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Alys Beach prepares for 11th 30A Wine Festival

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Special to 30A Food & Wine
Feb. 22, 2023

ALYS BEACH – The 30A Wine Festival returns to the community of Alys Beach for its 11th year: Wednesday, Feb. 22 through Sunday, Feb. 26, 2023. The festival showcases renowned distillers, vintners, and culinary favorites over five days of celebration – a series of events and workshops where wine enthusiasts and bourbon lovers alike relish in the festivities within the captivating town of Alys Beach.

All proceeds from the festival benefit the Children’s Volunteer Health Network, a local charity which provides health services to uninsured or underinsured school children in Walton and Okaloosa counties.

Cultural experiences are written into the master plan of Alys Beach through the dictates of The Alys Foundation, the 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that underwrites the 30A Wine Festival and the other Alys Beach signature festivals. These events and festivals are designed to bring the Alys Beach community, with an emphasis on its homeowners and their families and friends, together around a shared cultural experience.

In its 11 years, the 30A Wine Festival has become a series of events that gather the adult community for exquisite food, drink, music and revelry. As the town grows and the footprint of the festival remains fixed, and as ticket sales release to Alys Beach homeowners first by design, the events are organically transitioning into experiences exclusive to our owner community, an added amenity for our Alys Beach homeowners.

The 30A Wine Festival will continue to release any remaining tickets to our Alys Beach vacation rental guests and the larger community in the years ahead, and invites both festival goers and the larger community to participate in the event that is always open to the public – the 30A Wine Festival Silent Auction benefiting the Children’s Volunteer Health Network. No tickets are required to bid on auction items, just head to 30awinefest.givesmart.com.
Sponsors of the 11th Annual 30A Wine Festival include Brown, Burns & Associates, Inc. Financial Advisors, BALCONES Distilling, Alys Beach Construction, Alys Beach Real Estate, Driftwood Wine & Spirits, Laurent-Perrier, The Jewel, Scenic Stays, and Galvas Construction.

Schedule of events

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 22
• Tour of The Rhône Valley Wine Dinner, The Beach Club; 6-9 p.m.
This special Rhône Valley wine dinner will be held in the Lounge of the Beach Club exclusively for Alys Beach property owners. Beach Club Chef Renato Falconi will prepare a four-course dinner in the French tradition, in tandem with beautiful pairings from the cellars of Rhône Valley’s finest, M. Chapoutier, E. Guigal, and Chateau de Beaucastel. The live music performance of Cam Ray will accompany the event.

• Paul Hobbs Wine Dinner, Caliza Restaurant; 6-9 p.m.
At the onset of this year’s 30A Wine Festival, Caliza’s Red Loggia sets an elegant tone for an intimate evening with Paul Hobbs Winery. Agustina Hobbs will share the winery’s finest offerings paired perfectly with four courses from Alys Beach Executive Chef Kevin Cavanaugh. This evening is sure to be an experience to remember. The live music performance of Mari Gleason will accompany the event.

THURSDAY, FEB. 23
• Oysters + Champagne, The Beach Plaza; 6-9 p.m.
An evening on the Beach Plaza featuring the most exceptional oysters harvested throughout the southeast. Accompanied by champagne and live music, the Oysters + Champagne event is always a beautiful evening of celebration. The live music performance of the Lilli Lewis Trio will accompany the event. Oysters will be provided by Cypress Point Oyster Co., Pelican Oyster Farm, Serenoa Shellfish Co.; a food station will be provided by The Citizen; champagne stations will feature Laurent-Perrier, Laherte Frères, VINTUS Wine Imports, Champagne Delamotte, and Piper-Heidsieck – Charles Heidsieck.

• Leyenda de México Tequila Dinner, Papilio Park; 6-9 p.m.
A new addition to the 30A Wine Festival, the Leyenda de México Tequila Dinner features a four-course dinner alongside neat tequila tastings and uniquely crafted cocktails from this beautiful tequila from Jalisco. Set in the enchanting canopy of Papilio Park, this dinner is a welcomed addition to the festival repertoire and is sure to be a memorable evening of food, drink, and revelry. The live music performance of Jeff Taylor will accompany the event.

