Grand Tasting

Overview

The Ocala Food & Wine Festival at World Equestrian Center – Ocala is a three-day, chef-led culinary celebration featuring culinary competition, beer, wine and spirits tastings and samples of extraordinary cuisine. Event proceeds benefit the Public Education Foundation of Marion County ProStart Program.

Join us for the Grand Tasting at WEC Exposition Center 1 to enjoy unlimited samplings from premium beverage brands, local bites and chef-curated delights. Don’t miss the annual mystery basket competition featuring local culinary students!

EVENT TICKETS

• Saturday, November 7: Grand Tasting | 1pm-5pm | WEC Exposition Center 1
  $150 per person
• Ticket Bundle: Saturday, November 7-Sunday, November 8
  $425 per person | Enjoy a special packaged rate when you bundle the:
  • Grand Tasting | Saturday, November 7 | 1pm-5pm
    • Stage Schedule:
      • 1:10pm – 1:25pm | Bourbon Cocktail Demonstration
        Four Roses National Brand Ambassador Tucker Carper
        Join Tucker for a live cocktail demonstration featuring Four Roses Bourbon as he shares expert tips and techniques along the way.
      • 1:40pm – 2pm | Sabaku: The Art of Japanese Fish Butchery 
        The White Willow Sushi Chef de Cuisine Karl Reinhart  

        Chef Karl will demonstrate Japanese fish butchery with a whole buri, or winter yellowtail, weighing up to 30 pounds. Watch the precision and craftsmanship of sukibiki, the technique of carefully removing scales with a knife before expertly filleting the fish. 

      • 2:15pm – 2:30pm | Exploring Woodinville Whiskey 
        Woodinville Whiskey Co. Representative Josh Prete

        Discover the craftsmanship behind Woodinville Whiskey and its single-barrel program, including an exclusive barrel selection for World Equestrian Center – Ocala.

      • 2:45pm – 3:10pm | From Cream Puffs to a French Showpiece  
        Emma’s Patisserie Resort Executive Pastry Chef Yohann Le Bescond

        Celebrating his French heritage and top-placing finish in a national croquembouche competition, Chef Yohann will transform classic cream puffs into one of France’s most iconic pastry showpieces. 

      • 3:20pm – 3:40pm | Beef Butchery Masterclass 
        Certified Angus Beef® Brand Chef Josh Ennis 
        Offering a closer look at preparing premium beef, Chef Josh will take the stage for a live butchery demonstration.
      • 3:55pm – 4:55pm | Mystery Basket Competition
        Two chef-led teams of local culinary students go head-to-head in a Chopped-style competition. Which team will come out on top?
      • 4:55pm | Awards Ceremony 
  • Grand Prix Dining Experience: Ocala Food & Wine Festival Edition | Saturday, November 7 | 6:30pm
  • Jazz Brunch | Sunday, November 8 | 10am-1pm

$3 online service fee and taxes additional.

Explore additional event information at ocalafoodandwinefest.com. 21+ event. Marketing in partnership with the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association.