destin charity wine auction

May 2, 2023

DCWAF: One team, one mission

Wine auction raises $3.5 million for children’s charities

By Michelle Farnham
April 30, 2023

MIRAMAR BEACH – While a storm blew outside, DCWAF President Karah Fridley-Young welcomed more than 600 people to the waterproof 2023 Destin Charity Wine Auction tent. It was an afternoon of wine, friends and charity, raising $3.5 million for 16 Northwest Florida children’s charities.

“It is inspiring and truly astounding to be under this tent with so many generous individuals, businesses, and people that I call friends,” Fridley-Young started. “Our mission today is clear: there are children in our community who need our help, and we are going to show up for them today.”

She set up this year’s Mission Moment video, “Play Ball,” which included participants from the 16 charity partners playing a baseball game, concluding with the evening’s theme: One Team, One Mission.

Lane Redding, 2023 board chairman of the DCWAF, announced proceeds of the Friday evening patron dinners: exquisite wine meals hosted at 11 locations along the Emerald Coast.

“We raised an impressive $550,000 last night,” Redding reported to a tentful of cheers. “Two dinners raised over $100,000, and I want to recognize those: the (Randall and Maria) Whites’ dinner and the (Jack and Candis) Wilsons’ dinner. Let’s raise a glass to fundraising!”

Welcome to the tent!

Guests are welcomed to the tent by charity volunteers and a cloud of bubbles!

DCWAF board member Steve Carter makes his appearance.

The live auction is three hours of fun!

The DCWAF staff who make it all happen (left to right): Brooklyn Bain, Kate MacMillan and Karah Fridley-Young.

DCWAF President Karah Fridley-Young welcomed the capacity crowd.

DCWAF Board Chair Lane Redding announced the wine dinner totals.

Lots of lots

Auctioneer Charles Antin was back for another year, encouraging bidders to bid often and bid high.

“Are you sure?” he encouraged one patron waffling over a bid. “You’ll be watching ‘Seinfeld’ reruns in your pajamas while she will be out having the time of her life!”

The first lot of the night is always Magnum Force, made up of 50 signed magnums from 18 years of past and present vintners, bringing in a generous $55,000.

Other notable lots included a trip to Kamalame Cay Bahamas for $105,000, a week on the Amalfi Coast for $45,000 – sold twice – and a tour of Portugal for $45,000, also sold twice.

The capacity crowd quieted itself for Lot 29, a special initiative to benefit The Ellison McCraney Ingram Foundation. Named for the late 9-year-old son of longtime DCWAF supporters Doug and Merrisa Ingram, up for grabs was a 9L large format bottle of 2020 Thompson 31Fifty Russian River “Ellison’s Cuvée” Pinot Noir. Attendees seemed inspired by the charity’s mission funding scholarships, and bids quickly rose to 35, 40, $45,000, when a quiet bid of $100,000 came in from a table near the back of the room. The crowd jumped to its feet for a well-deserved standing ovation.

Bidding war

The first lot of the night is always the Magnum Force: 50 magnums of wine!

Raise your paddles!

A toast to another successful auction!

Get those paddles warmed up!

Winners are celebrated with festive decor from the charity volunteers.

Cue the confetti canons, we have another winner!

Celebrating a winning bid with champagne, of course!

Winning bid are celebrated by a group of charity volunteers.

Celebrating a winning bid with champagne, of course!

Sip and savor

Guests were treated to a pre-auction Reserve Tasting, enjoying bites from the likes of Seagar’s Prime Steaks & Seafood, Ovide, Bijoux and upcoming Seaside spot The Daytrader, as well as wine from a lengthy list of celebrity vintners.

Destin artist Harley Van Hyning was on hand to showcase the print he donated toward the auction: a locally caught yellowfin tuna. He was impressed by the crowd, incredible wines and amazing food around him. Van Hyning specializes in the gyotaku style of Japanese print-making.

“I take a very non-traditional approach, where I use color, acrylics, and different weights of canvas to basically record a life form, give honor to the life form, and bring it back to its natural beauty so that it can educate and be appreciated by us here on land.”

To keep auction bidders powered through the 3-hour live auction, Swiftly Catered Private Chef rolled out a four-course meal, starting with charcuterie boards, a Southern wedge salad, beef short ribs over whipped potatoes, and dark chocolate crémeux tarts and strawberry parfait.

