After a lovely stroll through the Truman Annex, we arrived at Truman’s Little White House to be greeted by Bess and Harry look-a-likes. I found them to be a little creepy, but it was a nice touch. The lawn was covered in a big tent and winery people and distributors alike were spread out at tables lining the perimeter. There are so many reasons this was a great event:First of all, it was not crowded. I could have conversations with my new friends from the previous night, or distributors pouring the wines. I am notoriously bad at waiting in lines, and here there was no need.
Second of all, there was food, and it was good. There was a large table in the 
middle of the tent with a huge cheese display as well as bread and other accoutrments. Additionally, there were plenty of passed hors d’oerves.
Third, and this a big one, the wine was good. Now, certainly in a room with
hundreds of wines nobody will like them all. But here there were a good number that I had to “taste” a second time. That says something. (It says I will be back next year, is what it says.)
You know what else nobody ever talks about, but is truly important to a successful event? Bathrooms. Here, there were a maximum of 2 or 3 people in line at any given time. Not too bad, considering everyone was drinking.
Overall, it was a great event. It certainly did not hurt that the weather was perfect. The South Beach Wine Festival people could learn a thing or two here.
Were you there? What did you think?
9 thoughts on “Key West Food and Wine Festival: Grand Tasting”
Excellent event. Very nice talking to Donald Patz and the T-Vine guy. Certainly seemed like everyone was enjoying themselves. Very happy I made it in time this year
Overall the entire event was great, especially for value for price payed. The entire VIP pass was the same price as one event at South Beach. I loved Duval Uncorked and the food and wine were amazing.
Agreed… I avoid South Beach like the plague… Plus, you get to feel like a true VIP. How fun is that?
Four Fabulous days of Food and Wine!!! From the Kick Off Party to the Grand Tasting to Duval Uncorked to the Wine Market each made you want to come back for more. The Kick off with its spectacular sunset, sipping wine, eating scrumptious hor d’eoruves while jamming to the sounds of Roberto DeBourg’s latin sounds. The Grand tasting had an amazing aray of finer wines, the passed hor d’oeuves were absolutely tantalizing couldn’t get enough. Numerous seminars through out the day serving such delicacies from oysters to caviar with champagne and wines were over the top!!! Duval Uncorked was one huge neighborhood party most businesses that participated supplied amazing foods paired with the wine and spirits this was truly a marvelous event. The wine market was well attended by a mix of eclectic local vendors selling things like coconuts, different spices to wines and hand made goods. It ended with the crowning of the winner of a cooking competition at the seafood shakedown. These four days were packed with so much I need a vacation from my vacation, Will be back next year !!!!!!
Oh yeah! Come back Friday for a full review of Duval Uncorked… I have a lot to say about that funfest!
Harry and Bess were delightful as greeters. The event was well organized. I predict that this will grow very much in popularity and size in years to come. Key West will be happy to host this event more often —- I shall return.
I thought Harry and Bess were cute, but a little creepy… We can agree to disagree on that one. No disagreements about this event growing every year!
I totally agree Harry and Bess were a little creepy! ha ha, but I appreciate the effort of adding elements like this to the tasting. The cheese was amazing!