Calling all foodies, wine enthusiasts and weekend warriors! Mark your calendars for three full days of exceptional flavors, celebrity chefs, and unforgettable experiences at the Ocala Food & Wine Festival presented by Lugano Diamonds, November 1-3, 2024 at World Equestrian Center.
Proceeds from the festival will benefit the Public Education Foundation of Marion County ProStart Program, supporting youth development in the culinary and hospitality industries right here in Marion County.
With just two weeks to go before the festival, we have all the latest details to get you fired up!
Schedule of Events
Friday, November 1 – Flavors of the Fire presented by Certified Angus Beef ® brand and Sysco | 5:30pm-8:30pm | WEC Grand Plaza
Offering event experiences for the full weekend or by the day, this year’s festival will kick off on Friday night with sizzling samples of live-fire cuisine from around the world, brought to your by Chefs Lorena Garcia, Marc Murphy, Esther Choi, Rashad Jones, Yohann Le Bescond and Jr. Chef Michael Seegobin. From Korean barbecue to Yakitori chicken and Achiote shrimp, indulge in small plates and taste global spirits and worldly wines, along with live music.
For the weekend’s VIPs, Five-Star Experience ticket holders, the night continues with an exclusive Tiki Afterparty poolside at The Equestrian Hotel’s Horse to Water Pool & Bar from 8pm-10pm.
Saturday, November 2 – Grand Tasting | 1pm-5pm | WEC Exposition Center 1
The festival’s main event is loaded with unlimited cuisine and beverage samples, demonstrations, education and entertainment. Check out the schedules for our main stage showcasing the celebrity chefs, our beverage stage with industry experts and a rotation of educational seminars – all included in your ticket price. Plus, Five-Star Experience ticket holders enjoy exclusive access to the Champagne Bubble Lounge.
Main Stage Schedule
1:15pm-1:40pm | Chef Lorena Garcia and Chef Yohann Le Bescond, Kampachi Tiradito and Tres Leche
2pm-2:20pm | Chef Marc Murphy and Jr. Chef Michael Seegobin, Pasta Carbonara
2:40pm-3pm | Chef Esther Choi, KFC Chicken Ball with Gochujang Butter Glaze
3:20pm-3:40pm | Pitmaster Rashad Jones, Big Belly Bao Buns
4pm-4:45pm | Jr. Chef Mystery Basket Competition
4:45pm-5pm | Awards
Beverage Stage Schedule
1:40pm-2pm | Stump the Sommelier
2:20pm-2:35pm | Rosé All Day
3pm-3:20pm | Best Wine Under $15
3:45pm-4pm | Champagne Sabering
Educational Seminars Schedule
1:30pm & 3:45pm | Macallan 200th Anniversary
Celebrate 200 years of whisky excellence with Jente “Goose” Gees, The Macallan Brand Specialist, guiding a tasting of exquisite expressions.
2:15pm | Santa Margherita Winery
Join Vittorio Marzotto, fourth-generation owner, as he shares the 90-year journey of Santa Margherita Winery and their world-renowned Pinot Grigio.
3pm | Don Melchor Master Class
Explore Don Melchor Cabernet Sauvignon through a vertical tasting of vintages 2017, 2018, 2020, and 2021, showcasing the wine’s iconic heritage from Puente Alto, Chile.
Saturday Evening | Exclusive to Five-Star Experience Ticket Holders
Lugano Rose Garden Cocktail Hour | 5:30pm-7:15pm | Lugano Diamonds Salon & The Equestrian Hotel Rose Garden
Celebrity Chef Dinner | 7pm | Stirrups Restaurant
Five-Star Experience ticket holders can wrap up the Saturday experience with an extraordinary multicourse dinner prepared and presented by the celebrity chefs. Each course will be expertly paired by Master Sommelier Roland Micu with fine wines from Palm Bay International.
Menu Preview
Sunday, November 3 – Jazz Brunch | 10am-1pm | The Equestrian Hotel Terrace
End the weekend on a high note with an elegant Champagne brunch on The Equestrian Hotel terrace, complete with live jazz music.
Don’t miss the opportunity to join us for the whole weekend or your favorite event November 1-3. Tickets and more information available online at ocalafoodandwinefest.com.
The festival is made possible through the support of our generous sponsors and marketing partner, the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association.