chans wine world

October 18, 2022

Harvest Wine & Food Festival: Sauvignon in the sun

Sixth annual wine fest delights sold-out crowd

By Michelle Farnham
Oct. 17, 2022

WATERCOLOR – Tickets to the Harvest Wine & Food Festival were a hot commodity, as entrance to all four of the weekend’s events – a pair of wine dinners, Saturday’s grand tasting and Sunday’s brunch – were all sold out.

Chef Nick Brothers represented Swiftly Catered at the sixth annual grand tasting, serving tuna poke cups and tuna wonton chips, as well as Chef Kyle Swift’s famous gluten-free puddle cookies. This was Brothers’ first time at the Harvest Festival, and he was impressed with everything he saw.

“We’ve got a great spot right here at the end, it’s the first place people stop by, and they keep coming back! They love our food,” Brothers said.

Atlanta-based Fox Bros. Bar-B-Q returned to the anchor spot, delighting ticket-holders with entire plates full of saucy meats. Also available for nibbles was cheese from Sweet Grass Dairy, chocolate truffles from The Perfect Pig, humus and baba ghanoush from Mano’s Authentic Healthy Foods, and a trio of cookies from Jonesing 4 Cookies, to name a few.

Of course no wine festival would be complete with out the wine, with bottles ranging from rose to riesling and everything in between.

The Frenzy Sauvignon Blanc 2021 was available for tasting.

Ashli and Doug Cohen of Salt Wine Company had their product at two tables, as they are also the supplier for the 30A Wine label. At her table, Ashli had bottles of their 2021 Greetings Pinot Gris, as well as five Pinot Noirs.

“They’re like our children, you know, you love them all,” Ashli said with a laugh. “We produce these wines off of vineyards that we control from bud break to bottle, so everything is estate. It has been a very successful day for us, and we’re happy to be one of the few winemakers represented here today.

Among those bottles was the Carter’s Lot Pinot Noir, which is made in partnership with Wine World owner and local wine festival legend Chan Cox.

“This is named after Chan’s grandson Carter, so it’s a private label for Chan,” explained Doug, also pointing to the Chef’s Table Pinot Noir. “This wine has a special connection to this festival. Twenty-four dollars per case sold of this wine goes to Northwest Florida children’s charities, and this is the only place you can buy this wine retail around the country. Otherwise it’s just a restaurant wine, but because of the donation to charity, we allow Chan to sell it here.”

To add a little variety to the mix, Harvest Wine Festival also hosts a beer garden – including Beach Camp Brewery, Third Planet Brewery, and Oyster City Brewing Company – as well as a selection of spirits, like Dune Laker Vodka, Cathead Distillery, and industry newcomer Mom Water, a carbonation-free flavored vodka water.

The VIP tent offered tastes of the 2020 El Diablo Chardonnay from Senses Wines.

VIPs were treated to samples from Booker Vineyard, Tarpon Cellars, Reynolds Family Winery and Penta Tequila, among others, as well as premium bites from Henderson Beach Resort, Blue Mabel Restaurant, Soleil and The Citizen.

Local residents Rex and Julie Barrentine were back for their second Harvest Fest, and were specifically seeking out Italian wines.

“We absolutely love this event. It’s very well laid out, and today my favorite has been the Good Clean Wine,” Julie said, pointing to Table 27 which was pouring Toscano Bianco, Cabernet Sauvignon and Synchronized Swimming Rose, which touted its organic grapes, low sugar and no added sulfites.

Grand tasting — The sold-out Grand Tasting was held Oct. 15.

Harvest Wine Festival is put on by the Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation, raising money for Northwest Florida children’s charities. The foundation’s next major event is the wine auction weekend, slated for April 28 to 30, 2023, in conjunction with the South Walton Beaches Wine & Food Festival.

October 14, 2022

Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation receives $40K from South Walton Beaches Wine & Food Festival

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Children’s charities benefit from festival proceeds

MIRAMAR BEACH – The annual South Walton Beaches Wine & Food Festival donated $40,000 to Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation on Aug. 31, to support 17 children’s charities in Northwest Florida. The charity wine festival, founded by Chan Cox of Wine World, designates DCWAF as the sole recipient of the net proceeds of the event. More than 4,500 people attended the 2022 festival.

“Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation is honored to be the beneficiary of South Walton Beaches Wine and Food Festival. As the festival continues to grow, so does its generous contribution to our mission of helping children in need in Northwest Florida. This donation will make a positive impact in the lives of many, and it is a privilege to work side by side to make a difference for kids who need so much” said Karah Fridley-Young, president of DCWAF.

The Destin Charity Wine Auction main event was held during the festival and raised $3.8 million for the charitable organizations to address hunger, homelessness, abuse, and physical and mental challenges for thousands of children in Northwest Florida communities.

South Walton Beaches Wine & Food Festival took place April 21 to 24, at Grand Boulevard at Sandestin. Several hundred wines, poured by dozens of noted national and international wine celebrities, highlighted the festival. The Savor South Walton Culinary Village and Tasting Seminars presented by featured celebrities were showcased.

Festival founding partners include Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation, Visit South Walton Tourist Development Council, Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association and Visit Florida, Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa, Wine World of Northwest Florida and Grand Boulevard at Sandestin. Hyatt Place Sandestin at Grand Boulevard, Courtyard by Marriott Sandestin at Grand Boulevard and Residence Inn by Marriott Sandestin at Grand Boulevard are the official lodging partners of the festival. Rowland Publishing Inc. is the Official Media Sponsor of the festival.

Special culinary guests included Chef Scott Plumley, culinary director, The Craft Bar, The Wine Bar, and South Walton Beaches Wine & Food Festival; Chef Yoshie Eddings, Harbor Docks; Jim Shirley Enterprises, winner of Perfect in South Walton Grand Champion Executive Chef, The Bay, Great Southern Café; Chef Princeton McDonald, Barefoot’s Beachside Bar & Grill; Rinske Working Cows Dairy, Slocomb, Ala., and Publix Super Market.

Participating restaurants included Emeril’s Coastal; Black Bear Bread Company; Everkrisp; Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Bar; Grimaldi’s Coal Brick Oven Pizzeria; Kilwin’s Chocolates, Fudge & Ice Cream; P.F. Chang’s China Bistro; Tommy Bahama’s Restaurant & Bar; The Wine Bar; Another Broken Egg Cafe; The Craft Bar; Down Island Gulf Seafood Restaurant; Cabana Café; Beach Camp Brew Pub; Roux 30A; Slick Lips Seafood & Oyster House; The Bistro at the Courtyard Marriott Sandestin.

The 2023 South Walton Beaches Wine & Food Festival takes place April 27 to 30.

Photo by Michelle Farnham

2013 Francis Ford Coppola 22Director’s Cut22 Zinfandel 30afoodandwine

March 2, 2016

Wine Wednesday on 30a – Medium for March

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Medium for March
Story by Sarah Murphy Robertson

It is said the month of March is “in like a lion, out like a lamb.” Seems here on 30A, one day Spring has arrived and the next a cold front keeps winter temps around a bit longer. So what is a good wine to sip on during these in-between seasons? I find myself in favor of a medium bodied red like Zinfandel.

Lest you are confused, I don’t mean White Zinfandels (a sweeter blush-style wine that became popular in the United States in the 198os.) I’m talking about the juicy red varietal with “jammy” flavors such as raspberry or strawberry and frequent finishing notes of smoke and spice. While not native to the United States, California has embraced this grape and Zinfandel wines are produced in 10% of the state’s vineyards. Another great bonus to serving Zinfandel? Their food-friendliness of course. Below are a few we’d recommend enjoying on cooler March nights.

Wine Wednesday on 30a - Medium for March — 2012 Zinfandelic Old Vine Zinfandel

The 2012 Zinfandelic Old Vine Zinfandel from the Sierra Foothills has a great conversation starter: its fun label reminiscent of 1960s rock posters! But more importantly. this wine has wonderful balance: highlighting bright berry and cherry fruit and finishing with zingy acidity. It would pair well with smokey, barbequed meats like your favorite cut of beef.

