Naples Wine & Foodโ Experience Attracts โNearly 800 Attendees
NAPLES,โฃ FLโข – A crowd of nearly 800 food and wine enthusiasts descendedโ uponโค the Paradise Coast Sports Complex in Naples this past Saturday, November 15, 2025, for theโ USA Today Wine & Food Experience. The event showcased a diverse array of culinary offerings fromโค both local favoritesโข and acclaimed restaurants, drawing attendees eager to sample the bestโข of southwest Florida’s dining scene.
The popular eventโ highlighted the growing demand for culinary experiences and offered attendees exclusive perks for early access. With tickets selling out โmonths in advance,the USA Today Wine & Food Experience has become a highly anticipated annual event for both residents and visitors. The event’s success underscores Naples’ position as a premier destination for foodies and a โขvibrant hub for โthe culinary arts.
Attendees who secured the early admission tickets – a $10 upgrade – gained a full hour of exclusive access toโ the venue, beginning at noon, before general admission opened at โข1 p.m. “We bought an โearly (admission) ticket,” said attendee Coffman. “It was so worth it.”
Accordingโฃ to Tia Ward,โ Vice President of Event Sales for โคUSA โToday, those sought-after early tickets were completelyโ sold out well before the event.
The experience featured aโฃ wide range of โrestaurants, including Bicyclette Cookshop, Shula’s Steakhouse, and Tap 42, allowing attendees to sampleโ diverse cuisines. Other participating restaurants included Artichoke andโข Company, Lujack’s Restaurant, and The Hampton Social. โOak & Iron was awarded “Best in Show” during the final hour โคof the event, recognized for its seasonal sangria and cheeseburger sliders.
“There’s grateโ food here,” said attendee Rand,praising the โevent’s variety.Fellow attendee Tilson โadded, “We retired โguys love going to these events.”
The USA Todayโ Wine & โFood Experience ranโ until 4 โคp.m., offering a full โafternoon of culinary exploration.
Robyn George is a foodโค and dining reporter for โThe News-Press. Connect at rhgeorge@fortmyer.gannett.com