The popular culinary destination weekend festival, Whiskey, Wine & Wildlife – W3, which has taken place on Jekyll Island, Georgia, since 2016 is now moving to Vilano Beach. It will be held Nov. 4-6.
A limited release of Early Bird Discount tickets is now available for sale for the festival’s signature events.
“We are so excited about relocating this already successfully established event to Vilano Beach, as there are so many opportunities now available for new growth potential, including a more diversified culinary experience,” said Jan Gourley, festival founder/director. “Whiskey, Wine & Wildlife will also be returning to its original all-inclusive tasting tickets for all its events, which includes unlimited tasting bites and unlimited wines, beers and spirits with souvenir glasses. Nearly 65% of the previous Georgia festival’s attending guests visited from Florida, which will make the Vilano Beach location very popular for Floridians and visitors throughout the Southeast.”
Early bird discount tickets available
Early bird discount tickets available at 904tix.com/events/whiskey-wine-and-wildlife-11-3-2022.
The schedule of events for Whiskey, Wine & Wildlife, presented by Publix + GreenWise Market follows, additional events and details will be available on the festival website in the coming weeks. A limited release of event tickets is now available at early bird discount pricing on the festival website at whiskeywineandwildlife.com.
W3 Master Classes, presented by Publix + GreenWise Market
Four classes: 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Nov. 4. Class schedule and location to be announced soon.
$50 per person, per class, Early Bird discount pricing. Or $175 master class pass for all four classes. (General admission: $60 per person/$199 master class pass)
These interactive and intimate learning experiences showcase local and celebrity guest chefs, cookbook authors and beverage experts. Each class includes tasting bites with a paired wine, beer or signature cocktail. Limited tickets available to only 60 people per class.
Class 1: 10-11 a.m.; Class 2: 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.; Class 3: 1-2 p.m.; Class 4: 2:30-3:30 p.m.
Guided Tours through the GTM Research Reserve/Wine & Cheese Paired Reception
Guana Tolomato Matanzas Research Reserve, 505 Guana River Road, No. 6527, Ponte Vedra Beach.
$39 per person, early bird discount pricing; (general admission: $45 for person); limited tickets available
When: 3-4:30 p.m. Nov. 4, 10:30 a.m. to noon Nov. 5, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Nov. 6.
Explore the great coastal outdoors and the natural beauty of the GTM Research Reserve with a private guided tour. The tour concludes with tasting some notable wines, paired with specialty cheeses from Publix + GreenWise Market.
Friday, Nov. 4
Whiskey Inspired on the Pier, 6:30-8:30 p.m., Vilano Beach Pier, 260 Vilano Road.
$69 per person, early bird discount pricing; (general admission pricing: $79 per person)
Enjoy a variety of whiskies, wines and beers, along with a showcase of the festival’s official beverage partners. Guests will taste whiskey-inspired classic cocktails and more with a souvenir glass along with a variety of appetizer stations, and “Pig Pickin’ on the Pier” with whole hog barbecue and music.
Those who enjoy spectacular sunsets won’t want to miss this event from one of the best vantage points.
Saturday, Nov. 5
W3 Main Event – Whiskey, Wine & Wildlife, 2-5 p.m., block party in Vilano Beach. (Location to be announced soon)
$99 per person, early bird discount pricing; (general admission pricing: $119 per person)
The main event combines all three of the W’s and much more for the perfect Vilano Beach afternoon. Taste culinary delights from up and down the A1A corridor. Guests will enjoy hundreds of unlimited varieties of beverage tastings (spirits, wines and beers) with a souvenir glass at this private Vilano Beach block party. It’s a full afternoon of live music from Laiken Love & The Fellowship of Love, celebrity guest chefs on the Publix Cooking Demonstration Stage, artisan market and the GTM Reserve Stage with wildlife demonstrations and more. Tickets are all-inclusive with food and drink tastings included, from some of Northeast Florida’s best restaurants and world-renowned spirits, wines and beers.
Publix + GreenWise Market Cooking Demo Stage at W3 Main Event
2:15-2:45 p.m.: Aprons Cooking School, Jacksonville
3-3:30 p.m.: Kenny Gilbert, Silkie’s Chicken and Champagne Bar, Jacksonville
3:45-4:15 p.m.: Rebecca Reed, Restaurant Orsay, Jacksonville
4:30-5 p.m.: Michael Lugo, Michael’s St. Augustine & Pesca by Michael’s, Vilano Beach
People’s Choice Awards, presented by Publix + GreenWise Market
W3 attendees will vote for their favorite bites and sips during the event on Saturday. One People’s Choice Medal Award winner in seven categories, including beverage tastings, will be announced on the at 4:30 pm.
Raising funds
The Vilano Beach Main Street Silent Auction on Nov. 5 will feature deals on some great items, including art, travel and food-and-drink packages, with 100% of the proceeds benefiting Vilano Beach Main Street.
The GTM Research Reserve will be the recipient of the proceeds from the Whiskey & Wine Pull on Nov. 5.
Satellite Parking Lots, Old Town Trolley Stops and Water Shuttle Services
Parking is very limited on Vilano Beach, so Old Town Trolleys will run every 30 minutes and will provide the best and most hassle-free way to attend Friday night and Saturday’s Main Event. The satellite parking shuttle service is free of charge for festival guests, with the schedule available on the festival website in the coming weeks.
Special event Water Shuttle Service schedules will be available to and from downtown St. Augustine to the Vilano Beach Pier for Whiskey Inspired on the Pier Friday evening and for Saturday’s W3 Main Event. Additional information will be coming soon on reserving a Water Shuttle ticket. The festival also highly encourages utilizing ride services and/or designating drivers for guest drop-off/pick-up.
Volunteer opportunities
Volunteer opportunities with the festival are available. Volunteers have an opportunity to earn free festival tickets with eight or more volunteer hours. Go to whiskeywineandwildlife.com/volunteer for more information.