Paul Hobbs of Paul Hobbs Winery in Sebastopol, Calif., was honored as this year’s honorary vintner, while Scott Schwarz of The Surf Club in North Carolina was awarded the title of honorary chef.

In addition to the 66-lot live auction, money is also raised through a cellar auction, silent auction and a super silent auction.

In its 18^th year, auction proceeds now totaling more than $30 million benefit AMIkids Emerald Coast, Ascension Sacred Heart of the Emerald Coast, Boys & Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast, Children in Crisis, Inc., Children’s Volunteer Health Network, Ellison McCraney Ingram Foundation, Emerald Coast Autism Center, Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center, Habitat for Humanity of Walton County, Mental Health Association of Okaloosa & Walton Counties, Opportunity Place, Inc., Point Washington Medical Clinic, Shelter House of Northwest Florida, The Arc of the Emerald Coast, Westonwood Ranch, and Youth Village.

Photos by Michelle Farnham

Reserve Tasting

Austin Peterson represented OVID Napa Valley.

Bijoux served short rib barbacoa with creamy polenta.

Say cheese! Photo booth fun!

Caliza plated smoked salmon potato lasagna.

The Reserve Tasting allows for mixing and mingling before the auction.

The Reserve Tasting

DCWAF board member Bob Kirk samples from Roy Estate.

The Reserve Tasting allows for mixing and mingling before the auction.

The Reserve Tasting is a chance to nosh and mingle.

October 14, 2022

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

Blog, Home Page Blog

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

September 2, 2022

A toast with the most: DCWAF awards $3.775 million to 16 charities

Blog, Home Page Blog, Uncategorized

Record-breaking year assists Northwest Florida children

By Michelle Farnham
Sept. 1, 2022

DESTIN – It was a night of joyous applause, gasps of surprise and a few tears of appreciation as the Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation awarded a record-breaking total of $3.775 million to 16 charities Aug. 31.

In operation since 2006, DCWAF has presented more than $28 million to Northwest Florida children’s organizations and this was the 10th and final check presentation for retiring foundation President John Russell.

“I remember when I took over as chairman at my first check presentation event, I hoped that someday we would get to a million dollars,” Russell recalled after accepting a bottle of wine from each board member as a parting gift. “Thank you very much.”

New foundation President Karah Fridley-Young applauded everyone in attendance for their time, talents and donations.

“This year’s record-breaking contribution is truly a testament to the philanthropic spirit of the DCWAF community,” Fridley-Young said. “These funds will have a profound impact on the lives of thousands of children, and we are grateful for the opportunity to support our charity partners, all of whom are doing important work within our community.”

When it came time to start handing out checks, each of the 16 organizations was given its time in the spotlight, as well as a chance to say thank you.

Shervin Rassa, CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of the Emerald Coast, impressed upon the audience the exponential impact of their efforts.

“In the state of Florida, a study last year predicted that every dollar invested in Boys & Girls Clubs has an $8 positive multiplier effect in our community, so this $200,000 actually has $1.6 million of positive impact,” Rassa said.

Special recognition went to DCWAF Volunteer of the Year Anna Kathryn Bonner; Carter Award for Outstanding Service awardees Jeanne Dailey, Tiffany Edwards and Lane Redding; and outgoing Board Chairman Robért Hinojosa.

Money is raised through the foundation’s two main events, Destin Charity Wine Auction Weekend, held each April, and October’s Harvest Wine & Food Festival, as well as over $500,000 in sponsorship revenue.

Local philanthropist Ryan Jumonville of the Jumonville Family Children’s Fund, wanted to see the total funds raised hit the $4 million mark, cutting a check for an additional $200,000.

Stacey Brady, executive director of the South Walton Beaches Wine and Food Festival, was also on hand to present a $40,000 check to the foundation, representing proceeds of the annual April fête.

The upcoming Harvest Wine & Food Festival runs Oct. 13 to 16, 2022, and the 18th annual Destin Charity Wine Auction Weekend is scheduled for April 28 and 29, 2023.

