This highly-anticipated festival serves as a way to connect the St. Augustine community with the city’s Spanish history through an exploration of wine, cuisine, and culture. In addition to exploring the rich history of St. Augustine’s Spanish roots, the festival seeks to “raise money for local charities, provide memorable experiences for visitors, foster international economic development, and enrich the quality of life in our community.”
Now in its 11th year, the festival has raised $480,000, which has been donated to the St. Augustine community. This year’s beneficiary is Flagler College’s Hospitality and Tourism Management program. The HTM program is career-focused, offers a complimentary blend of hospitality and business, and is structured around the practical application of hospitality and tourism business principles.
Students will play a critical role in facilitating the festival under the leadership of locally renowned chefs, restaurant owners, hotel and business owners, industry professionals, and Director of the HTM program, David Rivera.
At its core, the festival is designed to promote St. Augustine as the Spanish Wine Capitol of America and to facilitate historical-destination tourism. Through planning, organizing, and working at the events, Flagler College HTM students gain real-world experience to bridge the gap between classroom learning and industry execution.
“The funds raised from this event are vital to student growth as they will allow students to engage in professional development that may otherwise be out of reach due to cost,” Rivera said.
Festival Schedule:
Tapas, Wine, and Spirits - The Lightner Museum Radzinksi Family Garden.
Friday, Feb. 23 | 6–8 p.m.
Throughout the evening guests will delight their palates with local Spanish-inspired fare by local chefs while sampling a variety of authentic Spanish wines and spirits at the Lightner Museum Radzinski Family Garden in the heart of downtown St. Augustine.
Event sponsor: The Radazinski Family
Cava Reception and Wine Pairing Dinner – VIP event
Flagler College- Solarium & Flagler Room
Saturday, Feb. 24 | 6-10 p.m.
The VIP evening will start with a Cava Reception in the historic Ponce de Leon Hall Flagler Room then progress to the Solarium for three plated courses and a private musical performance. The evening will conclude with a dessert social on the Solarium Terrace featuring breathtaking city and ocean views.
Event sponsor: The Treasury on the Plaza
Grand Tasting - Flagler College- Markland House
Sunday, Feb. 25 | 2-5 p.m.
The Grand Tasting is the longest-standing festival tradition. Knowledgeable professionals will offer an immersive wine-tasting experience of over 100 authentic Spanish wines originating from regions like Rioja, Penedès, and Catalonia. As guests taste the samples of authentic Spanish wine they will experience a music performance by the Flagler College Chamber Choir, interactions with reenactors, and live artists.
Event sponsor: Michael’s & Pesca by Michael’s
Alongside Flagler College, Bank of America serves as a title sponsor for the 2023 St. Augustine Spanish Food and Wine Festival.
This is a ticketed event. Visit www.spanishwinefestival.com for more information or to purchase tickets.
