Forks & Corks Food & Wine Auction Open for “Bidness”, April 17

April 14, 2023 – Sarasota

Sarasota-Manatee Originals is auctioning off more than 75 distinctive “lots” during their Forks & Corks Food and Wine Auction. The swank collection includes rare and exquisite wines, international and domestic winery tastings and tours, special dining packages, and other one-of-a-kind experiences.

For each of the last 15 years, the Sarasota-Manatee Originals have proudly presented the Forks & Corks Food and Wine Festival in promotion and support of the Suncoast’s independent restaurant community. The multi-day Forks & Corks gourmand gathering is designed to showcase the palate-pleasing talents of the locally-owned eateries of Sarasota and Manatee Counties, highlighted by an esteemed international cast of visiting winery owners and winemakers. Over the years, the Festival has grown to encompass a range of events over five days, welcoming over 4,000 guests.

“Forks & Corks is the primary fundraiser of the year for The Originals, bringing critical marketing dollars to the organization to promote dining in local, independently-owned restaurants,” said Kim Davis, Executive Director of the Sarasota-Manatee Originals.  All the monies raised from the Sarasota-Manatee Originals Forks & Corks Online Auction are dedicated to promoting and sustaining the mission and 60+ Members of the organization.

“We are truly delighted by the awesome array of unique wines and epicurean experiences that we have to offer in the auction,” added Davis. “And we whole-heartedly thank every single one of our local, national and international supporters for their generosity.”  

Highlights of the online Food and Wine Auction Include:

• Cyrus Cabernet Blend Vertical of Six Vintages, including this year’s Best of Show red wine ($600 value)
• Tour & Tasting at Graham’s 1890 Port Wine Lodge overlooking the Douro River in beautiful Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal. ($150 value)
• 3 Magnums of Champagne Jacquart Rare 2002 Vintage ($300 value)
• Pop’s Sunset Grill Rum Dinner & Key West Vacation ($4000 value)
• 2006 Banfi Brunello di Montalcino signed by Cristina Mariani ($350 value)
• Private Wine Dinner for Twelve at Michael’s Wine Cellar! ($4000 value)
• 3-Hour Cruise for 18 People on the Golden Eagle III Yacht ($5,000 value)
• A bottle of Tesseron Cognac Lot 29 XO Exception ($900 value)
• A Special Selection of Hamilton Russell Wines & Private Tasting for 2 ($650 value)
• A Magnum of Mineral Springs Brut Rosé and a Private Tasting for 6 at Soter Vineyards ($170)
• A classic cocktail package featuring locally crafted spirits from Big Storm and Dark Door distilleries ($120 value)
• Multiple wine variety packs to suit every palate (ranging from $40 – $240 in value)

The online auction items are already available for previewing at bidpal.net/smoauction. The auction will close on Sunday, April 23rd at 3PM.