2022 funding recipients

AMIkids Emerald Coast: $145,000 to fund a GED program for at-risk students between the ages of 16 and 24

Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast: $200,000 to fund a new CT scanner

Boys & Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast: $200,000, program funding for 250 kids

Children in Crisis: $200,000 to fund on-site housing

Children’s Volunteer Health Network: $200,000 to fund the Mobile Dental Clinic and Healthcare Referral Network

Ellison McCraney Ingram Foundation: $140,000 to fund scholarships for teens

Emerald Coast Autism Center: $250,000 to support the capital campaign for a new teens building

Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center: $325,000 to support the mental health therapy program

Food for Thought Outreach: $200,000 to fund the Backpack and In-School Snack Programs and Holiday Services

Habitat for Humanity of Walton County: $250,000 to fund one new Walton County home and the infrastructure of Hope Village

Mental Health Association of Okaloosa and Walton Counties: $150,000 to fund the Brain Health Program

Opportunity Place, Inc.: $165,000 to fund immediate housing for homeless children and their families

Shelter House of Northwest Florida: $175,000 to fund mental health play therapy, counseling, and advocacy for youth

The Arc of the Emerald Coast: $200,000 to fund the renovation of their facility warehouse into an after-school program center

Westonwood Ranch: $275,000 for scholarships, micro business program funding and cottage expansion project

Youth Village: $200,000 to fund program operations and renovation of two outdoor play areas.

2022 funding recipients

AMIkids Emerald Coast

Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast

Boys & Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast

Children in Crisis

Children’s Volunteer Health Network

Ellison McCraney Ingram Foundation

Emerald Coast Autism Center

Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center

Food for Thought Outreach

Habitat for Humanity of Walton County

Mental Health Association of Okaloosa and Walton Counties

Opportunity Place, Inc.

Shelter House of Northwest Florida

The Arc of the Emerald Coast

Westonwood Ranch

Youth Village

April 25, 2022

Destin Charity Wine Auction: A toast to perseverance!

Blog, Home Page Blog, Uncategorized

Fundraiser brings in record-breaking $3.8 million for Northwest Florida children’s charities

By Michelle Farnham
April 24, 2023

MIRAMAR BEACH – When Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation President John Russell raised a toast to welcome guests to the 17th annual fundraiser April 23, he was especially appreciative of the ticket holders under the big tent.

Winner — By the end of the evening, over $3 million was raised for local charities.

“It has been too long since we joined together to raise paddles high and help the children of this beautiful paradise we call home. A toast to perseverance!” he exclaimed, noting that the pandemic had prevented an in-person auction since 2019. “I’ve been waiting for that glass of wine for two years.”

The foundation had already raised $25 million for Northwest Florida charities since its founding in 2005 – including $4.5 million during virtual auctions in 2020 and 2021 – and the goal was high for the 2022 installment.

“Our mission is clear,” Russell admitted. “There are children in our community that need our help, and we are going to show them we’re with them and their fight.”

Auction weekend kicked off Friday with 10 patron dinners held at various locations around the Emerald Coast, which alone raised $735,000. Of those meals, three exceeded the $100,000 mark, including dinners hosted by Stephen and Joan Carter, Jack and Candis Wilson, and Tom and Dana Saffel.

That evening transitioned to a reserve tasting Saturday, including bites from Seagar’s Prime Steaks & Seafood, Bijoux, Slick Lips Seafood & Oyster House, and Signature Catering of 30A. Guests enjoyed pours from participating vintners, including Barnett Vineyards, Dakota Shy, Law Estate and Revana Family Vineyards, to name a few.

Representing Jackson Family Wines, Kevin Callanan was thrilled to see the return of the in-person auction.

“I love this event. I’ve been coming here every year since 2004 and I’ve missed this event quite a bit,” Callanan admitted, as he poured Brewer-Clifton pinot noir from Santa Rita Hills.

First-time DCWAF auctioneer Charles Antin got the live auction underway with the always exciting Magnum Force lot, a collection of 50 magnum bottles of wine from participating vintners, past and present. When the proverbial smoke cleared, a bid of $70,000 won it all.

Antin’s quick wit kept the auction moving, with the top lot, “The Heart and History of Virginia” going for $110,000. Other notable winning bids included a trip down Kentucky’s bourbon trail for $75,000; a seven-day trip to San Miguel, Mexico, for $70,000; and an island-hopping yacht adventure with Captains Tim and Jennifer Creehan for $70,000.

Confetti cannons celebrated the passing of the 1 million, 2 million and 3 million-dollar marks as the night wore on and the 46 live auction lots found their homes. At last count, proceeds exceeded a record-breaking $3.8 million – and counting.

