A Taste of Change: St. Augustine Food + Wine Festival Moves to Luxurious New Venue at Ancient City Farmstead
A Refined Return in a New Setting
The St. Augustine Food + Wine Festival—hailed as one of the “Top 10 Food Events in Florida” by USA Today—has announced a major shift for its milestone fifth edition. For the first time, the festival’s signature weekend events will move to a stunning new venue: Ancient City Farmstead, a recently unveiled 1,500-acre private estate just ten minutes from historic downtown St. Augustine.
Founded by seasoned event producer Jan Gourley, the festival has always celebrated elevated Southern hospitality, top-tier culinary talent, and local heritage. Now, with the move from World Golf Village to Ancient City Farmstead, the 2025 festival is poised for a sophisticated new chapter—one that also secures the venue as its home for 2026 and 2027.
Introducing Ancient City Farmstead
Opened in December 2024, Ancient City Farmstead offers an idyllic blend of natural beauty and event-ready infrastructure. Framed by Florida’s lush greenery and anchored by restored farmhouse architecture, the estate feels both grounded in place and primed for upscale gatherings. A brand-new air-conditioned barn, debuting just in time for the festival, will house the all-new VIP Lounge—an indoor retreat designed for premier tasting experiences, private chef activations, and curated comfort.
“It’s a beautiful venue. It’s a chance to help showcase this new St. Augustine hidden gem to the southeastern region and the visitors coming for the festival.”
Jan Gourley
An Elevated Culinary Program
Running May 7–11, the St. Augustine Food + Wine Festival will retain its rich lineup of epicurean programming across multiple venues while anchoring the main weekend events at the new estate. Highlights include:
Wednesday, May 7 – River Walk Tastings at San Sebastian Winery, offering a coastal kickoff with local pours and regional bites.
Thursday, May 8 – Harvest Awards & Tastings at the Hyatt Place in Vilano Beach, celebrating outstanding chefs and culinary innovators.
Friday, May 9 – Smoke on the Walk, an open-air feast of fire-kissed fare and craft beverages.
Saturday, May 10 – The Grand Tasting, the signature event spotlighting top chefs, vintners, and artisan purveyors.
Sunday, May 11 – Mother’s Day Brunch, a decadent close to the festival weekend with bubbles, brunch, and live music under the Florida sun.
Bringing Regional Flavor to the Forefront
Backed by major sponsors including Publix and regional partners such as the St. Johns Cultural Council and the St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra & The Beaches Visitors and Convention Bureau, the festival continues to elevate Florida’s Historic Coast as a culinary destination. The addition of Ancient City Farmstead amplifies that effort, offering visitors an immersive blend of countryside charm and epicurean sophistication.
Plan Your Culinary Getaway
Whether you’re a returning guest or a first-time attendee, the 2025 edition promises a more curated, more luxurious festival experience than ever before. With a setting as thoughtfully composed as the dishes and wines being served, the St. Augustine Food + Wine Festival at Ancient City Farmstead invites you to savor the best of Florida’s food, drink, and hospitality in a place designed to inspire.