Florida’s Historic Coast prepares for one of its biggest celebrations as Whiskey, Wine & Wildlife returns to Vilano Beach in November. The three-day festival promises a full lineup of tasting sessions led by regional chefs and wildlife encounters at one of Florida’s oldest attractions. A beachside brunch wraps up the weekend with live jazz, signature cocktails and coastal dishes that capture the region’s laid-back charm.
Photo credit: FloridasHistoricCoast.com.
Beyond food and drink, the Whiskey, Wine & Wildlife festival helps fund programs that preserve the coast’s heritage and strengthen local tourism. Its proceeds also support community projects that protect the area’s natural spaces and promote sustainable growth across St. Johns County.
The festival returns to Vilano Beach
Whiskey, Wine & Wildlife kicks off Nov. 7-9 in Vilano Beach on Florida’s Historic Coast. The festival features chef-led tastings, beverage pairings and live presentations from wildlife educators. Funds raised help support preservation and community efforts through partnerships with Vilano Beach Main Street, the St. Augustine Alligator Farm and the St. Johns County Tourism Development Council. The weekend rounds out with a silent auction and the annual Best Taste and People’s Choice Awards, honoring 2025’s top participants.
Vilano A1A Soirée
The Vilano A1A Soirée opens the Whiskey, Wine & Wildlife weekend on the evening of Friday, Nov. 7, at Hyatt Place Vilano Beach. Guests sample beer, wine and spirits in souvenir glasses that mark the start of the celebration. Local chefs will prepare savory and sweet dishes, representing top restaurants across Northeast Florida.
Live music from Zaza Flamenca will start the evening, with additional performers to be announced. The indoor-outdoor venue offers coastal views and a laid-back atmosphere for food, drinks and conversation.
Alligator Farm VIP tour
The VIP Behind-the-Scenes Tour at the St. Augustine Alligator Farm takes place on Saturday, Nov. 8. Wildlife guides will take small groups through exhibits with hundreds of alligators and crocodiles, including Maximo, a 15-foot, 1,250-pound saltwater crocodile.
The tour also includes a visit to The Rookery, where native herons, egrets, spoonbills and wood storks gather during nesting season. After the tour, guests can relax at a private wine and cheese reception.
The W3 Grand Tasting
The festival’s main event, the W3 Grand Tasting, happens on Saturday, Nov. 8, at Hyatt Place Vilano Beach and on nearby streets. Guests can taste food from leading local chefs alongside a wide selection of wines, spirits and craft beers. Live music fills the afternoon, with wildlife demonstrations from the St. Augustine Alligator Farm team.
The Vilano Beach Main Street Silent Auction returns with art, travel and culinary packages up for bidding. New this year is the Best Dressed Wildlife Contest, where guests in creative animal prints or accessories can win tickets to next year’s Soirée and Grand Tasting. The day concludes with the presentation of the Whiskey, Wine & Wildlife Best Taste and People’s Choice Awards, recognizing the top dishes and drinks of the weekend.
Sunday Jazz Brunch by the beach
The festival closes on Sunday, Nov. 9, with a beachside jazz brunch offering two seating times. Guests can choose from chef stations with carved meats, seasonal specialties and coastal favorites. Beverage stations serve unlimited tastings of bloody marys, mimosas, wines and signature cocktails. The event provides an easygoing finale that brings together music, food and community.
A coastwide celebration of community
Whiskey, Wine & Wildlife has become a key event on Florida’s Historic Coast, bringing food, drink and conservation together. The festival draws regional chefs, beverage makers and wildlife educators to showcase local talent and environmental awareness. Its schedule connects tourism with preservation, channeling proceeds toward community and ecological projects. Each year, the event strengthens Vilano Beach’s role as a destination for responsible travel and regional culture.
Jennifer Allen is a retired chef turned traveler, cookbook author and nationally syndicated journalist; she’s also a co-founder of Food Drink Life, where she shares expert travel tips, cruise insights and luxury destination guides. A recognized cruise expert with a deep passion for high-end experiences and off-the-beaten-path destinations, Jennifer explores the world with curiosity, depth and a storyteller’s perspective. Her articles are regularly featured on the Associated Press Wire, The Washington Post, Seattle Times, MSN and more.
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