Bidders were powered by a dinner from Swiftly Catered, including braised short ribs, asiago and asparagus tarts, and Chef Kyle Swift’s charcuterie selection.

Russell awarded special honors to 2022 Honorary Vintner Shirley Roy of Roy Estate and Honorary Chef Jack McGuckin of Bijoux, who each received plaques by local artisan Panhandle Mercantile.

Roy, who has been a part of the auction since 2016, took the opportunity to thank the crowd for being such an inspiration.

“It’s truly a privilege and an honor to be a part of this,” she said. “You have provided me a beacon of light and you’ve allowed me to be a beacon of light for others. For that, I am eternally grateful.”

In addition to the wine dinners and live auction proceeds, a silent auction and super silent auction were held in conjunction with auction weekend to raise additional funds.

The 18th annual auction weekend is slated for April 28 and 29, 2023.

Photos by Michelle Farnham

Snapshots

Welcome to the party!

Ticket-holders enjoyed the pre-auction reserve tasting.

Chef Christopher Holbrook of Signature Catering personally created each caviar crawfish bite.

The welcome into the tent is always exciting!

Raise those paddles high!

A toast to perseverance!

Bijoux’s Jack McGuckin was named 2022 Honorary Chef.

Let the confetti fall!

Winning bids are always cause for celebration.

Celebrating for a good cause!

The Magnum Force lot is a force to reckon with!

That’s a wrap, we’ll see you in 2023!

April 15, 2022

South Walton Beaches Wine & Food Festival: Ready to pour once more!

Blog, Home Page Blog

10th annual festival runs April 21-24

By Michelle Farnham
April 15, 2022

SANDESTIN – Canceled the past two years due to public health concerns, the South Walton Beaches Wine and Food Festival is back in 2022, and ready to pour once more!

The decision to shelve the 2020 and 2021 installments of this annual celebration was a difficult one, according to festival executive director, Stacey Brady.

“We were about five weeks out and we just had to dig in and do the work to cancel it, and refund a lot of money,” Brady explained. “Some folks opted to hang onto their tickets and they will still be good for the 2022 festival, even though ticket prices have increased. Their optimism paid off!”

Now set to mark its 10-year anniversary this spring – complete with individual hand sanitizers for guests – the three-day VIP package sold out months in advance. As of press time, individual tickets were still available to all four days’ events.

Wine & Spirits Jam — The Craft Beer & Spirits Jam runs Friday from 6 to 9 p.m.

Early events

The party gets started with the Winemakers and Shakers bash Thursday, April 21 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Wine World Destin. Taste bottles from some top wineries, poured by the winemakers themselves at this opening soiree.

Friday things get underway at Grand Boulevard’s Grand Park with the Craft Beer & Spirits Jam from 6 to 9 p.m. Here guests balance craft beers and spirits with food from Eats Street – an eclectic mix from 10 different South Walton restaurants – all to the beats of a live DJ.

A little competition helps to stir inspiration, and new this year, organizers are hosting the first annual Golden Shaker Award for Best Craft Cocktail Bartender in the Florida Panhandle.

“There are 12 mixologist finalists who will make amazing original craft cocktails, competing for the $1,000 first prize, the Golden Shaker Award and name inclusion in a nationally distributed press release,” Brady said. “The People’s Choice winner walks away with $500. It’s going to be quite a show!”

Eats — The Savor South Walton Culinary Village features a pairing menu along with bites from local restaurants.

Grand Tastings

Saturday and Sunday are the premier events with the Grand Tastings, held from 1 to 4 p.m. Visit the rows of tents offering more than 600 wines, Spirits Row, and enjoy a lineup of tasting seminars and chef demonstrations. The Nashville Songwriters Showcase takes the main stage for your enjoyment all day long.

“For our festival, the quality of the wine is very important, especially to knowledgeable wine drinkers,” Brady acknowledged. “We want to pour wines that you can’t necessarily buy in the grocery store. Our attendees look forward to tasting wines they’ve never tasted before or that are too expensive to buy before tasting.”

Brady was particularly excited to welcome a lineup of featured winemakers, especially Jill Russell of Cambria Estate Winery, and Greg Brewer of Ex Post Facto.

“In 2020, Greg was named Winemaker of the Year by Wine Enthusiast Magazine’s Wine Star Awards. It doesn’t get much better than that!” Brady added.

