Catching Up

Checking in on Some Favorite Wines and Finding Some New Favorite Bottles

A handful of recent highlights from our wine blogger's tasting adventures.

03/13/2024 By Bob McGinn

Bottoms Up

The 'Set the Bar' Cocktail Competition Is Returning in April

This fun Sarasota-Manatee Originals event will feature 25 local mixologists and light bites from Originals restaurants.

02/27/2024 By Lauren Jackson

Rebrand

Bordeaux Wines Are Getting Stronger and Maturing More Quickly. Here's Why.

According to a recent panel featuring top French winemakers, answers range from climate change to competition from other styles.

02/16/2024 By Bob McGinn

Cheers, Baby!

Forks & Corks Is Moving to January in 2024

The much-anticipated festival will celebrate its 17th anniversary with loads of wine-centric events for everyone.

08/02/2023 By Lauren Jackson

S Tier

Discovering Some New Favorite Wines at Forks & Corks

Our wine writer names his top picks from the huge annual wine bash.

05/17/2023 By Bob McGinn

Class Is in Session

How to Avoid Making a Fool of Yourself at a Wine Tasting

With the Forks & Corks Grand Tasting right around the corner, let's review some basic rules.

04/19/2023 By Bob McGinn

Back That Glass Up

Early Access and VIP Tickets for the 2023 Forks & Corks Grand Tasting Go On Sale This Thursday

The popular event returns after a two-year hiatus due to Covid-19.

01/10/2023 By Lauren Jackson

Born to Rum

The Sarasota-Manatee Originals' 'Set the Bar Cocktail' Competition Returns

Whose drink will reign supreme?

08/31/2022 By Lauren Jackson

That time of year again

Forks & Corks Is Back!

While the popular Grand Tasting won't take place this year, there are plenty of other great wine and food events happening next week.

05/04/2022 By Bob McGinn

Partnerships

Sarasota-Manatee Originals Announce Ongoing Sysco Sponsorship

Sysco will offer discounts, buying incentives and rewards to SMO members.

03/28/2022 Photography by Staff

Act Now! Supplies Are Limited!

Discounted Gift Certificates to Dozens of Local Restaurants Go on Sale Thursday

Sarasota-Manatee Originals is selling discounted dining certificates to more than 60 local restaurants this holiday season.

12/08/2021 By Marc Griffin

Supplies Are Limited!

Discounted Gift Certificates to Local Restaurants Are on Sale Again

More than 30 local restaurants are offering gift certificates at a 30 percent discount, starting today.

09/09/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Alcohol Olympics

'Set the Bar' Cocktail Competition Will Return in October

The Sarasota-Manatee Originals contest will feature drinks from 25 different restaurants.

08/06/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Hop on the Trolley

New Progressive Dinner Series Highlights Wine and Food Pairings

The Blend is a new series of dinners organized by the Sarasota-Manatee Originals.

06/11/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Party time excellent

Highlights of This Year's Forks & Corks Food and Wine Festival

This year's event has something for every type of wine lover, from novice to expert.

04/21/2021 By Bob McGinn

Still Happening

Forks & Corks Details Revealed

The festival will be limited this year because of Covid-19 safety precautions, but there's still plenty going on.

04/02/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Act Now!

Snag Discounted Gift Certificates to Local Restaurants

The Sarasota-Manatee Originals is selling vouchers at a 30 percent discount.

03/18/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Flavor town

Restaurants Will Offer Signature Dishes as Part of 'Original Eats' Program

The goal of the two-week event is to highlight the variety of cuisine in the area and to encourage customers to order from local, independent restaurants.

01/05/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Going fast

Originals Restaurant Group Starts Selling T-Shirts, Tank Tops

The new designs include slogans like 'Eat Sip Support Local,' 'Be Original' and 'Eat Like a Local.'

11/25/2020 By Cooper Levey-Baker

🍴🍷🍴🍷🍴🍷

Next Year's Forks & Corks Scheduled for April 29-May 3

Details of how next year's festival might function have not yet been worked out, but organizers say it is happening.

10/26/2020 By Cooper Levey-Baker