This summer we’ll be sipping sauvignon blanc at the fourth annual Vero Beach Wine + Film Festival, June 6-9, 2019—deemed “The Summer Sundance” by HuffPost.
Further recognized as a “Top 100 Film Festival,” this captivating combo of compelling silver screen esprit and vivacious vinifera varietals blends cinematic storytelling with global fine wines while highlighting the best of Vero Beach: art, natural beauty, eco-awareness, toe-baring lifestyle, emerging chefs and coastal hospitality.
This year’s festival theme, “A Wide Lens on Life,” is inspired by the festival’s mission of connecting diverse visual artists with their audiences. Famed filmmakers from around the world will lead Q&A sessions following many of the screenings, vivifying the film-going experience.
"Cost of Milk" Filmmakers
The VBWFF has developed sprawling appeal and recognition with almost mind-blowing velocity owed undoubtedly to the festival’s founder Jerusha Stewart. As a motivational speaker and best-selling author, Stewart’s effervescent personality and enthusiasm for living one’s passion is ever-present in each event that comprises this extended weekend of food, film, wine and fun.
She points out, “Film is a compelling medium and vehicle for visitors to take action in their lives. It shows how they can have an impact on the world around them. And the festival is a social event with something for everyone. Viewers and vinos will be inspired and come away with something to talk about. There are celebrity chefs, award-winning winemakers and total access to the city’s greatest venues!”
Indeed, this year’s festival will feature more than 85 independent films, including Academy-Award winners, Sundance hits and world premieres, screened at the most illustrious venues in Vero: Costa d’Este, Beach Resort & Spa, Kimpton Vero Beach Hotel & Spa, Riverside Theatre, The Vero Beach Heritage Center, Vero Beach Museum of Art and Vero Beach Theatre Guild. Most importantly, festival attendees will have the opportunity to meet and greet many of the extraordinary filmmakers and vintners that are the focal points of the festival.
There are many ways to enjoy the VBWFF, including an array of pass packages and al-a-carte options that allow guests to customize their festival experience. Most of the film screenings include a wine tasting before the film and there are culinary demos and wine seminars held daily at the WOW! Tasting Lounge under the oaks in Riverside Park, which is always accessible. Themed opening and closing parties like “Cinema Uncorked! Opening Night Awards Bash,” and the “Fête Finale Closing Celebration” are included in several of the packages. There are also special event screenings, grand celebrations and super swanky parties like the “Vino Veritas Vintner Dinner,” “Hollywood & WINE Grand Tasting,” “Studio 54 Disco After Party,” and “Dining with Directors,” to name a few.
New this year is the “Wild and Scenic Film Festival on Tour” featuring the second largest touring film festival where “activism gets inspired.” Also joining the revelry will be the “Chefs and Shorts Culinary Feast” with celebrity chefs, as well as “Women and Wine: The New Taste Makers,” celebrated acclaimed wines of leading lady winemakers paired with exquisite cuisine.
Winemakers Bob and Elizabeth Van Dyk
With so many films and events taking place throughout four days, the VBWFF website, vbwff.com, is an invaluable resource with a clearly detailed schedule and shopping list of passes—from the CINEMA PICK 4 Pass to the CINEMA PREMIERE Pass—so you don’t miss a thing!
With filmmakers and industry talent from all over the world and screenings at top venues around the city paired with hundreds of exquisite wines and gastronomical pleasures, this event truly has something for everyone and every budget. Swing by the website today and start planning your VBWFF weekend before it’s sold out.
Then come and “See, Sip and Savor the Experience!”
Vero Beach Wine + Film Festival is a 501(c) (3) organization that benefits Suncoast Mental Health Center, serving children and families in all four counties on the Treasure Coast.
Passes are available at www.vbwff.com