Fans of fine food and vintages can indulge their appetites for both at the 2019 Key West Food and Wine Festival. Scheduled Wednesday through Sunday, Jan. 23-27, the edible extravaganza bears the lighthearted slogan “Flip Flops Required” in salute to its subtropical island setting.

The 10th annual festival is celebrating Key West's Culinary Culture and Historical Architecture. Featuring gourmet galas and tastings, cuisine seminars and only–in–Key West experiences that spotlight the region’s lively culinary scene, talented chefs, indigenous ingredients, all held in historical places, hosted by the Oldest House Museum & Gardens.

The event’s enticing “first course” is the Conch Kick-Off Party planned for 5-7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 23, in the Garden at the Oldest House Museum, at 322 Duval Street.

The gala is to feature domestic and international wines, Conch culinary treats by Great Events Catering and live entertainment presented by The Fabulous Spectrelles, against a backdrop of this tropical garden at the Oldest House Museum.

Thursday’s events include escorted Neighborhood Strolls of the Bahama Village and Mallory Square areas, both featuring stops at appealing local emporiums for samples of cuisine and wines.

The festival’s centerpiece event, the Sunset Grand Tasting, is set for 5-7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 25, on the USCGC Ingham, Coast Guard Cutter, located at the end of Southard Street, Truman Waterfront Park. The Best Sunset View in Key West! The on board soiree blends unique wines and spirits, the vivid Key West sunset and casual yet elegant “light bites” provided by Small Chef at Large Catering.

Also that evening, attendees can indulge in “It’s All About the Shrimp" everything shrimp! At Conch Republic Seafood Company, 631 Greene Street.

Saturday’s anticipated highlights include Old Town “Uncorked” X 10, a wine-focused stroll in Key West’s Old Town slated for 2-5 p.m.; and a paella cook-off staged at and benefiting the Truman Little White House, 111 Front St., where former President Harry Truman spent nearly six months while in office.

Among other festival standouts are an immersive sensory event with historical references of our indigenous food, a unique one of a kind experience. The “Brunch Bucket List” Series and a traditional Key West shrimp boil close to the working shrimp docks, at The Perry Hotel, always a sell out event.