Cause conscious event celebrates the 28th anniversary of Fort Lauderdale’s largest wine and food festival
The 2024 Las Olas Wine and Food Festival in Fort Lauderdale, Florida this April 19 is poised to be a blend of indulgence and sophistication. Hosted by the American Lung Association, this revered annual event brings top-notch cuisine from local chefs and culinary artisans together with exquisite international wine, sprit and beer purveyors to create a memorable event under the stars … all in support of a good cause. Taking place along four blocks of the iconic Las Olas Boulevard—affectionately known as “Venice of America”—from 7:30pm to 10:30pm, this year’s festival will again be a celebration of food and drink that exemplifying the best “Laudy” has to offer epicurean aficionados.
Indeed, the festival highlights the range of flavors that the region’s culinary scene has to offer. Within the expansive “tasting pavilion,” attendees can savor a wide variety of delights prepared by esteemed chefs and eateries showcasing South Florida’s finest restaurants. Whether one prefers savory, spicy or sweet flavors, there is always something to satisfy every taste bud.
This year’s 28th Las Olas Wine and Food Festival again gears up with its exclusive wine and spirits partner, Southern Glazer’s Wine and Spirits. Thongs of international wineries, spirits brands and breweries will ensure guests sip, sample, and enjoy. For oenophiles, a gastro-gathering of this caliber wouldn’t be complete without a selection of fine wines. This festival does not disappoint, as wine enthusiasts will have opportunity to explore over 200 vino varietals from regions worldwide. With options ranging from refreshing Chardonnays and bold Cabernet Sauvignons to a bevy of bubbles, there will be plenty of choices to please palates while complementing the dishes on offer.
The event’s new VIP Admission ticket also includes access to the new VIP wine garden experience. Here guests enjoy private access to sample and relish in premium wines before anyone else, including those from Sinegal Estate, Terlato Wine Group, Caymus Vineyards, Chateau Ste. Michelle, Lingua Franca and Prisoner Wines, John Anthony, Copper Cane and Freixenet Mionetto. Additional benefits of VIP admission include early access to the main festival pavilions, with a 30-minute head start. There is also a VIP Kick Off Party from 5:30PM-7PM, hosted by FPL and Amerant at The Riverside Hotel on Las Olas Boulevard where ticket holders can start their fest journey with some gifts, a cocktail and light bites courtesy of Wild Sea Las Olas.
Beyond the food and wine offerings, the Las Olas Wine and Food Festival also provides an experience. There, knowledgeable vintners and sommeliers share insights into wine pairing techniques, while chefs and bakers convey culinary tips and the artistry behind gastronomy. All of this insight set against a vibrant backdrop of live music, DJ’s, dancing and interactive experiences. In fact, one of my personal favorite aspects of the Las Olas Wine and Food Festival is the sense of community. Camaraderie fills the air sumptuous scent-laden air. Amid a kinetic backdrop of music and laughter al fresco, attendees convene and converse to revel in their love for food and wine. From my past personal experience at this annual fest, I’ve seen how good food, wine, spirits and company have an ability to bring people together and bond over a shared passion.
Overall, the entire evening works to fight against lung cancer, which is the leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States. It’s worth noting that 100% of event proceeds benefit the South Florida American Lung Association.
Attend the Las Olas Wine and Food Festival—the largest event of its kind in Fort Lauderdale—and expect to leave with satisfied taste buds, a smile on your face and a newfound admiration for Florida’s decadent delights. “Cheers” to this year’s impending celebration of taste, tradition and togetherness.
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Merilee Kern, MBA is an internationally-regarded brand strategist and analyst who reports on cultural shifts and trends as well as noteworthy industry change makers, movers, shakers and innovators across all categories, both B2C and B2B. This includes field experts and thought leaders, brands, products, services, destinations and events. Merilee is Founder, Executive Editor and Producer of “The Luxe List” as well as Host of the “Savvy Living” lifestyle TV show that airs in New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Miami, Atlanta and other major markets on CBS, FOX and other top networks; as well as the “Savvy Ventures” business TV show that airs nationally on FOX Business TV and Bloomberg TV. As a prolific lifestyle, travel, dining and leisure industry voice of authority and tastemaker, Merilee keeps her finger on the pulse of the marketplace in search of new and innovative must-haves and exemplary experiences at all price points, from the affordable to the extreme. Her work reaches multi-millions worldwide via broadcast TV (her own shows and copious others on which she appears) as well as a myriad of print and online publications. Connect with her at www.TheLuxeList.com and www.SavvyLiving.tv / Instagram www.Instagram.com/MerileeKern / Twitter www.Twitter.com/MerileeKern / Facebook www.Facebook.com/MerileeKernOfficial / LinkedIN www.LinkedIn.com/in/MerileeKern.
***Some or all of the accommodations(s), experience(s), item(s) and/or service(s) detailed above may have been provided or arranged at no cost to accommodate if this is review editorial, but all opinions expressed are entirely those of Merilee Kern and have not been influenced in any way.***
