BOCA RATON, Florida — Florida’s Atlantic coast is set to mingle with California’s famed wine country this season as The Boca Raton resort revives its Artisans of Wine & Food celebration. The gathering, now in its second edition, promises travelers a curated taste of Napa Valley alongside South Florida sunshine, according to a press release by The Boca Raton.
A brief return with a bolder agenda
After debuting last year, the Boca Raton Wine & Food Fest struck a chord with oenophiles and gourmands who enjoyed sampling vintages steps from the sandy shoreline. This year’s encore keeps the core concept—pairing Napa Valley wineries with chef-driven dishes—but scales up with more tasting stations, live demonstrations and coastal-chic experiences designed for visiting food lovers. In the announcement, The Boca Raton highlighted its new partnership with Napa Valley Vintners, the nonprofit trade association representing hundreds of wineries from California’s storied region. “Bringing the spirit of Napa to Boca allows our guests to savor world-class wines without a cross-country flight,” the resort stated in the release.
What travelers can expect on the ground
Although the program runs over a single festival weekend, The Boca Raton extends the celebration across the resort’s lush grounds—from the yacht-lined marina to the cloistered courtyards of its historic tower. Attendees receive tasting passports that guide them through multiple themed zones:
- Grand Lawn Pourings. Winemakers set up alfresco tents where guests swirl cabernet sauvignon, chardonnay and limited-release blends while palm trees sway overhead.
- Chef Collaboration Stations. Resort and guest chefs match Napa varietals with seasonal Florida seafood, artisanal cheeses and Mediterranean-inspired small plates.
- Culinary Classrooms. Interactive sessions decode everything from deciphering a Napa Valley label to elevating at-home charcuterie boards.
- Sunset Yacht Tastings. Small-group cruises along the Intracoastal Waterway pair rosé flights with golden-hour skyline views.
The oceanfront setting gives travelers room to explore between sips. The Boca Raton’s private beach, four-acre pool complex and 18-hole golf course remain open to festivalgoers, letting visitors balance indulgence with outdoor relaxation.
Napa Valley Vintners: bringing the vineyards east
Napa Valley Vintners’ role goes beyond providing bottles. The organization curates attending wineries, arranges meet-the-maker segments and hosts educational panels that unpack the microclimates, appellations and sustainable practices shaping modern Napa wine. This hands-on guidance helps newcomers navigate tasting notes, while seasoned collectors can scout limited allocations otherwise reserved for California cellars.
Destination appeal: why Boca Raton fits the bill
Less than an hour north of Miami and roughly the same distance south of Palm Beach, Boca Raton combines year-round beach weather with a calmer pace than its high-octane neighbors. Travelers can stroll Mizner Park for upscale boutiques, explore the Gumbo Limbo Nature Center’s turtle rehab program, or kayak the mangrove-lined canals of Spanish River Park—all before returning to the resort’s festival festivities. For those flying in, Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood International Airport offers a broad slate of domestic connections, while Palm Beach International serves select hubs. Brightline’s high-speed rail now links Miami, Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach—convenient for visitors who prefer to skip I-95 traffic.
Festival highlights travelers should bookmark
- Napa Stars Dinner. A multi-course, wine-paired feast under string-lit banyan trees welcomes ticketed guests on opening night.
- Cellar Collectors’ Auction. Bid on signed magnums and rare library vintages, with proceeds supporting regional culinary scholarships.
- Morning Wellness. Sunrise yoga on the beach and guided stand-up paddle outings make room for indulgence later in the day.
- Live-Fire Farewell. Chefs gather around a beachside firepit for wood-smoked bites and final pours at the close of the weekend.
Tips for Travelers
- Reserve early. Festival packages bundle accommodations with tasting credentials, and waterfront suites tend to sell out first.
- Pack smart. Light linens work for daytime, but indoor wine seminars run cool with air-conditioning—carry a layer.
- Pace your palate. With dozens of wineries pouring, savor half-pours and hydrate frequently. The resort stations citrus-infused water coolers throughout the grounds.
- Designate or rideshare. Although everything sits onsite, guests who venture into downtown Boca should use ride-hailing apps or the resort’s electric shuttle carts.
- Explore beyond the glass. Schedule a spa treatment or tee time to break up tastings and capture more of the coastal setting.
FAQ
Is the event open to non-hotel guests?
The press release states that day passes will be available, though room-and-ticket bundles offer priority entry. [Not specified in release]
Are children allowed?
The festival centers on alcoholic beverages, so attendees must be of legal drinking age. Family members can still access other resort amenities. [Not specified in release]
What is the dress code?
Resort chic—think breezy dresses, polos and loafers—works for most events. Evening dinners lean toward cocktail attire. [Not specified in release]
How do I purchase tickets?
Packages and individual passes go on sale through The Boca Raton’s website and concierge desk. [Not specified in release]
Why this matters for the wine-curious traveler
The Artisans of Wine & Food weekend offers an efficient route to sampling Napa Valley’s terroir without leaving Florida’s Gold Coast. Travelers gain face time with vintners, expand pairing know-how and bask in Boca Raton’s coastal ambiance—all within a few walkable acres. Whether you arrive for the cabernet, the cuisine or the chance to brush up on tasting technique, the festival blends West Coast vineyards with East Coast vacation vibes. As The Boca Raton pointed out in its announcement, “We’re uncorking the very best of Napa under Florida skies.” That sentiment sums up the draw: world-class wine served seaside, with ample sunshine between each sip. — Source: The Boca Raton press release
