Key West Transforms into a Spanish Gastronomic Wonderland

Olé España! Key West is throwing a fiesta from Jan. 23-28, celebrating Spain's rich culinary heritage and wine. The 2024 Key West Food & Wine Festival, themed “Olé España,” is more than just a party — it's a cultural immersion.

Pablo Picasso and Sangria? Count Us In. Scheduled events are a tribute to Spanish legends like Picasso and Dalí. Attendees can dive into a world of Spanish delicacies — think imported olives, paella straight from Valencia, and a parade of Spanish vintages, including the famed Fino sherry.

Art Meets Appetite The festival kicks off with a reception honoring Carlos Guzmán, featuring his art, tapas, and sangria at Ocean Sotheby’s International Realty. The evening heats up with a “Hemingway in Spain” dinner, paying homage to the author's Spanish adventures, served with a side of Papa’s Pilar rum.

Seafood, Surrealism, and a Stroll Through History Wednesday brings the “Joan Miró — The Harlequin’s Carnival,” a blend of seafood and Spanish classics at the Key West Museum of Art & History. Thursday's “Violin & Grapes” offers a Picasso-inspired wine stroll at Fort West Martello Tower — a delightful mix of history, art, and gastronomy.

A Feast Under the Stars The star of the show is Saturday’s Bodegas Güell grand tasting at historic Fort East Martello. Expect roast suckling pig, exclusive olive oils, and an array of wines, all set against the backdrop of a Civil War–era fort.

A Nod to Tradition The festival also includes a tapas and wine lunch at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, where guests can marvel at the “Jesse Tree” stained-glass while sipping wines from Spain’s Rías Baixas.

Get Your Passes! For the full experience, grab a VIP pass for 11 events. Or, cherry-pick your favorites. Details? keywestfoodandwinefestival.com. Salud!