2025 Palm Beach Food & Wine Festival Highlights: Chefs, Tastings & Unforgettable Experiences
Highlights from the 2025 Palm Beach Food & Wine Festival, From Grand Tastings to Chef Showdowns
The 2025 Palm Beach Food & Wine Festival once again proved why it is one of the most anticipated culinary gatherings in South Florida. Blending world-class gastronomy with the unmistakable elegance of The Palm Beaches, this year’s festival, in partnership with Wine Spectator and powered by GEICO, delivered a multi-day experience that celebrated creativity, craftsmanship, and community—set against a backdrop of ocean breezes, iconic venues, and inspired chefs. From the very first toast to the final bite, the 18th annual festival showcased not just exceptional food and wine, but the stories, people, and places that make the region a true culinary destination.
Image Credit: Pissari Photography
A Glamorous Kickoff at The Belgrove
The 2025 Palm Beach Food & Wine Festival officially came to life at a dazzling kickoff party hosted at The Belgrove, where refined luxury met effortless coastal sophistication. Guests arrived to a warm, welcoming ambiance that immediately set the tone for the weekend—an environment designed for lingering conversations, spontaneous discoveries, and shared appreciation for exceptional food and drink. Passed bites highlighted bold flavors and impeccable technique, while curated cocktails and fine wines flowed freely throughout the evening.
Image Credit: Tracey Benson Photography
As live music and soft lighting transformed the space into a vibrant social hub, chefs, vintners, and festivalgoers mingled in a celebratory atmosphere that felt both elevated and inviting. The evening unfolded at an unhurried pace, allowing guests to fully immerse themselves in the experience—an opening night that not only launched the festival, but perfectly embodied the spirit of hospitality, creativity, and culinary excellence that would define the days ahead.
Image Credit: Tracey Benson Photography
Image Credit: Tracey Benson Photography
National Geographic at The Ben: Storytelling Through Taste
One of the festival’s most thought-provoking moments unfolded at The Ben during the National Geographic dinner experience. This immersive evening paired exquisite cuisine with powerful storytelling, connecting food to culture, exploration, and sustainability. Each course felt purposeful, highlighting global influences while encouraging guests to reflect on the broader impact of what—and how—we eat. It was a reminder that food can be both deeply personal and universally meaningful.
Image Credit: Alissa Dragun
Adding a layer of whimsy and hands-on indulgence, The Ben delighted guests with an interactive tiramisu-making experience that turned dessert into a moment of shared creativity. Guided by expert hands, attendees layered espresso-soaked ladyfingers and mascarpone with care, learning the nuances behind the beloved Italian classic while savoring the process as much as the final bite.
Just steps away, the evening took on a playful twist at the ice skating rink, where a simple ring of a bell summoned freshly served shrimp cocktail—an unexpected, joyful detail that perfectly captured the festival’s ability to balance elegance with fun.
Image Credit: Alissa Dragun
Image Credit: Alissa Dragun
The Grand Tasting: The Heart of the Festival
At the center of the weekend was The Grand Tasting, a vibrant showcase that brought together celebrated chefs, renowned winemakers, and eager epicureans in one dynamic setting. From bold flavors to delicate techniques, the tasting floor buzzed with discovery. Guests moved effortlessly from station to station, sampling standout dishes and exceptional pours while engaging directly with the talent behind them. The Grand Tasting embodied the festival’s essence: indulgent, interactive, and endlessly inspiring.
Chef Showdown: Where Creativity Took Center Stage
The competitive energy peaked during the Chef Showdown, a thrilling display of skill, speed, and imagination. Chefs faced off in front of a live audience, transforming mystery ingredients into artful plates under pressure. The crowd watched as culinary instincts and innovation collided, proving once again that some of the most exciting moments in food happen when creativity meets challenge.
Image Credit: Pissari Photography
Why The Belgrove Resort & Spa, Autograph Collection, Is the Perfect Place to Stay
As the festival came to a close, one thing was clear: where you stay matters just as much as where you dine. The Belgrove Resort & Spa, Autograph Collection, emerged as the ideal home base for Palm Beach Food & Wine Festival guests. With its serene setting, sophisticated accommodations, and effortless access to festival venues, The Belgrove offers a seamless blend of relaxation and refinement. From unwinding after a full day of tastings or starting the morning in tranquil luxury, the resort provides an elevated experience that perfectly complements a visit to The Palm Beaches.
Image Credit: The Belgrove Resort & Spa, Autograph Collection
The 2025 Palm Beach Food & Wine Festival didn’t just deliver memorable meals—it created moments. And for those already looking ahead to next year, one thing is certain: the flavors may change, but the magic of this festival, and the comfort of The Belgrove, will remain.