The Savor South Walton Culinary Village features a pairing menu from festival Executive Chef Scott Plumley, while annual favorite Yoshi Eddings of Harbor Docks will be back with her team, rolling sushi on-site, just to name a few food options!

Impress friends with the knowledge you pick up from any of the four tasting seminars, included in your ticket price.

Saturday’s presentation by eighth generation Beam Distiller Freddie Noe will be representing Knob Creek and Basil Hayden.

“Suffice it to say that Kentucky bourbon will be tasted!” Brady assured.

Kick off Sunday with champagne from Heidsieck-Piper, then enjoy the chat with Lisa Wicker of Willow Jane on their small batch bourbon.

A toast to charity

Running concurrently with Saturday’s grand tasting is the Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation’s annual auction, held in a separate tent on the grounds. Brady said these two non-profit powerhouses come together each year to create the ultimate wine week – for a good cause.

“The auction is the major fundraiser for DCWAF, yet the net proceeds from the South Walton Beaches Wine & Food Festival are also given to DCWAF to benefit the children’s charities,” Brady said. “DCWAF has donated more than $25 million to Northwest Florida charities … and impacted the lives of over 90,000 youth, including those afflicted by health issues and abuse.”

Brady and her team couldn’t be more pleased to see the return of the festival weekend.

“We are back! At our 10-year anniversary, our team is committed to producing the best ever South Walton Beaches Wine & Food Festival – and that is saying something,” Brady exclaimed. “Cheers to 10!”

The South Walton Beaches Wine and Food Festival takes place April 21 to 24, 2022, in the Grand Boulevard complex at Sandestin. For more information, visit www.sowalwine.com. Read coverage of the 2019 event from 30A Food & Wine.

File photos by Michelle Farnham

Lot 1 Magnum Force at the Destin Charity Wine Auction

April 20, 2018

Wine auction breaking out the champagne and sparklers

Blog, Home Page Blog

Tesla Roadster, 50-bottle magnum lot are highlights of auction

By Michelle Farnham

Get the sparkler-clad champagne bottles ready; it’s nearly time for the Destin Charity Wine Auction!

If you’ve never experienced this event, it really is a sight to behold. Quite possibly the largest air-conditioned tent you’ve ever seen is filled with elegant decorations and about 600 people from all over, ready to party. When the drinks start flowing, the bids start growing!

Going once, going twice…

Between the 50 live auction lots, and the silent and “super-silent” auctions, there are nearly 300 lots up for grabs this year, according to Kate Mikos, communications manager for the Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation. Topping the list is a hunter green 2008 Tesla Roadster Sport, dozens of luxurious stays at far-flung locales, original art from Justin Gaffrey, even a bottle of Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve 15-Year Bourbon. The latter is currently going for about $1,400 a bottle.

The live auction – which will be held Saturday, April 28 at 1 p.m. on the North Lawn of Grand Boulevard – is always kicked off with the famous Lot No. 1, dubbed Magnum Force. Participating winemakers of the past and present have each donated a magnum bottle of wine – 50 in total – and it’s a winner-take-all showdown on the auction block. For those keeping score at home, that’s 75 liters of some of the world’s finest wines, and last year it brought in a winning bid of $55,000.

Mikos also pointed out several brand new vacation destinations for the foundation. There are trips to Australia, Iceland, and Amsterdam, and two trips to South Africa (including one safari to the Molori Lodge).

For the adrenaline junky in the audience, there’s the Lightning Round. Auctioneer Ursula Hermacinski – back for her fifth year – will start the bidding high on these “flash lots” and go down. The lot goes to the first paddle in the air – unless two bidders tie, in which case, the bidding goes up!

Historic bottles – and bottlers

Some truly incredible wine will be available for the taking. Participating vintners include the likes of Hamilton Russell, Relic, Arkenstone, Hertelendy Vineyards, Antica Napa Valley, Mollydooker Winery, and Champagne Delamotte – just to name a few.

As part of the Reserve Tasting that precedes the live auction, VGS Chateau Potelle winemaker Jean-Noel Fourmeaux will be on hand. Fourmeaux was one of the original judges from The Judgment of Paris, the famous international wine competition held in 1976.

“Clos du Val will also be here and they were the winery in The Judgment of Paris that put California on the map,” Mikos said. “They’re donating one of only five remaining bottles in their cellar from 1972 from that competition.”

Look for that bottle in the Clos du Val live lot, which includes a trip for four to Meadowood Resort in Napa Valley, a private tour of the winery, and a three-year vertical of 3L Cabernet Sauvignon spanning from 1983-85.

