The inaugural St. Johns County version of Whiskey, Wine & Wildlife was held Nov. 4-6, drawing large crowds for the festivities. Presented by Publix and GreenWise Market, the event included master classes, guided tours of the Guana Tolomato Matanzas Research Reserve, Whiskey Inspired “Pig Pickin’” on the Pier, a block party in Vilano Beach and a jazz brunch at Casa Monica Resort & Spa.
The following medals were awarded to winners in the restaurant competitions:
- Best Overall: Silkie’s Chicken & Champagne Bar, Jacksonville
- Best Savory: Gold — Amici’s Italian Restaurant, St. Augustine; Silver — Lotus Noodle Bar, St. Augustine; Bronze — Beaches at Vilano
- Best Sweet: Gold — Vilano Main Street Diner, St. Augustine; Silver — Blacksheep Restaurant Group
- Best Seafood: Gold, Tie — Catch 27 and Costa Brava, both of St. Augustine; Silver, Tie — Pesca by Michael’s and Cap’s on the Water, both of St. Augustine; Bronze — The Reef Restaurant, St. Augustine
- Best Presentation: Odd Birds Kitchen & Cocktail Lounge, St. Augustine
