Science of Wine returns to Orlando Science Center

Amy Drew Thompson, Orlando Sentinel
·2 min read

Science is delicious.

In fact, it’s inherent in everything we eat, whether you’re studying the processes that see seeds along their journey to becoming fruit or — in the case of the Orlando Science Center‘s most popular fundraising event — fruit becoming wine.

And on April 27, when Science of Wine returns, there will be all-new programming for guests to sample (much of it quite literally).

“Science of Wine is one our most popular annual events because it lets our guests whet their palate and their mind with an evening of wine, food and unique experiences,” said Jeff Stanford, vice president of marketing at Orlando Science Center. “Our food and wine partners come together with our team to create an exploration and celebration of how society enjoys wine, food, and learning.”

OSC’s four floors of interactive exhibit halls are the playground — including the facility’s newest, largest and most complex exhibit to date: Life!, which features animals and immersive galleries. Both of which, Stanford might agree, go great with a good glass of grape.

“Orlando Science Center loves to make connections between science and our passions,” he told the Sentinel, noting his excitement for the pairing presentations on this year’s agenda, featuring Italian wine and cheeses and brought to guests courtesy Melissa McAvoy, advanced sommelier and owner of SoDo’s Swirlery Wine Bar and Diahann Smith from Florida Dairy Farmers.

Gourmet hors d’oeuvres and delicious bites from Orlando favorites like Arthur’s Catering, 4 Rivers Smokehouse, The Naked Cupcake and Kelly’s Homemade Ice Cream (just to name a few) will be on hand, as well.

Best Wine Bar: 2023 Orlando Sentinel Foodie Awards

Also new this year are two 20-minute presentations by Dr. Robin Back from the UCF Rosen College of Hospitality Management. Back will tackle the topic of winemaking in South Africa, which will include a tasting of Cap 2018 South African Pinotage.

When guests are finished talking to the makers, they can become makers, with wine-charm making in The Hive: A Makerspace. Personalize your wine glass and learn about the process of making a wine caddy using a computer numerical control (CNC) machine. A silent auction ups the take-home ante, with lots including a WestJet round-trip flight for two, a private martini experience at the Michelin-recommended Maxine’s on Shine and more.

Presenting partner Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits is Science of Wine’s exclusive wine provider for the event, which helps fulfill OSC’s mission to inspire science learning for life.

Find me on Facebook, TikTok, Twitter or Instagram @amydroo or on the OSFoodie Instagram account @orlando.foodie. Email: amthompson@orlandosentinel.com, For more foodie fun, join the Let’s Eat, Orlando Facebook group.

More info

Tickets: $135 for general admission and $110 for OSC members. Groups of 10 can purchase bulk tickets for $1,000. Each includes admission, unlimited food and wine samples and access to all activities. More information: osc.org/wine.