An evening of authentic Italian flavor, culture, and culinary excellence returns to Coral Gables on Wednesday, June 11, with the Autentico: Italian Food & Wine Festival. Held from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Coral Gables Country Club, the event promises guests an immersive tasting experience featuring signature Italian dishes, fine wines, and the timeless spirit of Italy itself.

Now in its third year at the elegant Coral Gables Country Club, Autentico has become the premier Italian-focused food and wine event in South Florida. Organized in partnership with Italian restaurants, gourmet markets, and bakeries, the festival is curated to showcase Italy’s gastronomic heritage with both authenticity and flair. Attendees will enjoy live music, curated wine selections, and complimentary bites of pasta, cheeses, cured meats, pizza, and gelato—all made by local Italian partners committed to traditional methods and high-quality ingredients.

While the June 11 Grand Tasting is open to the public by advance ticket purchase only, the full festival spans two days. On June 10, the event hosts a professional day tailored to food and beverage importers, restaurateurs, hospitality executives, and distributors. More than 150 industry professionals are expected to attend, alongside over 800 food lovers during the main tasting event on Wednesday.

This year’s festival also arrives at a pivotal time for Italy’s food and beverage industry in the United States. Italian F&B exports to Florida surged to $3.89 billion in 2023—a 12% increase year-over-year, outpacing the national average of 5.4% growth. Florida now represents a vital market for Italy’s culinary exports, with Coral Gables emerging as a natural stage for promoting high-quality Italian products.

Leading the export surge is Italian wine, which saw U.S. sales reach $2.1 billion in 2023. Olive oil ($706 million), sauces ($633 million), pasta ($597 million), and cheeses ($468 million) followed closely behind. The United States is Italy’s third-largest market for food and beverage, trailing only Mexico and Canada.

Despite the ongoing challenge of “Italian sounding” products—items that appear Italian but are manufactured elsewhere—American consumers are showing increasing preference for authenticity. Autentico leans into this demand by featuring only verified Italian producers and brands that preserve regional culinary traditions.

Guests at the June 11 tasting will not only indulge in world-class cuisine but also gain exposure to the broader cultural context that shapes Italy’s foodways. Exhibitors and chefs will be available for conversation, creating a space for learning as well as tasting. The event serves as both a social experience and a form of cultural diplomacy, reinforcing Italy’s long-standing influence on South Florida’s dining scene.

Autentico’s return underscores the city’s close ties with international culture and cuisine. With limited capacity and advance tickets required, food lovers are encouraged to RSVP soon to secure their place.

More information and ticketing details can be found here. Parking is available at the Coral Gables Country Club, located at 997 N Greenway Dr.