FRIDAY, FEB. 24
• Mixology Seminar, Red Loggia; 5-6:30 p.m.
This hands-on mixology seminar will take you through the creation of three perfect craft cocktails that are sure to impress even the most avid cocktail connoisseurs. Our experts, Christine Tarpey of Better Together Beverage and Christopher Ritch of Maverick Beverage Company, share their expertise, insights, and instructions to impart participants with a fresh new lineup to replicate at home.

• Bourbon, Beer & Butts, Kelly Green; 6:30-9 p.m.
Enjoy a night of bourbon, beer, and barbecue with bourbon tastings from distilleries across the country, craft brews from local and national breweries, and savory barbecue creations showcasing the top culinary talents in the Southeast.
Breweries include Grayton Beer Company , Wicked Weed Brewing Company, Tin Roof Brewing Company, Pensacola Bay Brewery, Sixpoint Brewery, Goat Island Brewing, Idyll Hounds Brewing Company.
Participating culinary talent represents Alys Beach, Marrow Private Chefs, Saw’s BBQ, The Hound, The Perfect Pig Grill and Fish House, Treaty Oak Distilling, Southern Soul BBQ, RC Weddings + Events Professional Catering, and Cookie Fix.
Bourbon distilleries include Treaty Oak Distilling, Lexington Brewing & Distilling, Dettling Bourbon, Doc Swinson’s Whiskey, Savage & Cooke, Michter’s Distillery, Paul Sutton Bourbon, Superb Spirits, and Balcones Distilling. The Cleverlys are sure to keep the party rockin’ all night!

SATURDAY, FEB. 25
• Grand Tasting , 3:30-6:30 p.m. | South Charles Street
Immerse yourself in the streetscapes of Alys Beach as you stroll down South Charles Street for the Grand Tasting. Between tasting more than 80 wines from around the globe and light bites to accompany you along the way, this is sure to be a stroll like no other. The live music performances of Jared Herzog, Mike Whitty, and Tanner Gray will accompany the event.
Participating culinary talent represents Ravello Ristorante, The Salty Butcher, George’s at Alys Beach, The Depot , Pescado, Farmer’s Feast, Alys Beach Culinary, 2 Birds Café, Seabear, Chocolatá, Black Bear Bread Co.

SUNDAY, FEB. 26
• Gospel Brunch,  Gulf Green; 10 a.m. to noon
We’ll keep the mimosas, Bloody Marys, and coffee cocktails flowing while you enjoy a lively, delicious brunch in one of Alys Beach’s most beautiful and iconic settings, Gulf Green. Feel the joy as the sounds of the gospel choir fill the space for this celebratory Sunday event. The live music performance of the Soul Sensations will accompany the event. The brunch cocktail station will feature Treaty Oak Distilling.

• Rosé & Croquet, Kelly Green; noon to 3 p.m.
Rosé & Croquet is one of the most beloved of the festival events. Wear your croquet whites and enjoy a festive gathering featuring a beautiful brunch spread and an elegant selection of rosés. Rally your best mates and fuel up for the ninth annual Croquet Tournament (each player must purchase an individual ticket + an additional $200 for a four-person team ticket is required to play in the tournament), or just sit back, sip some sparkling rosé, and watch the games. It’s always a fun finale for the 30A Wine Festival! The live music performance of Ken & Andi will accompany the event.

30A Wine Festival

Wine festival wishes and Alys Beach dreams

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30A Wine Festival is a sight to behold

Michelle Farnham
March 3, 2022

ALYS BEACH – A beautiful night under the glow of an Emerald Coast sunset turned into a beautiful night under the glow of twinkling lights at the 30A Wine Festival Feb. 26.

Charles Street
Charles Street was buzzing with live music and a lively crowd.

