06/16/2026
The Womens Food Alliance is so delighted to welcome a new member ~ Dawn Mariotti …. Special Events Coordinator for The Tasting Tours, LLC . Growing up in Jacksonville, and now calling St. Augustine her home, Dawn has always loved her Florida roots, especially with the unique coastal lifestyle she enjoys. With a very wonderful mother who inspired her early years, Dawn recognized how she loved to throw parties in a way that made every day moments feel special. Her mother taught her that making people feel loved and connected is really the heart of every gathering!
Later in life, a fellow teacher (Patty Keene) inspired Dawn in a different way. She taught her that nothing is too ‘over the top’ when you’re creating an experience. “If you have a vision, there is a way to create it”. Without question, Dawn’s passion for hospitality started with her love for people. She’s always enjoyed bringing people together and making them feel welcome. Watching her mother turn simple moments into something unique showed her that hospitality isn’t just about food or events. It’s about how people FEEL when they’re with you.
Some of Dawn’s earliest experiences with events began in college, when she served on her sorority’s social committee. These were her first opportunities to help plan gatherings and create memorable experiences for a group. Later, as a teacher and PTO President, Dawn helped to organize much larger events like Mother’s Day Tea, Donuts with Dad and fall festivals ~ very influential meaningful times that taught her how to bring people together, manage all of the details and create events that felt welcoming and fun.
Like many women who search for something meaningful if and when they become an ‘empty nester’, Dawn was anxious to find a fun way to connect with people. Why did she choose one of Florida’s top hospitality companies like The Tasting Tours? “It felt like a natural fit. It brought together so many things I already love: people, food, wine, history and creating memorable experiences. At The Tasting Tours, I get to help create the FUN. I work as the Special Events Coordinator, which means I help with private events, wine tastings, group gatherings and customized tours. A lot of what I do happens behind the scenes, but it all comes down to making sure that our guests feel welcome, cared for and excited about their experiences. My favorite part is helping to turn an outing into a memory”!
Dawn has joined the Womens Food Alliance because she loves being around women working and thriving in the food and hospitality world, meeting new creative, hard-working friends and keeping up to date on what others are working on. “I love gathering around good food, good conversation and cheering each other on”!
