Paradise Coast Wine & Food Experience: Southwest Florida's not-to-be-missed foodie fest
Editor's note: This event is canceled effective Oct. 6.
Get ready as Southwest Florida's most fun and delicious festival, Paradise Coast Wine & Food Experience, returns to Cambier Park in downtown Naples on Oct. 15 from 1-4 p.m.
Not surprisingly, all VIP tickets quickly sold out though Grand Tasting tickets are still available for this exclusive event.
What you'll enjoy
This indulgent afternoon offers foodies a chance to nibble fare from 16 sweet and savory local food and beverage purveyors, sip craft beers, premium wines, top-shelf spirits and refreshing booze-free beverages while gleaning expert culinary tips and techniques during demonstrations hosted by celebrated chefs.
A foodie's delight: Paradise Coast Wine & Food Experience returns in October
Participants include 21 Spices by Chef Asif, Barbatella, Birdie’s Gelato, Bistro 821, Chloe's Cookies, The Claw Bar, Coast at The Edgewater Beach Hotel, Coldwater Oyster Market, Dorona, Grappino, Juicelation, Kareem's Lebanese Kitchen, Le Indya, Petar's, Regina's Ice Cream Pavillion, Riptide Brewing and Sea Salt.
How much is it?
Advance purchase tickets are $65; day-of, $80. For safety reasons, no pets, excluding licensed service dogs, or anyone younger than 21 will be admitted. The event is held rain or shine; there are no refunds.
In addition to Publix, lead sponsors include the Naples Daily News, The News-Press and the USA TODAY Network.
Where to score tickets?
Visit wineandfood.usatoday.com for details. Other cities hosting the Experience this fall include Tampa; Asheville, North Carolina; Columbus, Ohio; Indianapolis, Palm Springs, California; Phoenix; Ventura, California; and Louisville, Kentucky.
The Experience skipped 2020-21 because of pandemic protocols.
Helpful tips
The weather for the past three Experiences was hot and sunny, hovering in the high 80s. If going with a group, consider assigning a designated driver as little sips in the afternoon in the heat can quickly pack a punch. Otherwise, Uber or Lyft your ride.
Two parking lots on Eighth Street South are near Cambier Park, but keep in mind surrounding streets may be closed. Best to map your route ahead of time instead of circling for hours; your time is better spent imbibing.
Also, the venue isn't stiletto-friendly. If you've ever donned heels to a polo match, you understand. Wear comfy shoes to navigate your way through the tents.
Diana Biederman is the food and restaurant reporter for Naples Daily News. Send your scoops to diana.biederman@naplesnews.com for consideration.
This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: Food and wine experience at Cambier Park October 15
