushkar Marathe welcomes guest chefs Dean Max, Michael Hackman and Jordan Rubin to gather at the notable Ela Curry & Cocktails to serve up authentic and traditional Indian inspired dishes.$225 per person
• CRAFTING COCKTAILS: A MIXOLOGY CLASS — This energetic two-session workshop (11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m.) is led by Coolinary & The Parched Pig’s mixology team who will guide guests in creating two cocktails to celebrate the winter holidays in a festive and delicious way. Light, seasonal bites will also be served. $125 per person
• CHILLIN’ N’ GRILLIN’ — This much adored oceanfront walk-around event is hosted by Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa’s executive chef Neall Bailey and features cocktails and food stations towering with mouthwatering grilled dishes by guest chefs Michelle Bernstein, Ben Ford, Duff Goldman, Mason Hereford, Paul Kahan, Lior Lev Sercarz, Antonia Lofaso, Beau MacMillan, Dylan Patel, Jonathon Sawyer, and Alex Seidel. Featured wineries include: DeLille Cellars and Sequoia Grove. $225 per person
• **New Event** A NIGHT AT THE BEN — Hosted by chefs Daniel Diaz, Fritz Cassel and Daniel Pundik of The Ben, Autograph Collection, this walk-around event newcomer draws guest chefs David Burke, Ashley Christensen, Joe Flamm, Jose Garces, Sarah Grueneberg and Stephen Stryjewski to prepare tasty bites while guests enjoy sipping on delicious wines and spirits. Featured wineries include: Champagne Pol Roger, Champagne Valentin Leflavie, Chateau Mont Redon, Foley Family, J.Lohr, Marchesi di Barolo and Nino Negri. $225 per person

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 15

• 17^th ANNUAL GRAND TASTING — Make your way to the Palm Beach County Convention Center from 2 to 6 p.m., a foodie haven filled with stations serving hearty dish and dessert samplings from more than 60 of South Florida’s best chefs and restaurants as well as 100+ exceptional wines all rated 90+ by Wine Spectator, spirit tastings and more. The afternoon culminates in the Grand Chef Throwdown, where hosts Mo & Sally and Jay Cashmere, welcome three local chefs as they compete for the $10,000 local charity prize presented by Creekstone Farms. This year’s competition will be judged by celebrity chefs Maneet Chauhan andRobert Irvine. $149 per person (Early Bird until September 30^th) / $229 per person

As part of the Palm Beach Wine and Food Festival 2024’s  continued charitable endeavors, this will mark their second year donating a portion of proceeds to benefit the Els for Autism Foundation, a non-profit organization serving individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and their families around the world. 

For more details about individual events, participating chefs, or to purchase tickets  visit pbfoodwinefest.com or call 800.210.0689. For daily updates, follow the festival on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @pbfoodwinefest. For sponsorship inquiries, please contact info@pbfoodwinefest.com. 

Looking for other things to do while you’re there? Click here for my picks of places.