Clearwater Beach Uncorked Celebrates A Renewed Florida Gulf Coast

[Steve Mirsky]

In June 2010, the Gulf of Mexico was under siege. Black oil plumes from the Deep Horizon Oil Spill menacingly spread across vast swaths of ocean threatening marine life and shoreline ecosystems including beaches. Tourism plummeted and something had to be done to expedite cleanup efforts. Clearwater Florida vigorously rallied community support leading to many home grown initiatives. One of them still existing today is Clearwater Beach Uncorked, now in its 3rd year, continues to promote Florida's Gulf coast as a premier vacation spot and culinary destination.

Evolving into a celebration more than a cause, weekend-long Clearwater Beach Uncorked held this February 8-9th will showcase local culinary talent paired with top wines, spirits and brews. Expect copious sampling under grand tents set up on the sugar white sands overlooking warm Gulf Coast waters in front of Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach Resort & Spa.

Although VIP tickets are now sold out, General Admission tickets still available. $85 per day gets you into the Grand Tasting Village and Uncorked Spirits Beach Club as well as a Decadent Dessert Tent showcasing Bubbles on the Beach featuring bubbles, sweets, pastries and all things rich and gooey just in time for Valentine’s Day.

A portion of the ticket proceeds goes to the University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee College of Hospitality and Technology Leadership to develop academic programs, scholarships, research grants and campus infrastructure.

Photo courtesy of Clearwater Beach Uncorked