3 for 30a- Film and Wine Weekend!
3 for 30A Film and Wine Weekend
By Natalie Haddock
This weekend if you’re not “seeing red” than see a new perspective on the world. Two amazing festivals are taking place along the 30A corridor this weekend that are sure to open your eyes with either an exciting vintage or an amazing new viewpoint.
First is the 25th Annual Seaside Seeing Red Wine Festival, a four day event centered on reserve wine tastings, inspired local samplings, dinners, and a brunch with featured guest winemakers. Several Seaside restaurants will contribute local bites to pair with the assorted wine selection. While pleasing your palate, 100% of event proceeds of the Seeing Red Wine Festival will go to benefit the Northwest Florida Children in need through the Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation.
Watercolor will also be hosting a highly anticipated annual event, the 15th Annual Telluride MountainFilm on Tour. This two day event will feature extraordinary films created to inspire audiences and motivate individuals. Films on adventure, life lessons, world culture, and environmental messages will be displayed against the beautiful coastal backdrop of Watercolor’s dune lake habitat. It is an event for the whole family and “Festival Food” and drinks will be available for purchase.
Friday, November 6th –
The Al Fresco Reserve Wine Tasting will take place as part of thee Seeing Red Wine Festival on Friday night, from 6-8pm on Seaside’s Lyceum Lawn. This Reserve Tasting will showcase an impressive selection reserve wines which have been cellared until a special evening such as this. Attendees will enjoy live jazz music, a starry view from the clear-top tent, and delicious hors d’oeuvers prepared by local celebrity chef Jim Shirley.
The projector is warmed up for this Friday’s MountainFilm on Tour event in Watercolor. For many it is a fall tradition so once again grab your low back chairs or blankets and head out to 30A for an evening with striking stories of adventure and perseverance. Festival grounds open at 6:00, with films to run starting at 7:00pm. “Festival food” will include such enticing options as Chicken Fried Chicken Cone with honey mustard gravy or the Angus Beef and Venison Chili. Beer, wine, and assorted beverages will also be available for purchase.
Saturday, November 7th –
Seeing Red’s main event, the Grand Tasting, will take place on Saturday from 1-4pm in Downtown Central Square. An extensive array of tasting tents will line the community walkways, featuring more than 250 highly sought after wines from around the globe. Sip and stroll as you enjoy live music and light bites provided by some of 30A’s top restaurants. VIP tickets may still be available so call ahead for your chance to receive early check in and to taste additional rare select wines.
MountainFilm on Tour continues on Saturday as well. Relax under the stars as the big screen takes your mind on a faraway journey. Listen as each film presents intriguing and educational perspectives. Cozy up with family or friends at the bonfire during intermission. The MountainFilm on Tour is a unique experience and attendees have said a favorite feature of the festival is not only the films themselves, but the ambiance created by light reflecting on nearby trees under the starry sky. Kid friendly films will also be featured, and parents are encouraged to sign in those aged 6-12 at the Lake House.
Sunday, November 8th –
By Sunday the film festival may be over, but Seeing Red isn’t quite ready to “wine” things down. From 10am – 1pm Great Southern Café in Seaside will host a Celebration of Bubbles. This specialty brunch date features sparkling wines including Champagne, Cava, Prosecco, and more. Then, from 2pm – 5pm the DCWAF Fall Walkabout and Charity Auction will take place at the Hilton Sandestin. Attendees can participate in a silent auction, dance to live music, enjoy an afternoon cocktails, wines, and even more fabulous local food. Auction items will include everything from wine bottles to artwork, and even vacation packages. This event is known to be a local’s favorite so find your friends and we’ll see you there!
