From January 20–26, 2026, Forks & Corks Winemaker Dinners return to the Suncoast, inviting guests to experience an elevated series of food and wine events hosted by Sarasota-Manatee Originals member restaurants across the region.

Part of Florida’s premier food and wine festival, the Forks & Corks Winemaker Dinners are a cornerstone of the weeklong celebration, offering intimate, thoughtfully curated dining experiences that pair local independent chefs and restaurateurs with visiting winemakers and winery representatives from around the world. These exclusive events take place at participating restaurants throughout Sarasota and Manatee counties, spanning destinations from Anna Maria Island to Venice.

Each dinner is designed to showcase the creativity, craftsmanship, and hospitality that define the local independent dining scene. Guests can expect multi-course menus inspired by seasonal ingredients, each course paired with wines selected to complement and elevate the flavors on the plate. The result is a dining experience that feels both refined and personal, where storytelling, technique, and terroir come together at the table.

What sets the Forks & Corks Winemaker Dinners apart is the collaborative nature of each event. Chefs work closely with winemakers to create menus that highlight the character of the wines while staying true to the restaurant’s culinary identity. The evenings often include guided tastings, behind-the-scenes insights, and opportunities to engage directly with the people responsible for the wines being poured. For food and wine enthusiasts, it is a rare chance to explore pairings in an intimate setting while learning about the vineyards, regions, and philosophies behind each bottle.

The diversity of experiences is another hallmark of the series. Throughout the week, guests can choose from a range of formats, including elegant seated dinners, relaxed tasting events, and special culinary collaborations. Whether hosted in a fine-dining dining room, a waterfront setting, or a beloved neighborhood restaurant, each event reflects the personality of its host while maintaining the elevated standards Forks & Corks is known for.

At its core, the Forks & Corks Winemaker Dinners celebrate Sarasota-Manatee Originals’ mission to support and spotlight locally owned, independent restaurants. By pairing regional culinary talent with a global lineup of winemakers, the series underscores the Suncoast’s reputation as a vibrant dining destination and a hub for culinary creativity.

As demand for these events is consistently high and seating is limited, guests are encouraged to plan ahead. The full lineup of 2026 Forks & Corks Winemaker Dinners, including participating restaurants, event details, and ticketing information, is available online.

To explore the schedule and reserve tickets, visit
https://eatlikealocal.com/forksandcorks/forks-corks-food-and-wine-experiences/

Whether you are a longtime Forks & Corks attendee or discovering the festival for the first time, the 2026 Winemaker Dinners offer a memorable way to experience exceptional wine, inspired cuisine, and the unmistakable flavor of the Suncoast.