Mission: Possible

The Destin Charity Wine Auction isn’t just considered big for a local event. Wine Spectator Magazine has ranked it the No. 3 charity wine auction in the country two years in a row. The foundation has donated more than $15 million over the past 12 years, with $2.7 million earmarked for 15 Northwest Florida charities in 2017 alone.

“We always have a dollar amount goal, but we’re always thankful for whatever everyone is willing to give,” Mikos explained. “We’ve beat our previous number every year, and so our goal is to continue to do that.”

So just where are the proceeds going? This year’s charities include AMIkids, Boys & Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast, Children in Crisis, Inc.; Children’s Volunteer Health Network, Emerald Coast Autism Center, Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center, Food For Thought, Habitat for Humanity of Walton County, Mental Health Association Okaloosa & Walton Counties, Opportunity Place, Pathways For Change, Sacred Heart Hospital of the Emerald Coast, Shelter House of Northwest Florida, The Arc of the Emerald Coast, and Youth Village.

Mikos hinted that the DCWAF team has some surprises in store for year 13.

“Our patrons will see a little bit more presence from our charities this year. We’re really trying to bring the focus back to our mission a little bit more,” she said. “There are a lot of incredible elements that go into the auction, but at the end of the day, we’re there to raise money to help children in our community.”

The only way into the tent is to purchase a Patron Package, which includes your choice of 12 patron dinners Friday evening, Saturday’s auction, and admission to the South Walton Beaches Wine & Food Festival Sunday. A limited number of packages are still available at https://501auctions.com/dcwa.

March 15, 2017

WINE SPECTATOR MAGAZINE RANKS DESTIN CHARITY WINE AUCTION #3 WINE AUCTION IN THE COUNTRY

Blog, Home Page Blog

Special Contribution to 30aFoodandwine.com

For Immediate Release:

Local wine auction remains among top 10 highest grossing wine auctions for the fifth consecutive year

DESTIN, Fla.–March 10, 2017--Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation (DCWAF) proudly announces that the 11th Annual Auction in 2016 ranked third among the nation’s top 10 highest-grossing charity wine auctions by Wine Spectator Magazine. DCWAF has earned a spot in the top 10 for the last five consecutive years, and since its inception, has donated more than $13 million to support children in need in Northwest Florida. In 2016, DCWAF donated $2.66 million to 14 local charities serving children in need in Northwest Florida.
“We are ecstatic about our ranking as the number three ‘Top Charity Wine Auction in the US’ by Wine Spectator Magazine,” said Destin Charity Wine Auction President, John Russell. “The best thing about this incredible recognition is what it means for our ability to help children in our community. We are beyond grateful for the support we have received from our local community and our friends in the wine industry.”
Wine Spectator reported that the top five highest grossing wine auctions of 2016 were Naples Winter Wine Festival, Auction Napa Valley, Destin Charity Wine Auction, Sonoma Harvest Wine Auction, and Southwest Florida Wine & Food Fest.
During the past several years, DCWAF has experienced exponential growth in name recognition, attendance, and revenue. As a result, the organization has been able to attract some of the most influential vintners in the world to participate in the event. The weekend also draws celebrity chefs from across the country who are paired with premier vintners for 14 patron dinners, each supporting a different benefiting charity.
In 2017, Destin Charity Wine Auction will feature approximately 250 silent and live offerings, and will welcome hundreds of auction attendees who look forward to the ability to secure rare and highly sought after wines, wine-oriented excursions and other exclusive opportunities. In 2017, DCWAF is proud to offer a selection of 55 live auction lots that include trips to Virgin Gorda, Italy, Napa Valley, Argentina, Tahiti and so much more. In addition to the multitude of trips offered, the 2017 Auction will feature its first vehicle: a rare 2010 Tesla Roadster Sport donated by the St. Joe Community Foundation. The public is invited to visit the Café at WaterSound to vote on which Tesla (white or black) will be placed in the auction. The 2017 Auction will also offer a powerhouse line-up of wines including Screaming Eagle, Harlan Estate, Scarecrow and several highly allocated cult wines and well-respected Old and New World brands from around the globe.

