In a city renowned for its Spanish origins, the St. Augustine Spanish Food and Wine Festival is truly an homage to the heart and heritage of the Ancient City. 

Spanning the weekend of February 29 through March 2, 2024, the St. Augustine Spanish Food and Wine Festival features several delicious culinary events throughout downtown St. Augustine. The celebration combines wine, food, and music, as local chefs and restaurants showcase their best tapas, recipes, and vintages. 

This late winter festival is an annual event in downtown St. Augustine, coming right behind the end of the renowned Nights of LightsWe're sharing the details of the St. Augustine Spanish Food And Wine Festival including special events, ticket packages, and hotels nearby.

Seafood dinner and wine at St. Augustine Spanish Food And Wine Festival – @spanishwinefestival

By the way, if you love festivals, check out these Seafood Festivals Near Orlando or consider the Food and Wine Festival in Ocala. And on the complete opposite end of the spectrum is the Florida Man Festival in St. Augustine.

About The St. Augustine Spanish Food And Wine Festival

Every year, over 1000 guests flock to St. Augustine to partake in a three-day adventure steeped in culture and complemented by some of the best food and wine the city offers. From private dinners and VIP experiences, to a Grand Tasting of more than 100 Spanish style wines, the St. Augustine Spanish Food And Wine Festival is truly a jewel in the Ancient City’s events crown.

Proceeds from the event go to support the Flagler College's Hospitality & Tourism Management Program. Not only do enrolled students help plan and run the festival, but they also benefit from its success through scholarships, study-abroad travel, and professional development connections.

Students greet guests at table for St. Augustine Spanish Wine Festival
Flagler College Table – @spanishwinefestival

The festival provides a hands-on approach for these future hospitality and tourism leaders and is a great way to offer real-world experience in the industry. 

We already love St. Augustine as a romantic weekend getaway from Orlando, and this food and wine festival makes this destination even better!

3 adults and 2 children Walking Toward Castillo de San Marcos National Monument
Castillo de San Marcos National Monument – image by Nancy DeVault

St. Augustine Spanish Food And Wine Festival Events

The first thing to know about this festival is that it is NOT a traditional street festival. Instead of strolling a boulevard or plaza visiting various food and wine booths, the festival consists of three main events.

Guests can choose from three ticketed events for the St. Augustine Spanish Food and Wine Festival. All three are held on different nights throughout the weekend, and at different venues in the heart of downtown.

Tapas, Wines & Spirits
Thursday, Feburary 29, 6-8PM
Lightner Museum-Radzinski Family Garden

The St. Augustine Spanish Food and Wine Festival kicks off at the Lightner Museum with an evening of light bites, wine, and cocktails. Guests can savor mouthwatering tapas from several local restaurants, while they sip on wine and enjoy the beautiful Radzinski Family Garden.

Tickets start at $150 per person. Get yours here.

Cava Reception and Wine Pairing Dinner
Friday, March 1, 6-10PM
Flagler College – Solarium & Flagler Room

On night two of the festival, the event moves to historic Flagler College with VIP exclusive reception and dinner. Chef Michael Lugo’s Spanish-inspired five-course menu will begin in the Ponce De Leon Flagler Room and move to its completion in the Solarium. Guests will also enjoy a private musical performance during dinner, and an afterglow on the terrace to close out the evening.

Grand Tasting
Saturday, March 2, 2-5PM
Flagler College – Markland House

The Grand Tasting is the perfect way to wrap up the St. Augustine Spanish Food and Wine Festival weekend. More than 100 Spanish wines will be on hand for the tasting. Sommeliers and wine professionals will be pouring samples and answering questions, and visitors can purchase bottles of their favorites. The afternoon is enhanced by musical performances, live artists, and historical reenactors.

Tickets: General Admission – $100, VIP Experience – $250
per person

buffet of mini desserts at St. Augustine Spanish Food and Wine Festival
Desserts – @spanishwinefestival

By the way, if you need some fuel the next day, check out these best St. Augustine restaurants for breakfast.

Spanish Food and Wine Festival Ticket Packages

VIP Experience: Looking for a more special way to experience the day? Go the VIP route, with a private lounge and restrooms, extra pours of festival wines, light bites, and access to the exhibit at the Crisp-Ellert Art Museum. General Admission is $100 per person, while is the VIP Experience is $250 each. Purchase tickets here.

For guests who wish to experience multiple events throughout the weekend, the St. Augustine Spanish Food and Wine Festival offers packages to make the most of the event!

  • Ultimate Duo for $225 per person
    Includes one ticket for Tapas, Wine, and Spirits and one ticket for the Grand Tasting (General Admission).  
  • Want to do it all? The VIP Weekender is $700 per person
    Includes one ticket for Tapas, Wine, and Spirits, one ticket to the Cava Reception and Wine Pairing Dinner, and one ticket for the Grand Tasting (VIP admission).  

Where To Stay – St. Augustine Hotels

Whether you want to stay out of downtown, at the beach or be within walking distance of the festival, there are plenty of hotels.

Downtown St. Augustine Hotels (In Walking Distance)

Dining Room of Costa Brava at Casa Monica St. Augustine - @casamonicaresortandspa
Dining Room of Costa Brava at Casa Monica St. Augustine – @casamonicaresortandspa

St. Augustine Beach Hotels

Nearby Hotels

READ MORE: How to Spend 9 Hours In St. Augustine

We know you’ll have the best time at the St. Augustine Spanish Food and Wine Festival, but please remember to enjoy responsibly!