Disclaimer: TB Bloggers received a complimentary ticket to this event. As always, all opinions are our own.

“Wine and cheese are ageless companions, like aspirin and aches, or June and moon, or good people and noble ventures.” – MFK Fisher

That being said, nothing makes for a better companion than wine, cheese, good food, and amazing people at the Food and Wine Conference 2015.

Foodies and Winos are different than the average Joe. We’re people with a passion and zest for life. Who know that even the most mundane peanut butter and jelly sandwich can be elevated to pure delight just by choosing the right bread, the right PB, and quality jelly. (Though don’t ask me what the right wine pairing would be for this…any suggestions?)

So when you get a group of culinary stars from around the country together at a hotel for one weekend only, magic is bound to ensue.

Frederico Fellini said that “Life is a combination of magic and pasta.”

Well, life with good food (more than just pasta)–IS magic. And when you are surrounded by the people who believe in food, believe in the joy of eating and drinking, and wish to share their passion while simultaneously educating and making the foodie world just a teensy bit better—well, that is nothing short of miraculous. 😀

I could take you through the entire weekend. I could show you everything I ate, including gems like this:

Braised Short Rib Poutine thanks to Idaho Potato

Siracha Cheddar Popcorn from Datz

Cabot Cheddar Cheese

Fresh Georgia Peaches

Ice Cream sponsored by Florida Milk

I could take you through all the sessions I attended, all the knowledge I gained and make you jealous of food and wine pairings and educational sessions, like this one:

Very rough experience…. HA!

I could tell you about the hysterical Periscope I did and how I learned to do Hotel Room Yoga at the conference, thanks to my awesome roomie and fellow Tampa Bay Blogger Nichole:

And yoga with Florida Strawberries…

I could even show you the sweet presents we received from the conference and the brands in attendance, because you can see that they truly cared:

And then I could show you photos of all my new friends and funny interactions and tell you stories of our hysterical bonding… Things like people dancing as Idaho potatoes to remakes of our favorite songs, like all this:

I had a little too much fun with the costumes:

And so many good people!

But that wouldn’t even begin to explain the conference.

Because the food and wine conference is about food, yes, but it is really about soul. Souls joining together  in pursuit of passion. Professionally. Personally. Joyously.

I ate, drank, and was merry. While also learning, meeting AMAZING people, and finding greater zest and joy for the passion of food writing, photography, and, of course, eating, drinking and travel. 😉

Make it a point to make the next one. Check out the fabulous recaps that will be shared on the Sunday Supper website. Visit the agenda and go ahead and follow everyone who spoke and who sponsored. You won’t regret it!

But know that, like any meal, the true experience of #FWCON is beyond words. It satisfies all the senses. And, like a truly scrumptious slice of baguette–is best enjoyed fresh out of the oven (and maybe with a little butter.) So stay on the Food and Wine Conference website with mouthwatering anticipation to be one of the first to register for next year’s conference. It will be unforgettable. I guarantee it.

Cheers!