For 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 The Grapest Showman. But my Mama always said you’ve got to put the past behind you before you can move on, so this year, WineFest celebrates its 20th anniversary with Forrest Grape – presented by SouthEast Personnel Leasing – on March 10 and 11, PLUS a special screening of the six-time Academy Award-winning film Forrest Gump on March 7.
My Mama always said, ‘WineFest was like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re gonna get.”
WineFest and movies go together like peas and carrots. On Tuesday, March 7, RUN! to Tampa Theatre for your opportunity to see the 1994 Tom Hanks hit Forrest Gump on the big screen again at 7:00 p.m. Tickets are $10 for general admission and $7 for Theatre Members. 2h 22m / PG-13 / Drama / 1994
On Friday, March 10, a two-tiered Wine Tasting invites you to taste dozens of boutique wines and sample favorite fare from Tampa’s top independent restaurants like The Battery, Bavaro’s, Butters Burgers, The C House, Cru Cellars, Oxford Exchange from 7-10 p.m. You’ll also have the opportunity to bid on premium silent auction items representing Bay area retailers, restaurants, services, and attractions.
Grand Tasting ticket holders gain entry at 8:00 p.m., and tickets are $95
($85 for Members)
Participants in the Tampa Theatre 2023 Winefest:
Bavaro’s Pizza Napoletana & Pastaria
Ella’s Americana Folk Art Café
On Saturday, March 11, the Theatre’s historic stage will be expanded to seat more than 275 for the elegant Wine Pairing – presented by Quality Carriers Inc. – from 7-11 p.m. 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. Limited table sponsorships for parties of 10 guests are available by contacting Devin Dominguez at devin@tampatheatre.org
And though the theme may make you wonder if stupid is as stupid does, WineFest’s purpose is quite clever: as the organization’s biggest annual fundraiser, WineFest has raised more than $1.4 million over the past 20 years to support Tampa Theatre’s artistic, educational and community programming, as well as the ongoing preservation of the landmark building.
“I’m not a smart woman… but I know what love is,” says event chair Anne Cordell, “and I love Tampa Theatre,” noting that while the nonprofit Theatre is close to pre-pandemic levels in terms of show times and events, its recovery from a year of COVID closure is not yet complete. “Anyway, like I was sayin’,” she continues, ”Tampa Theatre is the fruit of the city. You can visit it, protect it, donate to it, volunteer at it. There’s, uh, Tampa Theatre movies, Tampa Theatre live shows, Tampa Theatre tours, Tampa Theatre summer camp, Tampa Theatre school shows, Tampa Theatre classics. There’s Tampa Theatre Hollywood Awards Night, Tampa Theatre BeerFest, Tampa Theatre WineFest. Tampa Theatre’s second screen, Tampa Theatre’s 100th Birthday in 2026. That… that’s about it.”
WineFest guests are encouraged to dress as their favorite character or come in a Gump-inspired costume. The Wine Tasting and Pairing events are restricted to those twenty-one and older.
Content courtesy of the Tampa Theatre for editorial purposes only—all rights reserved.
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