Those lucky enough to gain entry into the sold out premier event strolled South Charles Street, visiting 44 vendor tables, sampling wines, fine dining fare and cocktails. Surrounded by the towering architecture of Alys Beach, spring fashions made an early debut and cuisine ranged from paella to popsicles.

Chef Drew Dzejak represented Alys Beach’s The Citizen, bringing his famous Calabrian Shrimp, served with crispy shallots, fresh herbs and focaccia. A few tables down, Big Bad Breakfast dished up Winter Vegetable Hash and an Indian-Spiced Vichyssoise with spice-crusted shrimp.

amici 30A Italian Kitchen
amici 30A Italian Kitchen pleased the crowd with their aracini, caprese skewers and Amy’s Meatballs

amici 30A Italian Kitchen pleased the crowd with their aracini, caprese skewers and Amy’s Meatballs; while Black Bear Barroom put out an impressive charcuterie spread and Gianduja tarts – a chocolate-lover’s dream.

Holiday Cafe was on site, sharing the news of their upcoming establishment, set to open early May. Serving coffee, wine, and small eats, Holiday Cafe will be located near Mast Furniture in Alys Beach.

Wine pour
The 30A Wine Festival featured 44 tables of food, wine and cocktails.

Napa’s Robert Biale Vineyards was on hand again, offering the R.W. Moore Zinfandel and Royal Punishers Petite Sirah.

“We specialize in zinfandel and everyone has really been going after it,” the Biale rep admitted. “That vineyard was planted in 1905 so it’s incredibly old and still tasting just wonderful.”

In addition to wine, four tables near the stage were mixing cocktails, including the Blue Me Away (Kastra Elion Vodka, Blue Curacao, Chartreuse, grapefruit bitters, lime and soda) and at the Tequila Komos table, the Rosy Dawn (rosé syrup, strawberry, lime and Maldon salt).

Taste
The festival gives guests a chance to try new bottles before hitting the retail tent.

“I like that this festival is in the evening, both from a climate perspective and because the vibe is a little more chill,” said attendee Andrew Williams of Ohio, who has been to all the South Walton wine festivals, but fell in love with the 30A fest on his first visit. “As much as I like day drinking, I like evening drinking even more!”

A trio of musical groups played along the street, keeping the mood as airy as the night’s light gulf breeze, and a silent auction encouraged bids to benefit the Children’s Volunteer Health Network, providing dental care to underserved local children. Other festival weekend events included a wine dinner at Caliza, a beer and wine dinner, oysters and champagne in Central Park, the Flor de Cana Rum dinner, a mixology seminar; Bourbon, Beer & Butts Friday night; and Sunday’s Gospel Brunch and Rosé & Croquet tournament.

Table
Wine, food and friends, what could be better?

Photos by Michelle Farnham

Apple-Dumpling-Pork-Stew-30afoodandwine

Local Flavor – Caliza at Alys Beach

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Story by Sarah Murphy Robertson

There are only six breeds of pig considered heritage and one is being pasture raised just an hour’s drive north of us in Bonifay, Florida on Twin Oaks Farm. Heritage pork’s flavor is deep and rich and reflects a long history of pigs being raised in the field, in nature. Chef Kevin Korman of Caliza in Alys Beach was gracious enough to let us visit and watch the process of breaking down and butchering the pork that will very soon grace their menu in a celebrated combination of ways.

Executive Chef Kevin Korman - Caliza at Alys Beach
Executive Chef Kevin Korman – Caliza at Alys Beach

The pork, known as Cochon Noir de Bonifay comes from a rare heritage breed that produces very tender meat. As we mentioned, Twin Oaks Farm’s pork is organic and raised on pasture. Pastured pork means it comes from pigs that live in the way they would if left to their own devices: free to move around and forage. Twin Oaks Farms supplements the pigs’ diets with a soy-free certified organic feed and they are also fed the odds and ends from their vegetable harvests.


Chef Kevin has been communicating and collaborating with Twin Oaks Farm’s Renee Savary for nearly a year about this acquisition. “People have forgotten where our food comes from,” he observed. Being able to actually serve farm to table locally raised pork is an honor and a thrill for this chef.


