St. Pete’s favorite wine bar and bookshop, Book + Bottle, is uncorking a brand-new tradition just in time for spring: Spring Wine Festival. On Saturday, May 4, from 1–4 PM, the boutique downtown hangout at 17 6th Street N will transform into a vibrant outdoor celebration for their first-ever Spring Wine Festival—a flavorful kickoff to the season of sunshine, florals, and fresh beginnings.
You’re not alone if you’re already counting the days until the beloved Bubbles Bash returns this summer. “June felt so far away, and we just couldn’t wait,” says Andi Pignato, marketing and events director at Book + Bottle. “Spring hits our shop like a wave—floral dresses, beach reads, bottles of rosé. We wanted to bottle that energy into a big, joyful event that feels like spring.”
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A wine festival designed for the senses
At the heart of the Spring Wine Festival is a curated tasting experience built around four themed stations, each highlighting wines that embody the spirit of spring:
- Orange Wines – bold and unconventional for the adventurous palate
- Floral Wines – light, fragrant, and perfect for patio sipping
- Berry Wines – juicy, fruit-forward varietals that taste like sunshine
- Garden Wines – crisp, herbaceous options that pair well with warm days and fresh veggies
Each table offers two distinct wines for attendees to sample, totaling eight spring-forward selections. And because great wine deserves great food, light snacks will be thoughtfully paired at each station to enhance the tasting experience.
Book + Bottle’s resident sommelier, Heidi, is curating the lineup. She’s known for her ability to pair wines with stories. “Heidi loves creative curating and introducing people to new wines and styles,” says Pignato. “She’s all about getting people out of their comfort zones just enough to discover their next favorite bottle.”
The ultimate spring experience in St. Pete
This isn’t your typical tasting event—it’s a full-on spring celebration. Book + Bottle is partnering with two local favorites to round out the festivities:
- Pistil House will be on-site with a floral pop-up, offering pre-made bouquets and a build-your-own arrangement bar—perfect for adding color to your home or gifting mom an early Mother’s Day surprise.
- Coastal House Vintage will showcase a selection of curated vintage finds, including home goods, fashion, and works from local artists regularly featured in their shop.
“It wouldn’t be a true spring festival without flowers and treasures,” says Pignato. “We’re all about creating a full sensory experience—sights, scents, tastes—and doing it with businesses we love.”
Supporting local is at the heart of the festival
Book + Bottle has always been more than just a wine bar and bookstore—it’s a community hub. The Spring Wine Festival continues the team’s mission to uplift local businesses and creatives.
“We went into planning this with a ‘go big or go home’ mentality,” says Pignato. “St. Pete thrives because of its incredible local scene, and events like this help us all grow together.”
Your new spring reading list, handpicked by Book + Bottle
No spring event at Book + Bottle would be complete without a few book recs. This season’s lineup is as exciting as the wine list:
- “Great Big Beautiful Life” by Emily Henry (Romance) – a must-read dropping April 22
- “Deep Cuts” by Holly Brickley – a debut novel for music lovers
- “Witchcraft for Wayward Girls” by Grady Hendrix – a chilling new favorite for horror fans
- “Swordheart” by T. Kingfisher – a whimsical pick for romantasy readers
- “The Dream Hotel” by Laila Lalami – a compelling literary dive into tech and identity
The Spring Wine Festival promises to be a refreshing new tradition in downtown St. Pete. And if the weather doesn’t cooperate? No worries—Sunday, May 25 is the official rain date (though there are no refunds).
Tickets are $35 and available now and include access to all eight wine tastings, light snacks, and full access to the festival experience.
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