03/31/2026
Florida Headlines for Breweries, Distilleries, and W**eries for March 30, 2026
Gold Crest Distillery Bringing Vodka Tasting Experience to Orlando
Gold Crest Distillery, a new craft distillery and tasting room concept from founder Mitch Patel, is targeting a June 2026 opening at 503 W Central Blvd in downtown Orlando. The approximately 8,000-square-foot space will feature a copper still, guided distillery tours, and vodka tastings focused exclusively on the production process. The concept aims to combine production with education and hospitality, offering pre- and post-event experiences around major downtown venues like the Kia Center and Exploria Stadium. No restaurant component is planned; the focus remains entirely on vodka production and guest education.
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Treasure Coast Craft Spirits Festival Returns April 11 in Vero Beach
The 3rd Annual Treasure Coast Craft Spirits Festival will take place on Saturday, April 11, 2026, in Vero Beach on Airport Drive from 2 to 6 p.m. This 21+ event showcases over 30 Florida craft distilleries and brands, offering more than 150 unique spirits for unlimited tasting. Featured distilleries include Indian River Distillery, Oceanside Distillery, Grove & Grain Distillery, Fish Hawk Spirits, St Pete Distillery, Revenge Rum, and many others. Proceeds benefit the charitable projects of the Rotary Club of Vero Beach Sunrise Foundation.
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Florida Distillery Trail App Unveils Featured Locations — A Game-Changer for Craft Spirits Tourism
Local Explorers has unveiled a new 'Featured Locations' functionality within the Florida Distillery Trail app, designed to spotlight specific distilleries, events, and promotions across Florida's 45+ craft distilleries. The feature allows Destination Marketing Organizations and trade groups to highlight venues that may not yet have widespread attention, driving traffic and increasing awareness among app users. A built-in loyalty rewards system encourages tourists to visit featured locations by earning extra points and rewards for each check-in. The gamification element is intended to boost foot traffic at lesser-known distilleries and expand craft spirits tourism statewide.
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In a Changing Market, Keel Farms Employees Shape the Business Together
Keel Farms, the Plant City w**ery, restaurant, and event destination, is expanding its offerings while navigating a changing market by empowering its employees to help shape the direction of the business. The Plant City operation has become a notable destination in the Tampa Bay area, combining w**e production with dining and event hosting. The article highlights how employee involvement has become central to the business model as the w**ery looks to grow. Keel Farms continues to be a key player in Florida's emerging w**ery scene.
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SAVOR SoFLO 2026 Returns to Hollywood Beach With a Luxury Food and W**e Festival Experience
SAVOR SoFLO 2026, presented by Publix and the City of Hollywood, returns to Hollywood Beach on April 18 and 19, 2026, for its sixth year as South Florida's premier beachfront food and w**e festival. The event transforms the Hollywood Broadwalk into a 25,000+ square-foot culinary playground featuring gourmet bites, craft b**rs, fine w**es, and premium spirits from top South Florida restaurants and vendors. Highlights include the San Pellegrino Cooking Stage, the Royal Rice Pavilion Tastings, and the Publix Liquors VIP Spirits Lounge. A portion of proceeds benefits Glam-A-THON and Gilda's Club South Florida.
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Orange Bowl Food & W**e Celebration Returns to Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood on April 17, 2026
The Orange Bowl Food & W**e Celebration presented by Florida Blue will return to the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood on Friday, April 17, 2026, featuring South Florida's top culinary talent, premium w**es and spirits, and live entertainment. Award-winning chefs and acclaimed restaurants will compete for guest votes and special judge awards throughout the evening. General admission tickets are $135 and VIP tickets are $275, with proceeds supporting Orange Bowl Cares community programming and youth sports initiatives. The event is co-sponsored by Gold Coast Beverage Distributors, Modelo, Rabble, and other beverage industry partners.
