A Sweet Finale: The Fifth Annual Ocala Food & Wine Festival Comes to a Close 

09 NOV 25 Ocala, FL

Ocala, Fl – The Fifth Annual Ocala Food & Wine Festival returned to World Equestrian Center – Ocala (WEC) for a weekend of extraordinary flavors, culinary talent, and refined hospitality. The three-day culinary celebration welcomed guests to experience the artistry of food and beverage in an unforgettable setting in support of the Public Education Foundation of Marion County’s ProStart Program. 
 
Festival attendees arrived to a weekend curated for the senses, featuring indulgent dining, spirited tastings, and exclusive experiences. From the chef-led dinner to the excitement of the Grand Tasting and the elegance of the Champagne Brunch, the festival once again showcased why World Equestrian Center – Ocala has become one of Florida’s premier culinary destinations. 

Celebrity Chef Duff Goldman demonstrates candy making techniques during the Grand Tasting. Photo by Maven Photo and Film.

Friday Evening: The Chefs’ Dinner Presented by Kobrand Fine Wine & Spirits 
The weekend’s festivities began in grand style on Friday evening with the Chefs’ Dinner, where guests holding Five-Star packages enjoyed an exclusive multi-course experience hosted by Chef Duff Goldman and joined by WEC’s newest culinary talents, the chefs of The Equestrian Manor, a new meeting and dining venue which will soon debut with four new restaurants at WEC. 

Each course was expertly paired with selections from Kobrand Fine Wine & Spirits. The evening’s menu featured inspired creations such as Pumpkin Chowder with Crab served in a real pumpkin bowl, Lobster Paccheri with Calabrian Chili, and Braised Certified Angus Beef® Short Rib with truffle and bone marrow. Dessert presented a delightful collaboration between Chef Duff and WEC’s own pastry virtuoso, Chef Yohann Le Bescond. Guests were treated to Chef Yohann’s refined interpretation of Duff’s legendary Dutch Apple Pie, accompanied by an elegant assortment of cookies, including a Russian tea cake made from a recipe passed down by his grandmother. 

The Chefs’ Dinner took place in a covered arena with an ethereal ambiance featuring suspended lighting, a living lantern trio performing live string music, and acrobats serving Champagne. Photo by Maven Photo and Film.

Saturday Afternoon: The Grand Tasting 
On Saturday afternoon, WEC Exposition Center 1 was transformed into a culinary showcase for the Grand Tasting, where guests explored unlimited samples of premium cuisine, wine, beer, and spirits. The atmosphere buzzed with excitement as attendees discovered an array of creative dishes, from Lamb Sliders to Truffled Ravioli, over 30 feet of charcuterie and much, much more.  

The event also featured a preview of the four new restaurants opening at The Equestrian Manor, a highlight that gave festivalgoers an exclusive first taste of the future of dining at WEC. 

Saturday’s Grand Tasting featured over 80 sampling stations. Photo by Maven Photo and Film.

On the Grand Tasting Main Stage, guests enjoyed dynamic discussion and demonstrations from WEC’s talented chefs and industry leaders, including Chef Roland LaCroix of The Polo Pony, Chef Kristofer Sullivan of Genievieve’s, a spirited candy-making session with Chef Duff Goldman, and Certified Angus Beef’s Josh Ennis. The day concluded with the much-anticipated Mystery Basket Cook-Off, where local culinary students competed in a high-energy, Chopped-style challenge led by Chef Duff and Chef Yohann. 

Chef Duff, Emcee David Martin, Chef Yohann and Marion County ProStart Students. Photo by Maven Photo and Film.

Saturday Evening: The Grand Prix Reception Experience Presented by Champagne Nicolas Feuillatte    
As the sun set over the Grand Outdoor Arena, guests gathered for the Grand Prix Reception Experience presented by Champagne Nicolas Feuillatte. The al fresco evening featured Magnum bottles of bubbly and gourmet small plates while watching the action of the $75,000 Wheels Up Grand Prix.  

Culinary highlights included Certified Angus Beef® Bagna Cauda Lettuce Wraps, Tomahawk Steak, Bacon Jam Scallops, and a donut bar, all complemented by selections from Palm Bay International’s premium portfolio. The atmosphere was both sophisticated and exhilarating, making it the perfect close to a fabulous day.  

Five-Star package holders cheers with a view during the Grand Prix Reception Experience. Photo by Maven Photo and Film.

Sunday Morning: Champagne Brunch Sendoff 
The festival concluded in refined style with the Champagne Brunch on the Stirrups Terrace, where guests toasted to an exceptional weekend. The elegant buffet featured chef-attended stations with dishes such as Lobster Benedict, Shrimp and Grits, and Pain Perdu Bread Pudding, paired perfectly with Veuve Clicquot Champagne and a build-your-own Bloody Mary bar. 

As the terrace filled with conversation and clinking glasses, the brunch served as a fitting finale for the Ocala Food & Wine Festival weekend.  

Guests enjoyed Vueve Clicquot at the Champagne Brunch. Photo by Maven Photo and Film.

Save the Date for 2026 
Guests are invited to mark their calendars for the return of the Ocala Food & Wine Festival November 6–8, 2026. Packages are on sale now and include luxury accommodations, exclusive access to signature events, and top-class amenities for the weekend. Secure your package online in advance and save.  

Follow the Ocala Food & Wine Festival at WEC on Facebook to continue the celebration all year long with event photos and details for 2026 or visit us on the web at ocalafoodandwinefest.com. 

Marketing in partnership with the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association.