For over a decade, the SAVOR St. Pete Food & Wine Festival has been more than an event—it has become a hallmark of St. Pete’s evolving culinary identity. On Saturday, November 1st and Sunday, November 2nd, Vinoy Waterfront Park will play host to the 13th annual celebration, offering an immersive weekend that marries flavor, craft and community against the sweeping backdrop of Tampa Bay.
“We’ve been working toward this moment for over a decade and 2025 will truly be our biggest year yet!” shares Tammy Gail, creator and owner of SAVOR, who produces the festival with partner Jeannette Adelman. “From major culinary names to premium drink activations and new carefully curated experiences, we’re taking everything guests already love and pushing it to the next level.”
Gail is a trailblazing entrepreneur whose company celebrated 30 years in August. She says that it is a milestone that represents decades of learning, growth, setbacks and triumphs. Her vision for SAVOR was sparked more than a decade ago after having been a sponsor of the South Beach Food & Wine Festival in 2008 and 2009.
“We had a bird’s-eye view of a well-run event and knew there was tremendous opportunity to develop something special in the Bay Area. In 2011, the general manager of the Clearwater Beach Hyatt Hotel contacted us and asked if we would be interested in developing a food and wine festival utilizing the Hyatt as our host hotel. The city was onboard and the pieces fell into place to launch Clearwater Beach Uncorked. After a successful 8-year run on Clearwater Beach, we had outgrown the space based on development on the beach and lack of parking. We were approached by a few other municipalities to bring the event to their location, but I have always been a huge fan of St. Pete. Upon moving, we morphed the name to SAVOR St. Pete.”
Spanning six expansive tents and more than 40,000 square feet of shaded space along the waterfront, SAVOR offers guests a curated journey through the region’s culinary landscape. The Grand Tasting Village, the heart of the festival, features local rockstar chefs, restaurants, nationally acclaimed vineyards and craft breweries. Visitors can experience live cooking demonstrations on the San Pellegrino Cooking Stage, presented by Publix, where regional and national chefs bring their skills to the forefront. Brian Malarkey, known for Cutthroat Kitchen and Carlos Anthony, winner of CHOPPED and featured on Food Network’s Hot List, will be two of the celebrity chefs participating this year and demonstrating the Chefs Life brand of chef-blended restaurant quality cooking oils, designed to enhance the flavor of meals at home.
“Chef Carlos and I absolutely love engaging with the public. We love people. We're going to put on a show. We're going to make amazing food and we're going to laugh extremely loud!" says Malarkey. “Publix has been an amazing partner to Chefs Life, inviting us to come to SAVOR St. Pete and bring our full line of oils. The event just looks like such a huge, great party. Who doesn't love a huge, great party?”
For the first time, VIP ticket holders can experience the high-energy excitement of the Chefs Culinary Competition presented by Visit St. Pete Clearwater, where top local culinarians face off in a heated showdown, from noon to 1pm on Saturday.
“We have a group of some of the greatest Bay Area chefs vying for the first place title and it will not disappoint!” Gail promises. “ A juried panel of media judges will preside over the festivities and will be assessing each chef’s creations based on artistic techniques and local flavors. Winner takes all!”
Cocktail enthusiasts can explore the Mixology Experience Lounge, presented by Publix Liquor Stores and Fever Tree Mixers, offering hands-on mixology sessions, premium spirits and a relaxed lounge environment.
“We feel there is no other event even close to SAVOR St. Pete,” Gail asserts, explaining what sets the festival apart. “People travel from across the country to attend and the event has become a beacon for foodies. We spare no expense to keep our guests in an environment where they can truly appreciate great culinary talent. We will be welcoming over 4,000 culinary aficionados over the weekend.”
Her deep appreciation for the community fuels her passion to elevate the city’s gastronomic reputation. More than a weekend event—it’s a celebration of the city, its flavors and the people who make it thrive. Having moved to Pinellas County in 1994, she recalls being instantly smitten with the area.
Beyond the onsite activities, the festival also helps elevate the local restaurant scene.
“SAVOR has become a heritage event that I am wildly proud of,” she says. “We will continue to help build this beautiful city and introduce tourists to this amazing market that offers so much. The event drives guests to restaurants they may never have tried.”
Recently named a 2025 “Elite Event” by Visit St. Pete Clearwater, SAVOR has become an inspiration for culinary tourism.
“We are constantly pushing to do more and better each year. We work so hard and we have so much fun. And when our guests arrive, we have over 4,000 people that are having the time of their lives. There is nothing more energizing than that. Knowing you are a part of that passion is amazing.”
General Admission tickets, priced at $120 per person, include access from 1pm to 4pm, unlimited tastings of food, wine and beer, live DJ entertainment, a limited-edition wine glass and a custom SAVOR tote. VIP Admission, at $150 per person, includes early entry at 12pm and access to the VIP Spirits Lounge with plush seating and exclusive tastings of boutique spirits.
Tickets and information are available at SavorTheBurg.com
