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by Tampa Theatre

The event is Fest… WineFest… when Tampa Theatre presents its biggest fundraiser of the year, Vino Royale, Friday and Saturday, Feb. 22-23.

The Bond-themed weekend includes a Wine Tasting on Friday with dozens of boutique wines, small plates from Tampa’s top independent restaurants, casino tables with betting to benefit the Theatre, and premium silent auction items representing Bay area retailers, restaurants, services and attractions; and a SOLD OUT Wine Pairing on Saturday night, when the Theatre’s historic stage is expanded to seat more than 275 for an elegant multi-course menu by Mise En Place chef Marty Blitz.

And though the theme may be silly, WineFest’s purpose is most serious: now in its 17th year, WineFest is the landmark 1926 theatre’s biggest annual fundraiser. “The WineFest committee works year-round to create these excellent annual events that benefit the majestic movie palace’s artistic, educational and community programs, as well as the 90-year-old movie palace’s ongoing preservation and restoration,” says event chair Fred Zielinski. “It takes every ace up 007’s sleeve to operate a dynamic film and cultural center 365 days a year for the benefit of the community.”

WineFest guests must be 21 or older, and are encouraged to dress as their favorite character or come in a Bond-inspired costumes.

And if you need inspiration for those 007 outfits, Tampa Theatre is hosting a special day of spy films on Sunday, Feb. 17 to promote WineFest and get fans shaken (not stirred) up for the big weekend. “Bond-A-Thon” is eight hours of M-approved assets, with three titles that each showcase a different chiseled visage of cinema’s favorite secret agent:

  • Sean Connery’s 1964 classic, Goldfinger at 1:30pm.
  • At 4:00pm, Roger Moore is 1977’s The Spy Who Loved Me.
  • Finally, at 007pm, Daniel Craig brings Bond into the 21st century with the 2006 remake of Casino Royale.

Film-inspired costumes are once again welcomed, and the concessions stand will be offering Bond-themed drink specials, including – of course – martinis.

ADMISSION is $10 per film, and a Bond-A-Thon Pass for all three films is $25. (Theatre Members pay $7 per film or $20 for the Pass.) Tickets for the Wine Tasting on Friday, Feb. 22 are $55 ($45 for Members) and are available at the historic Franklin Street Box Office and online at www.TampaTheatre.org