Watching Chef Kevin first make the primal cuts and then map out the puzzle of butchering the pork was fascinating. Many times we are accustomed to seeing proteins in the meat department prepackaged. “There’s not really a set way to do this.” Chef clarified. “It’s up to interpretation and based on how ultimately we want to prepare each cut.”
A few of the Heritage Hogs on the range at Twin Oaks Farm in Bonifay
A few of the Heritage Hogs on the range at Twin Oaks Farm in Bonifay

Chef Kevin has been brainstorming various creative preparations and making notes on how to highlight this premium protein. He aims to use this pork to create familiar yet new dishes that will truly feature the meat. “Pork has a wonderful neutral flavor which lends itself to lots of creativity” he explained. He plans to utilize everything including the fat for house made sausage. He will employ many methods when using this pork in their dishes including braising, roasting, smoking and even ideas for doing some portions sous vide. Chef will also render the fat and “confit” the pork, or slowly poach it in the fat until tender; much like one would traditionally with duck.

The Caliza staff are well-versed in Twin Oaks Farm’s organic practices and the impressive backstory of this Cochon Noir de Bonifay pork. Chef mused that they are lucky to have well-traveled clientele eager to try new things and he is confident guests will savor the many ways this heritage pork will influence their menu.

Chef Kevin’s enthusiasm for this unique, quality protein and his reverence for the process of butchering the meat were a pleasure to witness. Keep an eye out for this delicious local product masterfully offered in a myriad of ways at Caliza.

Grayton Beach Pandora's 30a food and wine

3 for 30A- Songwriters Weekend Edition

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Story By: Natalie Haddock

The 30A Songwriters Festival is finally here!

This festival is a truly unique experience as it takes place over three days, along the full stretch of Scenic Hwy 30a, and among 25 different venues. From Dune Allen to Rosemary Beach, attendants can enjoy a variety of music, wine, food, and entertainment. Some of us have a couple of favorite restaurants we like to frequent, sure, and there are certainly big acts and big venues we want to see (like Graham Nash at the Gulf Place Amphitheater), but the festival also gives us a chance to discover new tastes and tunes in a variety of eclectic, contemporary, lavish, and lively settings.

So enjoy the 30a Songwriters Festival and be sure to check out these 3 for 30A that you won’t want to miss.

Friday, January 16 – The Kickoff party begins at Pandora’s Steakhouse in Grayton Beach, the perfect place to fuel up, fill up, and loosen up for the weekend. This fine dining restaurant is no stranger to live music and local favorite Boukou Groove will go on at 11:00 PM as part of the festival line up. Their quality steak and seafood menus offer a little something for everyone and their cocktail menu is sure to please; however, be sure to save room for a plate of fried strawberries for dessert. For more information go to http://www.pandorasgraytonbeach.com/pandoras_steakhouse_grayton_beach/
Grayton Beach Hibiscus Coffee Guesthouse 30a food and wine
Saturday, January 17 – This sunny Saturday afternoon, stop by the Hibiscus House to watch Friends of Lola play at the intimate and earthy “Backyard of Love”. Stop in the café for a tasty chai tea, hot cocoa, or lemonade. Delicious breakfast burritos, soups, salads, and even a veggie burger or brat on a bun are available as you sit under the shady palm trees in this southern home setting. To view the menu that is available during the festival and for further information check out their blog at http://blog.hibiscusflorida.com/blog/
AlysEntrance
Sunday January 18 – Caliza is an elegant rooftop restaurant in Alys Beach with worldly cuisine and soft breezes. Normally closed for the off season, the 30a Songwriter’s Festival allows a sneak peek of the luxurious infinity pool and private cabanas that will reopen in March 2015. Get there early and enjoy the Gospel Show starting at 10:00 and have a serene Sunday at the beach. In anticipation of their exciting happy hour, dinner, and dessert menus go to http://www.calizarestaurant.com/caliza-restaraunt/menu/