The Raven Takes Flight(s) at Orlando Wine & Auction

By Gary Carra
Welcome back to Random Raven, the column that aspires for nothing less than to be your complete entertainment itinerary on a month-to-month basis as we March into March... The Raven has once again found warmth and solace from the cold February in the Sunshine State.

Specifically, the Raven set a course for Central Florida for what many consider the crowning jewel of the Orlando Wine Festival & Auction at the Four Seasons Resort — the unforgettable outdoor tasting on Feb. 28.

Behind the polished glassware and chef-driven bites was an important mission: raising funds for the Orlando Magic Youth Foundation, which supports at-risk youth. Organizers say the event has raised nearly $5 million since 2019 — proving that good wine and good causes can, in fact, share the same glass.

The outdoor tasting delivered a near-perfect formula: Florida sunshine, live music, world-class wine and an atmosphere that felt equal parts elegant and relaxed. Credit goes to the setup — generous spacing, easy movement and, perhaps most impressively, no long lines. Caviar, lamb lollipops, grouper tacos and premium pours were never more than a short stroll away — an enviable convergence of details for an event of this size and scope.

As the afternoon rolled on — and, in true Florida fashion, the forecasted rain politely stayed away — Orlando’s Wine & Auction revealed itself as one of the most polished yet approachable food-and-wine events on the Eastern Seaboard. High-end without being stuffy. Professional without feeling corporate. A rare balance, and one the event wears effortlessly.

NCN Assistant to the Publisher Jen Phillips tastes the wares at the 2026 Orlando Wine & Auction. Below, attendees soak in the sights, sounds and savories of the event sans the crowding and lines that detract from so many other food and wine events.

Photos by Gary Carra

The star power was evident. Master Sommelier George Miliotes was part of the lineup, joined by featured chef Fabio Quarta, who brought plenty of culinary firepower. Wine selections included recognizable names such as Stonestreet Estate, Caymus and Duckhorn, while culinary standouts like The Ravenous Pig and Jaleo helped round out a seriously impressive field.

Perhaps inspired by — or simply a result of the logistical precision that comes with its affiliation with a certain NBA franchise — Orlando Food & Wine proves to be a truly magical experience. Equal parts culinary playground and polished production, it’s a must-add to the culinary calendar of food lovers and serious wine enthusiasts alike.

St. Patty’s Day Shenanigans

Closer to home, March is also, of course, prime time for assorted St. Patty’s Day shenanigans. And such events are already popping up all over like mushrooms after a spring rainstorm.

After a “wild”-ly successful Hunter’s Dinner series in February, the legendary Student Prince/The Fort in Springfield, Mass., is keeping the momentum going with two lively March events.

The Philadelphia Aqua String Band Mummers are scheduled to visit The Student Prince on Friday, March 20, from approximately 6 to 7 p.m., as part of a downtown pub crawl that brings the colorful, high-energy tradition of the Mummers to Springfield for one unforgettable evening.

And of course, no March lineup would be complete without a full-scale St. Patrick’s Day celebration, featuring Irish menu specials designed to keep revelers fueled for a long night of music, laughter and cheer.

Here’s a few more area opportunities to get your bagpipes and brews on:

• Hartford, Connecticut — 54th Annual Greater Hartford St. Patrick’s Day Parade (March 7, 2026)
  Hartford kicks off the season early with one of the state’s largest Irish celebrations. The parade steps off at 11 a.m. in downtown Hartford near the State Capitol, filling the streets with marching bands, pipe and drum groups, dancers and community organizations. Family-friendly during the day, the event naturally spills into restaurant and pub celebrations throughout the evening. Parade information and route details are available at irishamericanparade.com.
• Holyoke, Massachusetts — Holyoke St. Patrick’s Parade and Road Race (March 21–22, 2026)
  Holyoke remains the heavyweight champion of regional St. Patrick’s festivities. The weekend begins with the annual 10K road race on Saturday, March 21, followed by the 73rd annual parade on Sunday, March 22, stepping off at approximately 11:10 a.m. along Route 5. The city’s long-running “Grand Colleen” tradition — essentially a festival ambassador representing local Irish heritage — is a centerpiece of the season. Full schedules and event information can be found at holyokestpatricksparade.com.
• Springfield, Massachusetts — Community Celebrations and Irish Traditions
  Springfield’s celebration leans more toward community gatherings, pub events and local cultural programs than one single large parade. The annual naming of the Springfield Colleen and her court continues a long-standing Irish-American tradition that highlights local heritage organizations and seasonal events throughout the area.
• New Haven, Connecticut — Greater New Haven St. Patrick’s Day Parade (March 15, 2026)
  One of the oldest St. Patrick’s parades in the country, New Haven’s event routinely draws crowds exceeding 100,000 and serves as a major regional anchor heading into the holiday week. The parade steps off at 1:30 p.m., beginning on Chapel Street near Sherman Avenue and winding through downtown. Details and route information are available at stpatricksdayparade.org.
• West Hartford, Connecticut — Town Celebrations
  For those seeking something a bit more polished — but no less spirited — West Hartford offers a lively mix of restaurant specials, live music and Irish-themed festivities centered around Blue Back Square and West Hartford Center. It is an easy option for celebrants who appreciate festive energy with a strong food-and-drink scene.
  To learn more about the man behind the feathers, visit Gary Carra’s profile and stay updated on all things local at North Central News.