Bern’s Winefest: An Overview of the Iconic Wine Festival in South Tampa

For nearly three decades, early April has been a hallmark of culinary celebration in the Tampa Bay area, epitomized by the much-anticipated Bern’s Winefest. Organized by the Laxer Family Foundation, this distinguished fundraising event stands out as a premier charity gala devoted to the dual passions of food and wine. Each year, the festival features a series of opulent dinners that showcase prestigious wines from around the globe, culminating in the Grand Tasting Experience—a signature highlight of the event.

Access to this renowned festival is notoriously competitive, akin to securing a reservation at Bern’s Steak House itself. This year’s festivities commence on April 24 and will conclude with the Grand Tasting on April 27, 2023. Given the event’s popularity and limited ticket availability, many interested participants find seats sold out within mere minutes of release.

This year, Bern’s Fine Wines & Spirits general manager Chris Belk is at the helm, meticulously organizing and curating the festival’s extensive program. Throughout the week, proceeds from the various dinners will support the foundation’s mission, which aims to cultivate the next generation of culinary leadership. Additionally, an auction will take place, with funds benefiting the Bern Laxer Memorial Scholarship Fund, administered through the esteemed James Beard Foundation. This initiative has successfully disbursed 31 scholarships to aspiring chefs and industry professionals since its inception.

The Grand Tasting, set for April 27 from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. at South Tampa’s Haven restaurant, serves as the apex of the festival. Attendees can explore an impressive selection of roughly 300 wine labels, paired with various gourmet bites spanning appetizers to decadent desserts. Wines on offer will include the celebrated 2021 Don Melchor, recognized as Wine of the Year by Wine Spectator, along with an array of rare champagnes and unique selections from burgeoning vineyards.

Each dinner event at Winefest will showcase exclusive collaborations with prestigious winemakers like M. Chapoutier and Ridge Vineyards, as well as memorable gastronomic experiences crafted by Bern’s executive chef Chad Johnson. This year also emphasizes sustainability within the wine selection process, focusing on biodynamic and eco-friendly practices.

Belk underscores the importance of engagement in the wine experience, encouraging guests to broaden their palates through tastings and discussions. With a commitment to continuous education, she highlights the vast landscape of wine, emphasizing that every encounter presents an opportunity for learning and appreciation.

The selections at Bern’s Winefest promise an immersive experience, appealing to seasoned aficionados and curious newcomers alike, making it a quintessential event for enthusiasts of culinary excellence in the region.