What could be better than white sand beaches, palm trees and tropical breezes? Easy answer: A glass of fine wine!

Kick off 2015 at the Key West Food and Wine Festival the week of January 27 through February 1. The sixth annual Key West Food and Wine Festival features fabulous sunsets, fine food and a few quirky events that separate the Conch Republic from the rest of the union.

The week begins with Henry Flagler’s Welcome Party on Thursday, January 29, at Flagler’s Grand Hotel. Tickets are $40. Enjoy the East Meets West Sunset Wine Tasting on Friday, January 30, dockside at the Hyatt Resort. Tickets are $65 per person for that. Cap off the night with the Mile 0 Grand Tasting at The Marker Waterfront Resort from 5 to 7 PM where tickets are $125 per person. End the week at the Pizza and Prosecco Jazz Brunch on Sunday, February 1, at Roostica Wood-fire Pizzeria. Brunch tickets are $40 per person in advance, $45 at the door.

Dozens of other events will be held all around town throughout the week. These events include food and wine pairing dinners, an afternoon shrimp boil, private barrel tastings of local rum, a whiskey tasting, kitchen tours and evening “wine strolls” in various historic neighborhoods.

Consider getting a VIP Experience Pass that includes entrance to the Welcome Beach Party, an Italian wine dinner, the Bonao Cacao seminar, the Grand Tasting, the Winermaker Brunch and much more for $464 per person. VIPs also receive a gift bag valued at $50. For a more subtle experience, get the Director’s Pass for only $261 per person and gain entry to the Welcome Beach Party, the Grand Tasting and Duval Uncorked Deconstructed along with a $50 gift bag.

For a full schedule visit the Key West Food and Wine Festival website. Tickets for all events can be purchased online. A listing of Key West hotels and resorts offering event pricing or packages are also available online. Bon apetite!

Photo via Key West Food and Wine Festival