Bern’s Winefest returns with events benefiting scholarship fund

Bern’s Winefest returns for its 28th year, with a weeklong slate of wine dinners, tastings and seminars, from April 21 to April 27, benefiting the Bern Laxer Memorial Scholarship.

The festival, presented by the Laxer Family Foundation in partnership with Bern’s Steak House, Haven and the Epicurean Hotel, features a series of ticketed events designed to highlight a range of wines paired with multi-course meals. Proceeds support scholarships awarded through the James Beard Foundation and C-CAP to emerging leaders in culinary arts, hospitality management and the science, and practice, of growing and harvesting grapes, typically for wine production.

Tickets go on sale March 8 at 10 a.m., via the Laxer Family Foundation website. The schedule includes an M. Chapoutier dinner, on April 21, at Bern’s Steak House, a Bordeaux dinner, on April 22, and a Legacy Dinner, on April 23, featuring a private tasting. Also on April 23, the Epicurean Hotel will host a Ruinart champagne tasting and seminar.

Prices for events range from $275 to $1,500 per person, with several events requiring reservations for pairs.

In connection with the festival, Haven will suspend regular service from April 25 through 29, reopening April 30.

You May Also Like
Which Tampa restaurant made OpenTable’s Top 100 list?

Bern’s Steak House is the only Tampa restaurant to earn a place on OpenTable’s Top 100 list for 2025.

Read More
A plated steak dinner at Bern’s Steak House with French fried onions, vegetables, a baked potato and a glass of red wine.
Fresh Kitchen announces biggest menu changes in 11 Years

Fresh Kitchen confirms its largest menu shift since 2014 with a full move to 100% seed oil-free cooking and a new rosemary chicken.

Read More
Fresh Kitchen restaurant exterior with FK logo sign behind cactus plants
Red Room After Hours brings late-night luxury to downtown Tampa

The Tampa EDITION’s Red Room After Hours redefines downtown nightlife with refined cocktails, caviar, and curated late-night energy.

Read More
The Red Room at The Tampa EDITION glows in deep red lighting with velvet seating, mirrored disco balls covering the ceiling, and intimate tables arranged for late-night guests.
PopUp Bagels opening 2nd Tampa location this week in Carrollwood

PopUp Bagels brings its cult-followed “Grip, Rip and Dip” experience to Carrollwood as it opens its second Tampa Bay shop.

Read More
Basket filled with assorted PopUp Bagels
Other Posts
Tampa Bay Wave startups raise $500M and add 1,000 jobs

Tampa Bay Wave startups raised $500M and added more than 1,000 jobs in a record-setting year.

Read More
Aerial view of downtown Tampa along the Hillsborough River with the Tampa Bay Wave logo overlaid.
USF real estate program accelerates with $1.25M gift

A $1.25M gift and new leadership are accelerating USF’s push to build a full real estate education pipeline in Tampa Bay.

Read More
University of South Florida entrance sign with the USF Bulls logo on a brick and white monument surrounded by landscaping.
Downtown Sarasota condo introduces short-term rental model

A downtown Sarasota condo is pairing luxury ownership with short-term rental flexibility.

Read More
Composite rendering of Saravela condominium and rooftop amenities in downtown Sarasota
Tampa healthcare facility sells for $21M

A $21M sale highlights continued investor interest in Tampa Bay healthcare real estate

Read More
Exterior of the healthcare facility at 3000 University Center Drive in Tampa