The World Equestrian Center of Ocala hosted its annual 2025 Ocala Food & Wine Festival.
OCALA, FL (352today.com) – The World Equestrian Center traded reins for wine glasses as the 2025 Ocala Food & Wine Festival galloped back for another year of gourmet eats, top-shelf sips and serious culinary showmanship.
Festivalgoers line up, awaiting for entry into Saturday’s Grand Tasting event.
Courtesy: Amber Battillo/352today
The annual three-day festival, hosted from Nov. 7-9, kicked off Friday night with the Chefs’ Dinner presented by Kobrand Fine Wine & Spirits, a decadent, multi-course feast where guests can toast to the start of the weekend with some of the country’s top chefs and winemakers.
Saturday’s Grand Tasting was the main event–a foodie paradise packed with more than 60 booths, endless pours, live demos and a few surprises. The party didn’t stop there: the Grand Prix Reception Experience followed, pairing Champagne Nicolas Feuillatte with arena showjumping under the lights. Things wrapped up Sunday with a Champagne Brunch, because no great weekend ends without mimosas.
A feast for all senses
Walking into the foyer felt like stepping into a fantasy vineyard–fake florals, wine glasses everywhere and even an ice sculpture of The Equestrian Hotel and horse bearing the festival’s logo. During the Grand Tasting, guests could test their luck with the Wine Pull Balloon Game ($30 gets you wine or a mystery prize), pop by the Bubble Lounge for Five-Star Package Holders or hit the “Grab a Prop, Strike a Pose” photo booth for a fun souvenir to take home.
Beer lovers weren’t left out either–the Tri-Eagle Sales Beer Garden poured favorites like Stella Artois, Yuengling, Modelo and Surfside, complete with themed Jenga, cornhole and table shuffle for those who like a little friendly competition with their brews.
Foodies, start your appetites
The Grand Tasting lineup read like a culinary treasure map. The Yellow Pony Pub & Garden served lamb sliders, Fresh from Florida brought Bloody Mary Shrimp, Emma’s Patisserie offered a bread flight worth carb-loading and Certified Angus Beef offered Braised Chuck Rolls and cowboy-cauldron-seared tomahawk steaks during the Grand Prix Reception. For something sweet, Miss Tilly’s Lollipops served mini cookies and cheesecake cupcakes while Equestrian Chocolate Company offered Artisan-inspired hand-crafted chocolates. At the center of the room stood a 30-foot charcuterie board buffet, a certified crowd magnet.
Guests could also sip their way around the world with tastings from Daou Vineyards, ACE Wine & Spirits, The House of Suntory, Bulleit Frontier Whiskey, FishHawk Spirits and Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin, among dozens of others.
On stage & in the classroom
During Saturday’s eats, attendees could catch culinary stars like Food Network’s Duff Goldman, alongside chef panels and a “Mystery Basket Cook-Off” that wrapped up with an awards ceremony. For those who love to learn as much as they sip, the classroom lineup covers everything from “Wait, What Exactly is Sake?” to “Bourbons of Distinction.”
Bubbles, boots and big air
The Grand Prix Reception Experience presented by Champagne Nicolas Feuillatte, turned Saturday night into a sparkling spectacle. Attendees dined and sipped bubbly ringside as elite riders and horses soared under the lights of the Grand Arena. Between showstopping jumps, festivalgoers indulged in dishes like bacon jam scallops, sushi samplers, house-made Margherita pizza and a doughnut bar.
Plan ahead
Festivalgoers can already mark their calendars for next year: the 2026 event runs Nov. 6-8, with tickets now on sale. VIPs can snag the Five-Star Festival Package, which bundles luxury lodging, event access, breakfast and even a golf cart to cruise between tastings in style.
The Ocala Food & Wine Festival isn’t just an event–it’s an Ocala staple where food meets flair, horses meet haute cuisine, and everyone leaves happier (and a lot fuller).
For details and tickets to next year’s event, visit WEC Ocala’s website.
Dining and Cooking