From wine tastings to mixology programs to cooking classes, groups are in for a treat when it comes to fun food and drink experiences in Florida. Following are four unique options.
Jill Ramsier, owner of Quantum Leap Winery in Orlando, and her business partner David Forrester search for quality, sustainably grown wines from around the world then transport them to the winery to be finished, blended and packaged. Groups can taste the fruits of their labor in private spaces that include the 35-person Barrel Room and the 175-person Tasting Room.
Another wine experience is uncorked at the Naples Wine Collection, hosting group wine tastings as well as sit-down dinners showcasing their selection of South African, South American, Australian, French and Italian wines. “We pour amazing juice and we don’t just put out a cheese plate with it; we really put some effort into it,” says Jason LaFond, proprietor. “We’ve also done events up to 250 offsite and catered events of up to 800. Our goals are whatever the client wants.”
Wine is fine, but for something a little more spirited, groups can try their hand at making cocktails with Mixology Classes US, with locations in Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, Miami, Orlando and Tampa. Hosted at local cocktail bars and lounges, 90-minute classes are supervised by a professional bartender.
Culinary teambuilding gets the magic touch at Orlando’s Walt Disney World Resort, which puts attendees to work chopping, prepping, assembling and savoring their culinary creations. “When putting something together for groups, we base it around their needs and tailor it to them,” says Robert Adams, Walt Disney World’s executive catering chef. “We can do a ‘lunch and learn’ in the convention kitchen or one of the meeting spaces, where the chef will create a few dishes themed around a specific food.” For a longer event, Adams says attendees are set up at cooking stations and given a mystery basket of ingredients. “Chef mentors are there to make sure they’re safe and successful,” Adams says. “By the end, they’re all talking and laughing.”
