“When is there another wine dinner?” “Where can I go to learn more about food and wine?” These are some of the questions I’m asked almost every week by Southwest Floridians. In that spirit that I have assembled this list. Here is where you can find wining and dining events in SWFL for January.

The information includes two of the biggest wine and food festivals in the state, both of which happen to be in January. You’ll also find tastings and wine dinners planned for many restaurants and retailers.

It’s a work in progress as some establishments are still finalizing plans for the month and year. Be sure to check back periodically. I’ll be updating the list as more things are added to the calendar. If you see something that sparks your interest RSVP as soon as possible. Most of these have limited seating and many sell out.

Wining And Dining Events In SWFL And Beyond

In the meantime, if you can’t make any these events but want to do try something fun at home, here are four wine and food pairings to inspire you to create your own. Invite a few friends over, try some new recipes and new wines to compliment them. To spark your creativity, here are selections that worked well for me during holiday festivities.

Ehler’s Estate 1886 Cabernet Sauvignon

I could not resist this bottle of Ehler’s 1886 Cabernet Sauvignon with a gorgeous tenderloin. We had polenta and a fresh arugula salad as sides. I love how the E in the emblem forms a heart. Sharing from the heart is a big part of cooking and breaking bread together.

Photo: Gina Birch

Dusted Valley Stained Tooth Syrah

Dusted Valley Stained Tooth Syrah had a ring to me. A big red wine that stains your teeth? Yes please. It’s from Washington State and it was delightful. I had it with grilled, herb encrusted lamb chops. It was also good with some of the BBQ ribs that were on the same grill. Yes, I snuck a bite.

Photo: Gina Birch

La Monaca Syrah For Your Own Wining And Dining Events In SWFL

Tenuta Sallier de la Tour, La Monaca Syrah comes from Sicily. So does some of my family so this was a no-brainer for me. I served it with an array of goodies I picked up at my local Italian market. They included sharp provolone, spicy soppressata, sweet Italian sausage and other light bites with big flavors.

Photo: GIna Birch

Early Mountain Intention

I love the name of this wine, Intention. Honestly, that is the main reason I picked it for serving over the holidays. It sparked great dinner conversation. The wine comes from Early Mountain in Virginia and is a blend of petit manseng and sauvignon blanc. I served it with

Photo: Gina Birch

Finally, Here Are Wining And Dining Events In SWFL For January

• Naples Winter Wine Festival

  This is the Mack Daddy of wine events. Not just in Southwest Florida but in the entire country. Winemakers, chefs, celebrities and philanthropist from all over the world travel to this event. The highlight is an auction with one-of-a-kind, over-the-top auction lots. The event has raised over 300 million for at risk children’s programs January 24th through the 26th. Ritz Carlton, Tiburon. More info here.

   

• Southwest Florida WIne & Food Fest

  This two day event features chef dinners, a grand food and wine tasting event featuring signature chefs and vintners, and a festive auction. The proceeds benefit Southwest Florida Children’s Charities and Golisano Children’s Hospital. This year’s grand tasting and auction take place at Coconut Point Hyatt in Bonita Springs, January 17th and 18th. More info here.

• Blossom & Brie

  This North Fort Myers Farm is a gorgeous setting for a farm to table wine dinner. On the calendar for January:

  • January 15th Goldschmidt Vineyards
  • January 22nd California Wines from Scale Wine Group

  Each dinner is 5-8:30, $190.More info here.

• Tarpon Lodge

  The wine dinners at Tarpon Lodge on Pine Island have taken on a life of their own. They are lively and delicious. Arrive early to catch the sunset or book a room so you don’t have to drive the winding road home. January’s dinner is on the 27th and features Oregon’s Willamette Valley Vintners. More info here. 

• Angelina's Ritorante

  Angelina’s Ristorante in Bonita Springs has been hosting high-end wine events for years and they are fantastic. The next one is January 15th. It features the wines of Bibi Graetz from Italy.  6:30, $225. More info here.

   

• Trattoria Mia

  This small Italian restaurant in Fort Myers is known to have a fun group of regulars that the chef enjoys teasing during wine dinners. Good for laughs as well as food. The next one is January 21st. at 7 pm with Bersano Wines, from Italy’s Piedmont region. $80. More info here.

• Naples Wine Collection

  This retailer is one of the premiere spots in Naples and Southwest Florida to learn about wine. They also have a restaurant on site to make dinners easy. The calendar will likely continue to book up. As of now, here is what to RSVP for in January

  • January 10th California Cabernets Tasting
  • January 22nd Gravel Pit Wine Dinner

  More info here.

• Jordan's Wine Bar

  This funky wine bar in Fort Myers has been picking up steam all summer with wine tastings and events. The fun carries over into the new year with a Washington State cabernet sauvignon tasting. January 23rd, 6:30. More info here.

• Golden Rind Cheese and Wine

  This small cheese shop in Fort Myers has an eclectic wine selection too. They have numerous tasting events and seminars, many of which are sit down. You can pre-order cheese trays for events.  More info here.

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