Tickets are now available for the popular culinary destination weekend festival, Whiskey, Wine & Wildlife — W3, presented by Publix, which will take place Nov. 2-5 in Vilano Beach. A limited release of early bird discount tickets is now available for sale for the festival’s signature events — with savings of up to 30% for the festival’s Grand Tasting on Nov. 4.
Here’s a look at the schedule:
NOVEMBER 2
Pesca by Michael’s W3 Wine Dinner — Cocktails, 6-6:30 p.m.; dinner at 7 p.m. Location: Pesca by Michael’s inside Hyatt Place Hotel, 117 Vilano Road. Tickets: $225 per person ($210 per person early bird). Limited tickets available. An elegant four-course, wine-paired dinner by Executive Chef Michael Lugo and dessert course by Pastry Chef Rebecca Reed. The rooftop cocktail reception and open bar will include wine, beer and spirits.
NOVEMBER 3
W3 Master Classes, presented by Publix — four classes, 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Location to be announced. Tickets: $65 per person, per class. Early bird discount pricing is $199 for all four classes.
These interactive and intimate learning experiences showcase local and celebrity guest chefs, cookbook authors and beverage experts. Each class includes tasting bites with a paired wine, beer or signature cocktail. Tickets are limited to 60 people per class.
Class 1: 10-11 a.m.; Class 2: 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.; Class 3: 1-2 p.m.; Class 4: 2:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Vilano A1A Soirée — 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., Vivian Browning Avenue. Tickets: $199 per person ($179 per person early bird). Limited tickets available.
A five-course dinner, live music and unlimited beverages with souvenir glasses.
NOVEMBER 4
Guided Tour through the GTM Research Reserve/Wine & Cheese Paired Reception — 10:30 a.m. to noon. Location: 505 Guana River Road, No. 6527, Ponte Vedra Beach. Tickets: $39 per person, with early bird discount pricing; (general admission pricing: $45 per person). Limited number of tickets available.
W3 Grand Tasting: Whiskey, Wine & Wildlife — 2-5 p.m. block party in Vilano Beach, Vivian Browning Avenue. Tickets: $129 per person, ($99 per person early bird). Limited number of tickets available.
Enjoy culinary delights from up and down the A1A corridor, nearly 20 of Northeast Florida’s best. It’s a full afternoon of live music, celebrity guest chefs on the Publix Cooking Demonstration Stage and the GTM Reserve Stage with wildlife demonstrations and more. Tickets are all-inclusive with food and drink tastings included.
Best Taste Awards & People’s Choice Awards, presented by Sysco and Jacksonville Magazine — Attendees will vote for their favorite bites and sips during the event on Saturday. One People’s Choice Medal Award Winner in seven categories.
The Vilano Beach Main Street Silent Auction will feature steals on some great items, including art, travel and food-and-drink packages, with 100% of the proceeds benefiting Vilano Beach Main Street.
NOVEMBER 5
W3 Sunday Jazz Brunch — Location: Pesca by Michael’s inside Hyatt Place Hotel, 117 Vilano Road, St. Augustine. Tickets: $119 per person ($99 per person early bird). Limited number of tickets available. This is a family-friendly event open to kids 3 to 12 years old. Admission: $39.
Beverage tasting stations will include sparkling wine, Mimosas, Bloody Mary’s, spirits, wine and beers. Guests will enjoy rooftop beverage-tasting stations with live music after their brunch.
Brunch seating will be on a first-come, first-served basis. Groups of six or more should make advance reservations to ensure same-table seating.
SATELLITE PARKING LOTS and OLD TOWN TROLLEY STOPS
Parking is very limited on Vilano Beach. Old Town Trolleys will run every 30 minutes and will provide the best and most hassle-free way to attend Saturday’s main event. The satellite parking shuttle service is free of charge for festival guests, with the schedule available on the festival website in the coming weeks.
Volunteer opportunities will be available. Volunteers have an opportunity to earn free festival tickets with only eight or more volunteer hours; go to whiskeywineandwildlife.com/volunteer for more information.
The weekend’s events will raise funds and awareness for programs for the official charity partner, Vilano Beach Main Street, with 100% of the proceeds from the silent auction on Nov. 4, designated for it. The GTM Research Reserve is also a charity partner.
Whiskey, Wine & Wildlife, presented by Publix is supported by St. Johns County Tourism Development Council, St. Johns Cultural Council, St. Augustine/Ponte Vedra, Florida’s Historic Coast and Vilano Beach Main Street.