This year, the Destin Charity Wine Auction will be held on Saturday, April 29 at Grand Boulevard at Sandestin. The 2017 Honorary Vintner is DeLille Cellars and owners Greg and Stacy Lill will be attending the auction in April. In addition, DCWAF has named Marchesi Antinori as this year’s International Honorary Vintner. Accepting the award for the Italian winery will be Erik Saccomani, Antinori State Manager, and Glenn Salva, Wine Estate Manager for Antinori’s California vineyard, Antica Napa Valley.

The weekend kicks off with 14 intimate Patron Dinners held on Friday evening, April 28, allowing patrons to experience exclusive wine and food pairings and get a closer look at one of the 14 charities this mission-driven event benefits. For more information on DCWAF and the Auction, visit www.dcwaf.org. To view the 2016 financials and annual report, visit dcwaf.org/annualreport2016/.

# # #

About Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation
Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation’s mission is to connect wine enthusiasts to raise money to benefit children in need in Northwest Florida. Founded in 2005, DCWAF has donated more than $13 million to Northwest Florida charities through hosting world class wine and culinary events. These funds have impacted the lives of over 75,000 youth, including those afflicted by health issues and abuse. The funds raised are distributed to 14 local non-profit organizations for specific projects and programs that benefit children. Charity partners for 2017 include Children in Crisis, Children’s Volunteer Health Network, Emerald Coast Autism Center, the Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center, Food for Thought, Habitat for Humanity of Walton County, Arc of the Emerald Coast, Opportunity Place, Pathways for Change, Sacred Heart Hospital on the Emerald Coast, Shelter House of Northwest Florida, AMIKids Emerald Coast, Boys and Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast, Mental Health Association of Okaloosa and Walton Counties and Youth Village. Learn more at DCWAF.org or facebook.com/DCWAF.

DCWAF Media Contact: Kate Milkos, 850-650-3732, kate@dcwaf.org

January 23, 2015

Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation – Tasting of Champions Event

Blog, Home Page Blog

Story by: Natalie Haddock

Wine experts, sommeliers, enthusiasts, and all lovers of wine are invited to the annual Tasting of Champions on January 30th from 6-8pm at the Hilton Sandestin Beach Gulf Resort and Spa. This highly anticipated event is hosted by the Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation (DCWAF) and gives attendees the chance to preview the medal winning wines that will be featured this April at the popular Northwest Florida Beaches Ultimate Wine Week.

At the Tasting of Champions over 600 wines in over 60 categories will be evaluated, scored, and awarded by a distinguished panel of wine experts. They will select a gold, silver, and bronze in each category and also declare the “Best in Show Red” and “Best in Show White.” Judges are local wine buyers, retailers, wine lovers and one or two sommeliers, each of whom have made tasting wine a big part of life.

“This is an accessible event for people that want to learn about wine.” says DCWAF president John Russell. Winning wines are noted at each tasting station and the event will be structured in a walkabout format with wines grouped by category. The layout allows attendees to broaden the pallet by exposure to a variety of quality wines.

All wines will be scored the morning before the doors open to the public at 6:00. Russell explains, “After the judging is completed – the bottles are there, why not pour them and raise a little money for kids?”

After all, the DCWAF has a mission to simply connect wine enthusiasts to raise money to benefit children in need in Northwest Florida.

Since they launched in 2005, the DCWAF has been proud to provide funding to 12 different charities that help to impact the lives of over 60,000 youth. While 2014 was an exceptional year with over $2 million in funds raised for these organizations, the foundation hopes to hit the $10 million mark in total funds in this their 10th year. “Success creates the opportunity for more success,” says Russell, “and every year gives us the chance to tell the story of our charities.”

The Tasting of Champions is a precursor to the Foundation’s largest annual event and fundraiser, the Destin Charity Wine Auction. The Auction takes place over the 4th weekend of April each year as part of the Northwest Florida Beaches Ultimate Wine Week and has been named one of the nation’s “Top 10 US Charity Wine Auctions” for two years in a row by Wine Spectator Magazine. This year winemakers Chateau de Beaucastel and Boisset will be attending both the Auction and South Walton Beaches Wine and Food Festival, April 23-26.

Purchase your tickets to the Tasting of Champions to get an exclusive “first taste” of the hundreds of featured wines. Medals will be hung on the award winning wines so people are encouraged to get there early for a chance to try the winners. Tickets are still available for $50 at http://www.dcwaf.org/tickets or sign up to be registered for your chance to win 2 free tickets from 30AFoodandWine.com.