“Ray, when someone asks you if you want wine, you say YES!” For more than two decades, Tampa Theatre’s signature fundraiser WineFest has shown up for some of the most important moments in cinematic history with themes like How the West was Wine, The Vineyard of Oz, Rebel Without a Cork and last year’s Forrest Grape. But there has been one supernaturally superior wine pun that has been haunting us for a long time. So this year, WineFest will manifest with Grapebusters – presented by SouthEast Personnel Leasing – on March 1 and 2.

• On Friday, March 1, a two-tiered Wine Tasting – presented by The Orlo House and Ballroom – invites you to taste dozens of boutique wines and sample favorite fare from Tampa’s top independent restaurants from 7-10pm. You’ll also have the opportunity to bid on premium silent auction items representing Bay area retailers, restaurants, services and attractions.
  • The Premium Tasting starts at 7:00pm and features exclusive wines for a limited audience. Tickets are $125 ($115 for Tampa Theatre Members)
• Grand Tasting ticket holders gain entry at 8:00pm, and tickets are $80
  ($70 for Members)

Participating Restaurants include:

• Bavaro’s Pizza Napoletana
• Beaune’s Wine Bar
• Boulon Brasserie
• Cru Cellars
• Flan Factory
• Flor Fina
• GenX Tavern
• Hampton Chocolate Factory
• Oxford Exchange
• Peterbrooke Chocolatier
• Predalina
• The Battery
• The C House
• The Green Lemon
• The Pint & Brew
• Water + Flour

Participating Wineries include:

• Breakthru Beverages
• Michael David Winery
• Southern Brewing & Winemaking
• Vino Ghvino 21
• Webster Barnes Selections

CLICK HERE to see highlights from the 2023 Wine Tasting

• On Saturday, March 2, the Theatre’s historic stage will be expanded to seat more than 275 for the elegant Wine Pairing – presented by Quality Carriers Inc. – from 6-10pm. The multi-course menu, created through a collaboration between Mise en Place and Metropolitan Ministries’ Culinary and Hospitality teams, will feature delectable small plates expertly paired with exquisite wines. The live auction includes once-in-a-lifetime trips, exclusive experiences, and a high-stakes Wine Pull. Tickets are $400 for individuals and $750 for a pair.  The Wine Pairing is SOLD OUT.

CLICK HERE to see highlights from the 2023 Wine Pairing & Live Auction

And though the theme may seem positively ectoplasmic, WineFest’s purpose is quite solid: as the organization’s biggest annual fundraiser, WineFest has raised more than $1.5 million over the past 21 years for the non-profit Theatre.

“I don’t believe in UFOs, astral projections, mental telepathy, ESP, clairvoyance, spirit photography, telekinetic movement, full trance mediums, the Loch Ness monster or the theory of Atlantis,” says event chair Zac Foster, “but I DO believe in the mission of Tampa Theatre, and the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man-sized amount of support this community brings to the table each year to support its artistic, educational and community programming, and the preservation of this landmark building as we look forward to celebrating its centennial in 2026.”

WineFest guests are encouraged to dress as their favorite character or come in a Ghostbusters-inspired costume. The Wine Tasting and Pairing events are restricted to those 21 and older.