Wine Wednesday on 30a- Medium on March — Bonterra Zinfandel from 2012

Next we suggest trying the Bonterra Zinfandel from 2012. With aromas of blueberry and black pepper, and cherry on the palate, this wine is medium bodied and finishes with a kick of spice. Try serving this wine with a starter course of cured meats and Spanish sheep’s milk cheese like Manchego.

The 2013 Francis Ford Coppola “Director’s Cut” Zinfandel is actually blended with Petite Sirah grapes to add structure to the wine. You’ll experience blackberry and cherry on the nose and then complex notes of mocha, licorice, anise and raspberry on the palate. This wine will marry well with bold flavors. Try it with a spice-rubbed leg of lamb encrusted with rosemary and garlic and let us know what you think.

January 27, 2016

Wine Wednesday on 30a How Sweet It is

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How Sweet It Is
Story by Sarah Murphy Robertson

Moscato wines are known for being lighter-bodied, effervescent, and on the sweeter side. But they can be complex and their aromas range from tropical blossoms to ripe stone fruits. They typically showcase low to medium acidity and should be served well-chilled. Their flavors are fruit-forward and work well alongside dessert courses. Think about pouring it with a treat of homemade fruit crumble or an apple tart. Cheese platters also marry well with Moscato wines. Add some toasted candied nuts and you’ll bring out toasty notes in the wine. Moscato is made in many wine regions, but primarily produced in Italy, the United States and Australia. We’ll share a recommendation from each of these countries this week for your wine wednesday on 30a.

Wine Wednesday on 30a - How Sweet it is — The 2014 Prunotto Moscato d’Asti

The 2014 Prunotto Moscato d’Asti is an Italian sparkling wine with a bright yellow hue and aromas of pineapple, honey and a floral background on the palate. It is a celebratory sip and would go nicely as an aperitif with a simple snack of spiced nuts and dried fruits.

The 2012 vintage of St. Supery is a Californian Moscato with subtle lime-hued streaks and a sensual, tropical aroma. Think melons and mango and rainforest blooms. As soon as warmer weather hits, you’ll want to get a bottle of this to try. Grill some peaches and plums and serve with a lovely fruit and cheese tray, or try it with a starter of fresh tuna tartare seasoned with punchy ginger and garlic.

Australia’s Brown Brothers Moscato will be your new summer go-to with a spritzy body and sweet citrus sorbet flavors. This wine is crisp and light and not overly cloying. It is versatile too: it could start your dinner party off by accompanying a creamy tangy cheese like brie or sing with your dinner course and cool palates roaring from chili-flecked sauces or marinades.
Let us know what Moscatos you enjoy and if any of our selections make it into your repertoire.

January 15, 2016

3 for 30a Songwriters & a NEAT Little Bottle Shop

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30A Songwriters Festival and a NEAT Little Bottle Shop

This weekend kicks off a jammed packed year of stellar events along Scenic Highway 30A in South Walton.

The 30A Songwriters Festival kicks off Friday in South Walton

Thanks to our friends at Sowal.com have put together the annual Sowal Insider’s Guide to the 30A Songwriters Festival.
This event has become a staple of the songwriter scene in the Southeast and is once again a sold out event.

3 for 30a Songwriters Edition — Stop by and check out the selection at NEAT Bottle Shop in Alys Beach.

Looking for another way to kick off the weekend? NEAT Bottle Shop and Tasting Room in Alys Beach is holdings its grand opening celebration this Friday from 2PM-4PM. Attendees can expect live music performances by Schatzi + The String Boffin as well as samplings of artisan wines, craft cocktails and local brews. Admission is free and be sure to register for some unique vino selections from Wines that Rock.