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Drink It All In: Hogtown Craft B**r Festival Returns to Gainesville March 28
The Hogtown Craft B**r Festival returned to downtown Gainesville on March 28, 2026, at the NCF Community Center, celebrating craft b**r from Florida and regional breweries alongside homebrewing clubs. The festival featured big names like Cigar City and Swamp Head alongside more obscure brands, plus b**rs from multiple homebrewing clubs affiliated with the Hogtown Brewers nonprofit. VIP ticket holders enjoyed early entry, exclusive tastings, a commemorative pint glass, and a pre-festival lunch. Founded in 1985, the Hogtown Brewers are Gainesville's local nonprofit homebrew club dedicated to promoting brewing education and community engagement.
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Sun King Brewery Introduces Premium Light L***r: A Crisp, Easy-Drinking B**r for Every Occasion
Sarasota-based Sun King Brewery has announced the release of its newest year-round offering, Premium Light L***r, designed to be both flavorful and highly drinkable at just 96 calories and 4 grams of carbs per 12-ounce serving. The b**r is described as bright and effervescent with a clean finish, crafted for everyday occasions like backyard cookouts and outdoor activities. Co-Founder and CEO Dave C**t stated the goal was to create a guilt-free, light, and flavorful b**r that brings people together. Premium Light L***r is now available on draft and in 12-packs of 12-ounce sleek cans throughout Indiana, Florida, with Ohio and Illinois distribution coming soon.
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American German Club to Host Craft Brew Summit in Lake Worth Beach
The American German Club of the Palm Beaches hosted its second-annual Craft Brew Summit on March 28, 2026, at its Lake Worth Beach location, featuring five local breweries showcasing German-style brews. Participating breweries included Copperpoint Brewing, Cove Brewery, NOBO Brewing, Royal Palm Brewing, and Stormhouse Brewing, with guests able to sample individual pours or purchase a flight card. The summit also featured a full bar with schnapps, food trucks, and live music from Thought Monkey. Tickets were $10, with early purchasers receiving a free specialty shot upon arrival.
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Friends of Jupiter Beach's Annual Food & W**e Festival Returns for 16th Year
The Friends of Jupiter Beach's annual Food & W**e Festival returns for its 16th year on April 17 and 18, 2026, along Harbourside Plaza Down Under on the Riverwalk in Jupiter. Top South Florida chefs, w**eries, and breweries will serve bites and libations on the waterfront, with the main event on April 18 from 1 to 5 p.m. VIP ticket holders enjoy early admission, exclusive tastings, a cocktail demonstration by Bizzy by the Sea, and discounted hotel rates. Participating vendors include Revenge Rum, Grape Living, The Grove, Cucina & W**e, and many others, with proceeds benefiting the preservation of Jupiter beaches.
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5 Minute Salute with Ron Gamble of Veterans United Craft Brewery
Veterans United Craft Brewery founder and Brewmaster Ron Gamble, a former Naval Flight Officer, was featured in a 5 Minute Salute interview highlighting the veteran-owned Jacksonville brewery, which is the 2nd largest production brewery in northeast Florida. The brewery operates a large production facility with taproom open Tuesday through Sunday, with b**rs available at bars, restaurants, and grocery stores across the region. Gamble, whose family has served in the military since the Spanish American War, employs mostly veterans in positions spanning brewery operations, accounting, sales, and taproom staff. The brewery's goal over the next 6 to 12 months is to continue growth through increased distribution across Florida.
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14th Annual Pints N' Paws Craft B**r Festival Hits $1 Million Milestone in Sanford
The 14th Annual Sanford Pints N' Paws Craft B**r Festival, held on March 28, 2026, in Historic Downtown Sanford, achieved a major milestone by surpassing $1 million raised for local animal rescues over its history. The festival featured over 70 breweries, food trucks, vendors, live entertainment, and a vibrant community atmosphere in the heart of Sanford. Thousands gathered to support local animal rescue organizations through craft b**r tastings and community engagement. The event, hosted at West End Trading Co., has grown into one of Central Florida's most beloved annual craft b**r celebrations.
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