Inaugural Jacksonville Food & Wine Festival to Feature 80+ Wines, 20+ Local Restaurants

On Sunday, February 9, the lot that hosts the weekly Riverside Arts Market will serve as host to a brand-new event: the Jacksonville Food & Wine Festival.

The inaugural event, presented by 904 Happy Hour, kicks off at 12:00 PM with over eighty wines and food from more than twenty-five popular local restaurants. Wineries on-hand will include Banshee, Four Graces, Nieto Senetiner, and Sebastiani among many others. bb’s Restaurant, Charcuterie Stations, Cousins Maine Lobster, and Well Oiled Events are among the food vendors announced thus far.

In addition, a collection of more than forty vendors will be on-hand at the event, including The Sangria Truck and EVOO Guy. Live art installations and mural paintings will take place throughout the afternoon.

Live music will be featured on the mini-amphitheater stage from noon until 8:00 PM. Here’s the schedule of performances:

• 12:00 PM: Chelsey Michelle
• 1:45 PM: Evan Michael & The Well Wishers
• 3:30 PM: The Band Be Easy
• 6:00 PM: Chris Thomas Band

General admission to the event is free; visitors can purchase food and beverages directly from the vendors. VIP passes are available for $65 – this includes a complimentary sample from each restaurant, wine tastings from 12 to 4, private seating and refreshment stations, air-conditioned restrooms, and a commemorative wine glass.

Proceeds from the event will benefit the Wagoner Foundation, a local nonprofit organization that supports The Salvation Army, Vets 4 Vets, the Jacksonville Jaycees, the Women’s Army Corps Veterans Association, and several other local groups.

For more information about the event, or to purchase VIP tickets, visit jaxfoodwinefest.com.