December 17, 2015

Wine Wednesday on 30a- Gift Givers

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Story by: Sarah Murphy Robertson

Our Wine Wednesday on 30a this week presents suggestions for gifts of special bottles this season. Wine aficionados and novices alike are sure to be thrilled with any of these exquisite choices.

wine wednesday 30a — 2013 Caymus Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

The 2013 Caymus Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is a big and bold cab from Napa Valley. This is a collectable wine that is a very popular, upscale red. It is full of lots of red ripe fruit and cocoa, aromas of wood and vanilla, and a long finish. The 2013 growing season was a wonderful one in Napa Valley. This wine opens with tons of tart dark cherry and should breathe for about an hour.

Wine Wednesday on 30a — 2012 Chateau Montelena Chardonnay

The 2012 Chateau Montelena Chardonnay is an amazing choice for Chardonnay lovers. It has layers upon layers of flavor ranging from fresh peach, apple, and bright tangerine and finishes with a hint of delicate spice and honey. This wine has little to no oak and is aged for over two decades. The year’s climate and weather allowed for exceptionally aromatic characteristics to come through in this vintage.

Trouillard Brut Extra Selection Champagne will put a sparkle in the eye of anyone who receives it. The esteemed Trouillard family has been in the Champagne business since the 19th century. This classic Brut bubbly is a gorgeous pale amber hue. It is full-bodied with apple, lemon, and toasted bread notes. This delicate and elegant champagne would also serve as the perfect toast to begin your holiday meal. Cheers!

Whether you shared them as gifts or served them with meals, let us know what you thought of these suggestions. We hope you and yours have a magical holiday filled with lots of love and laughter.

October 21, 2015

Wine Wednesday on 30a – Seeing Red Wine

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Story by Sarah Murphy Robertson

30afoodandwine is excited to promote one of the favorite fall events of the year. The incomparably serene town of Seaside, in partnership with Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation, is hosting the 25th annual Seeing Red Wine Festival. And it’s coming up very soon: November 5th-8th! Tickets are still on sale for the Friday and Sunday events, Saturday’s festivities are already sold out.

wine wednesday — Join us at the 25th Annual Seeing Red Wine Festival in Seaside November 5th-8th.

Produced in partnership with the Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation to support local children’s charities, this hugely popular and highly-anticipated event is not only a ton of fun, but it helps tackle important local causes and provide much needed services to kids.

The four days of festivities will showcase world renowned vintners as well as popular local restaurants with tasting and pairings of delicious food and wine. New this year is the addition of a VIP tent to the Grand Tasting; allowing wine connoisseurs access to celebrity winemakers. The festival includes rare reserve wine tastings and dinners and a brunch with guest winemakers.

Like we mentioned, proceeds from the event will be donated to the Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation. The DCWAF’s signature event, the Destin Charity Wine Auction, is held each year at Grand Boulevard in South Walton. In April of 2015, the amazing efforts of this auction raised $2.3 million for local children’s charities! It is ranked by Wine Spectator as among the top five charitable wine auctions in the entire country. Their mission is to connect wine enthusiasts with fundraising opportunities benefitting children in need in our region of Florida. So you see, Seeing Red equals lots of “green” for those who can use it most! It is a wonderful way to give back and also enjoy exquisite wine and weather this fall season.

To purchase tickets to the Seeing Red Wine Festival events still available, visit www.SeeingRedWineFestival.com.

October 7, 2015

Wine Wednesday on 30a- Side Note

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Story by Sarah Murphy Robertson

Often when we plan the perfect wine to match our meal, echoing the entrée is our focus (red goes with beef, whites go with fish, you know the drill.) But the side dishes shouldn’t be overlooked. Both of these wines we recommend this week would pair nicely with many sides including fall favorites like caramelized roasted sweet potatoes or pan blistered Brussels sprouts. Try them and let us know what you think!

While notoriously challenging to grow, Pinot Noir grapes result in a versatile, food-friendly sip. This red wine is often complex with rich berry fruit and includes earthy, oak and spice notes. Below are a couple Pinot Noirs we think you’ll enjoy.
The 2012 Biltmore Pinot Noir is made in Asheville, North Carolina on the grounds of the Biltmore Estates. This popular Pinot is made using fruit from their own vineyard as well as partnering with northwestern vineyards in California and Washington.
Another Pinot Noir we think you will enjoy is the highly rated Siduri’s 2013 Sonoma County Pinot Noir. Founded in 1994 by Adam and Dianna Lee, Siduri Wines have grown from a small operation to handcrafting over 10,000 cases a year. Siduri Wines have received the Wine Spectator’s “Critics Choice” recognition multiple times since 2004.

