Thursday evening in Delray Beach is going to be HOT, HOT, HOT! The first annual Latin American Vinofest will shut down Atlantic Avenue for a tasting of wines from some of the best-known wineries in South America. This is the first event of its kind in South Florida and a great opportunity to try a variety of wines from regions with a growing reputation for excellence. Torrontes, Carmenére, Malbec… I’m there!

Ticket holders can enjoy all the vino they desire, as well as food samplings from area restaurants, live music and more. Participating restaurants will also offer special discounts to ticket holders through the weekend. Tickets are available online or at the gate for $29.95.

Vinofest continues on Friday and Saturday evenings with winemakers’ dinners and auctions at participating restaurants. The dinners will include prix fixe menus and unlimited wine for $95 per person. Check the website for details.

On Saturday afternoon, the Seagate Hotel will host wine seminars from 1 – 4 p.m.. The seminars include wine tastings and discussions with vineyard representatives and wine experts. Tickets cost $25 per person if purchased online prior to the event, or $30 per person at the door. The Seagate hotel is also offering special rates to Vinofest patrons who want to hand over their keys for the weekend and indulge.

Vinofest is the brainchild of Delray Beach restaurateur, Frank Reider (click here to read more about Reider and his suggestions for what to try at Vinofest). His goal is not only to highlight the great values found in this part of the world, but also to introduce consumers to higher quality wines that are unique expressions of South American varietals and terroir.

Here’s a list of wineries pouring at the Thursday evening street festival:

Argentina:
Alamos
Alta Vista
Bodegas Norton
Catena Zapata
Clos de los Siete
Club Tapiz
Dona Paula
Familia Zuccardi
Finca Decero
Jean Bousquet
Kaiken
Los Cardos
Michel Torino
Don Miguel Gascon
Monteviejo
Nieto Senetiner
Pascal Toso
Salentein
Septima
Sophenia
Terrazas
Tilia
Trapiche
Trivento

Chile:
Carmen
Concha y Toro
Cono Sur
Emiliana
Errazuriz
High Note
Loma Larga
Montes
Perez Cruz
Root 1
Santa Ema
Vina La Rosa

Brazil:
Miolo

~ Dry (J. Gwen Berry)