Food & Wine Festivals ON MY LIST to Attend in 2025
If there’s one thing I love as much as a well-curated Pilates or wellness retreat, it’s indulging in a vibrant food and wine festival.
I’m a foodie; probably have guessed that by now.
I was born and raised in South Mississippi, just an hour and some change northeast of New Orleans. Food is a love language for Black folks in the south— particulary women. I learned how too cook really young; and to this day it is one of my favorite things to do. With all the years of practice in the kitchen, culinary classes, research and some lucky work opporutnites that took my pallete from good to GREAT, I’d say that my food senses and experience are pretty expert level. I’ve found myself over the years in search of unique food expereinces during my travels. As I’ve become a more seasoned journalist, I’ve the pleasure and opportunity to attend a number of different types of culinary experiences — from new mom & pop restaurants to the largest food & wine festivals in the United States and in the Caribbean.
From lively coastal celebrations to intimate gatherings with culinary legends, these events offer the perfect blend of delicious bites, bold sips, and unforgettable memories. As I map out my 2025 calendar, these five festivals are already circled, highlighted, and calling my name.
1. South Beach Wine & Food Festival – Miami, Florida (February 20-23, 2025)
No surprise here: SOBEWFF continues to top my must-attend list year after year. Set against the sun-soaked shores of Miami Beach, this festival is a non-stop party for your palate. From The Cookout hosted by Chef JJ Johnson to the iconic Burger Bash, the variety is unmatched. I’m especially excited for this year’s new Wellness & Wine series—because who says you can’t enjoy a Cabernet after Pilates?
What I’m Looking Forward To:
Connecting with top chefs like Marcus Samuelsson and Michelle Bernstein
Attending the Southern Hip-Hop Cardio Class we pitched with Well & Wild
Savoring bites at the Grand Tasting Village while soaking up the ocean breeze
2. The Family Reunion at Salamander Resort – Middleburg, Virginia (August 14-17, 2025)
The Family Reunion at Salamander Resort is more than just a food and wine festival—it's a cultural and culinary celebration rooted in the rich heritage of Black food traditions. The Salamander Resort, founded by entrepreneur Sheila Johnson, is a Black-owned luxury retreat that sits on land steeped in historical significance. Chef Kwame Onwuachi has been a driving force behind this event, using his platform to honor the legacy of African American contributions to American cuisine while spotlighting the talent of emerging Black chefs. The surrounding Virginia countryside, once tended by enslaved Africans, adds a profound connection to the gathering. Attendees can expect soul-stirring discussions, unforgettable meals, and a shared sense of community that transcends the plate. The mission of The Family Reunion is to nurture, develop and celebrate racial and ethnic diversity within the next generation of hospitality professionals.
What I’m Looking Forward To:
Hearing Chef Kwame reflect on his journey from Top Chef contestant to celebrated restaurateur
Experiencing the Ancestral Dinner curated by culinary historians
Walking the grounds of Salamander Resort and connecting with the land's history
3. Tampa Bay Wine & Food Festival – Tampa, Florida (April 8-12, 2025)
TampaBay Wine & Food Festival 2024
As an official 2025 ambassador for the Tampa Bay Wine & Food Festival, I’m beyond excited to witness this festival's rapid growth in just its third year. Tampa’s culinary scene is evolving at lightning speed, with an increasing number of Caribbean-inspired and Black-owned restaurants gaining national recognition. The city is also home to several newly minted Michelin-starred restaurants, making it a must-visit destination for foodies in 2025. The festival promises a diverse array of experiences, from beachfront tastings to chef-led demonstrations highlighting the region’s rich cultural flavors.
What I’m Looking Forward To:
Representing the festival and sharing behind-the-scenes content with my audience
Sampling dishes from local culinary pioneers, including Black-owned establishments
Spotlighting Tampa’s vibrant dining culture and its growing influence in the food world
Use promo code “TBWFFwithSam” for $10 off tickets to TampaBay Wine & Food Festival
4. Aspen Food & Wine Classic – Aspen, Colorado (June 20-22, 2025)
There’s something magical about savoring fine wine with the Rocky Mountains as your backdrop. The Aspen Food & Wine Classic delivers an upscale yet laid-back vibe that keeps me coming back. From wine seminars led by world-renowned sommeliers to intimate chef demos, every moment feels exclusive.
What I’m Looking Forward To:
Exploring diverse tastings with Black wine experts like Julia Coney
Breathing in that crisp mountain air while indulging in alpine-inspired bites
5. New Orleans Wine & Food Experience (NOWFE) – New Orleans, Louisiana (May 21-25, 2025)
Being a NOLA native, NOWFE holds a special place in my heart. The festival is a vibrant showcase of the city’s culinary soul, with dishes that dance on your tongue and wines that surprise you with every sip. Plus, there’s always a touch of that signature New Orleans charm.
What I’m Looking Forward To:
Attending the Wine & Dine NOLA event highlighting Black-owned restaurants
Toasting to my upcoming 40th birthday with a French 75 in hand
Discovering new flavors from up-and-coming local chefs
Bonus festival:
Charleston Wine + Food Festival – Charleston, South Carolina (March 5-9, 2025)
After a moon-soon quite literally rained out the entirety of 2024 festival, the team at CHSWFF pulled a hail mary and somehow were able to salvage the last day of the multi-day event. Despite traveling to Charleston I wasn’t able to get on the festival grounds or experience anything outside of the opening block party due to the soaked festival grounds and cancellations. I’m booked for the Houston Rodeo this same week but I’m hoping to get back there, with much better weather, next year in 2026.
Charleston's festival is like walking through a living postcard of Southern hospitality. The city’s culinary creativity shines through with every dish, from low-country boils to elevated Southern fusion.
What I’m Looking Forward To:
Soaking up the lively vibes at the Culinary Village
Participating in the Soulful Supper Series celebrating Black culinary excellence
Taking a food history walking tour to honor Charleston’s Gullah Geechee roots
Final Sip
From Miami’s vibrant beaches to Napa’s serene vineyards, 2025 promises to be a flavorful year of discovery, connection, and plenty of good eats. If you’re looking to add some culinary adventure to your calendar, these festivals won’t disappoint.
Head over to my YouTube Channel Well & Wild or follow along on my Instagram page for all the behind-the-scenes and exclusive content hat I’ll be sharing at each of these food destinations this year!