And remember, when you are searching for new wines to sample, from one end of 30A to another there are great spots to go to find new favorites. Chan’s Wine World in Watercolor boasts an award winning wine list as well as a popular daily happy hour special: a half carafe for the price of a glass (between 11am – 6pm!) And Wild Olives on the eastern end in Rosemary Beach offers a happy hour between 3 pm and 6 pm Tuesdays – Sundays including special prices on selected wines by the glass. Cheers to that!

September 30, 2015

Wine Wednesday on 30a

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Home Sweet Home
At 30afoodandwine we mostly focus on all the delicious cuisine available through our excellent local restaurant scene. But some autumn evenings just call for staying in, inviting friends over for a relaxed dinner party, and sipping wine porch side. I have a couple of fun wines to recommend this week for an evening experienced in the comforts of home.

The B Side Cabernet blend will be a mega hit for sure. This wine gets 90 plus scores from many different wine publications and I can certainly see why. Their new Bordeaux-style red—a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petite Syrah hails from Napa’s “flip” side – the valley’s eastern hillsides. This wine is really smooth with lots of dark chocolate and cherry. It is wonderful all on its own, but would also pair beautifully with a variety of food pairings from lighter fare like smoky grilled vegetables on to a meal of hearty beef stew served with garlicky roasted potatoes. Either direction will keep your guests’ toes tap pin.’

The 2012 Apothic Red from California is a blend of Zinfandel, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. It will surprise you with its notes of strawberry jam and fresh stone fruit with a bit of spice. This decadent blend has a soft mouth feel and you’ll also pick up subtle hints of oak and vanilla. This wine has really great mass appeal for lots of wine drinking palates. It would also pair nicely with many foods perfect for casual entertaining. You could serve it simply with a cheese plate filled with pungent rich varieties like Stilton, or go the barbeque route and enjoy with sticky ribs or chicken or lastly, combine both these sentiments and serve with gourmet lamb burgers topped with melty gorgonzola cheese. Any of these options it is sure to be a conversation starter and crowd pleaser.

Wine these and other fine wine selections at Chan’s Wine World on the Emerald Coast or Wild Olives in Rosemary Beach

September 23, 2015

Wine Wednesday on 30a – Red My Mind

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Red My Mind

Story by Sarah Robertson

Aaaah. Like many of us, this week I reveled in these first cool moments of fall weather. For me, each breeze was filled with nostalgia and the anticipation of autumn activities and home cooked comfort dishes. And of course it also beckoned the beginning of enjoying red wine again. I sipped on a couple this past weekend that you really must try.

My first recommendation is the 2012 Gouguenheim Malbec. This Argentinian beauty is aged for four months in French oak and is made with 100% Malbec grapes. It is a gorgeous, rich purplish red hue with distinct aromas of plum, cherry, and dark chocolate. It has a long smooth finish on the palate and would pair nicely with a snack of super sharp cheddar or with your entree of peppercorn-encrusted steak. This bottle is also affordable so you can splurge on a fine cut of beef. (It’s making my mouth water just typing about it!)

Another nice bottle I recently tried was the domestic darling from Washington State: Milbrandt Merlot 2012. Washington state Merlots are commonly full bodied and this one is no exception. It showcases notes of blackberry and other dark stone fruit like plum and finishes very smooth. This wine is a blend of 89% Merlot, 8% Malbec and 3% Petie Verdot grapes and the result is balanced, juicy , and delicious. While many times red wines are recommended for pairing with red meats, try this gem with an herbaceous perfectly roasted chicken and side of caramelized root vegetables. I think you will be surprised how well they marry together. It may just become your new fall staple!

To find these and other great choices, stop by Chan’s Wine World in Watercolor or Wild Olives in Rosemary Beach.