Don't Miss the Key West Food & Wine Festival 2023

The Key West Food and Wine Festival is set for five days of food, wine, and all things fine Jan. 25 through 29 across the Conch Republic.

The annual event showcases inventive cuisine and a diverse range of wines introduced by their respective chefs and vintners. In its 14th year, the event offers over 20 unique events for culinary explorers and visitors to enjoy and sample a wide-range of products from local and international vendors.

This is the perfect time of year for travelers to escape the cold winter and enjoy the balmy weather of Key West! Read on for everything you need to know about this year’s festival.

That same week, Mile 0 Festival, dubbed “the friendliest and best fest out there,” will bring the best of Red Dirt and Americana music to Key West - and 24 North Hotel is an official sponsor! Book your Key West hotel just steps from all the festival action here.

[5 Spots to Spend Your #WineDownWednesday in Key West]

Parking and Transportation

The Key West Food & Wine Festival will be held at select locations throughout the island (and Stock Island). 24 North Hotel offers shuttle service to Old Town and comfortable, clean rooms for guests attending the Key West Food and Wine Festival. See our specials here. Once you’re in Old Town, we recommend the Duval Loop Bus, which will deliver you within steps of most festival locales. The free hop-on hop-off bus service runs along Grinnell Street, Caroline Street, Simonton Street, Front Street, up the length of Whitehead, and through Truman Waterfront. See their website for a route map.

Key West Food & Wine Festival 2023 Events

Visitors can look forward to an esoteric wine selection and a showcase of the freshest food on the island. Events include waterfront tastings, winemaker and chef collaborations, and local events that present an authentic taste of Key West. Check out the main events below, and be sure to visit the annual festival’s official website for so much more, including featured wines, artists, information about master sommeliers, and a special Food & Wine Edition of the Key West Artisan Market.

Wednesday, Jan. 25

Malbec vs. Malbec vs. Malbec. Join Master Sommelier Elizabeth Schweitzer for a tasting of Malbecs from Argentina, France, and America. Kiki's Corner Wine Bar at The Garden Café, 1 - 2 p.m.

Welcome Reception & Carnival de Buenos Aires. Meet at Ocean Sotheby's for a preview of the festival. Enjoy wine and cheese before walking down to Duval St. to Viva Argentinian Steakhouse for roasted meats, Malbec, and traditional Argentine music. 4 - 7 p.m.

Thursday, Jan. 26

Empanada Making, Empanada Eating, & Wine Lunch. Master the art of making empanadas from Marcia, the owner of Frita’s, followed by an interactive tasting experience and authentic Argentine cuisine meal. Frita's Garden, 11:30 a.m. - 2 p.m. (a second Empanada Making, Empanada Eating, & Wine Lunch event will be held Saturday, 1 - 3 p.m.)

Che Guevara’s Piattelli Vineyards Wine Dinner. A catered wine and dining experience in the garden underneath the Banyan tree. 6 - 10 p.m.

Friday, Jan. 27

Choripán, Chimichurri, & Chandon Argentina Lunch. A delicious lunch of Choripán (a traditional Argentinian dish consisting of grilled chorizo on bread topped with chimichurri sauce) and Mauricio Lorca Rosado Extra Brut. Viva Argentinian Steakhouse, 12 - 2 p.m.

Ode to Francis Mallmann Wine Dinner. Meet at Ocean Sotheby’s where you’ll board the Old Town Trolley to be whisked away to Lost Beach at Island Farm on Stock Island. Enjoy a handpicked selection of Argentine wines and a family-style asado (barbeque) to honor Mallmann, the Argentine celebrity chef, author, and restaurateur. 4:30 - 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, Jan. 28

Eva Perón Wine Lunch. Small group experience in honor of the Argentine politician, activist, actress, and philanthropist who served as First Lady of Argentina. Includes a multi-course meal and an assortment of hand selected wines from Argentina's top rated provinces. Audubon House & Tropical Gardens, 11:30 a.m. - 2 p.m.  

SLaM Grand Tasting. A five-course dinner paired with wines from the Argentine regions of San Juan, La Rioja and Mendoza. Lighthouse & Keeper’s Quarters, 5 - 7 p.m. 

Sunday, Jan. 29

Last Tango in Cayo Hueso Brunch. Tango dancing, music, Argentine wines, mimosas, and delicious brunch options. Kaya Island Eats, 11 - 1 p.m.

You may have noticed that Malbec plays a big part in this year’s festival, as does chimichurri! In fact, you can vote for your favorite local chef’s piquant sauce, often referred to as “Argentine barbeque sauce”, in the official Chimichurri Contest.

Scheduled events and ticket purchases are available on the Key West Food & Wine Festival website. Or, visit the Welcome Center at 1075 Duval St. Suite 15 C on festival weekdays for tickets, merch, a taste of wine, and your VIP gift.

Book Your Key West Hotel

Planning a stay in Key West? Check out our best rates at 24 North Hotel. We have an on-site Starbucks, shuttle service to Old Town, and our pool area is one of the best on the island. See our special offers - including special rates for Florida residents.

Get the Key West Food & Wine Festival party started early and join 24 North Hotel on Tuesday, Jan. 24 for Half Past Island Time, where you can save half off select wines at Republica Bar & Lounge. The event begins at 5 p.m. See more events at 24 North Hotel here.