emerald coast

April 16, 2023

Sandestin Wine Festival: Uncorked!

Wine festival welcomes sold-out crowd to Baytowne

By Michelle Farnham
April 15, 2023

SANDESTIN – The Sandestin Wine Festival has done a lot of evolving in its 36 years. Ticket holders have always been able to sample a wide array of wines from makers around the world, but a glance over this year’s Grand Tasting wine list revealed a surge in “alternative beverages.”

There were plenty of wines to be sure – more Zinfandels and Petite Sirahs and Cabernet Sauvignons than you could possibly taste, and the Bubbly & Boozy tent on the north end of the grounds has long provided guests a chance to sip on whiskeys, bourbons, rums and gins. Interspersed among the 70 tables of venders, however, were the likes of Casa Azul, a canned tequila soda; Big Machine Spiked Cocktails; Tin Roof Brewery; and Kickin’ It Coolers, vodka-infused juice pouches with a 6% ABV. Just in case you “over-sampled,” More Labs Recovery was also on site, handing out their lemon and sugar-free hangover-fighting elixir.

Kombi Keg’s pop-up bar had six beers on tap.

Over at the Michael David Winery table, fourth-time attendee Chris Reynolds and team were pouring a selection of bottles from the Lodi, Calif.-based winemaker, including the popular and colorful Freakshow Cabernet.

When asked what had been the most popular Saturday, Chris was quick to answer. “The rosé, by far!” adding that the sauvignon blanc had also seen a lot of action.

Finding common ground in both worlds, the Fun Wine table piqued the curiosity of many with their lineup of premium wine cocktails like Espresso Cabernet, Cappuccino Chardonnay, and Coconut Pineapple Chardonnay.

The Monkey Shoulder 2,400-gallon cocktail shaker was mixing blend of scotch drinks.

Guests also had a chance to nibble at a series of Savor South Walton tents positioned throughout the Wharf.

Chef Christopher Holbrook and his Signature Catering of 30A team had an evolving menu, starting with steaming cups of pho and saucy chicken wings, hand-rolled sushi and a whole mess of crawfish!

Attendees also enjoyed olive tapenade pasta salad and oven-fresh pizza from Roberto’s Pizzeria, shrimp and grits from Poppy’s Crazy Lobster, chicken teriyaki at Yaki, pulled pork sandwiches with slaw from The Village Door and sweet treats from Baytowne newcomer Dude & Meatballs.

“This festival is just fantastic,” said local resident Sheri Jeroni, who was back for her second festival. “The food is wonderful, the atmosphere is great, the lines haven’t been terrible. Everybody is friendly and the volunteers are terrific.”

Vivian Howell of Dothan was also a SWF second-timer, and enjoying her return trip just as much.

“Everything in the bourbon tent has really been great, but once you go there, you have to stay there because you don’t want to drink any more wine after that – especially in this heat!” she laughed.

Sandestin Wine Festival

The Sandestin Wine Festival is a four-day affair benefiting longtime charity partners Fisher House of the Emerald Coast and Sandestin Foundation for Kids. For more information, visit sandestinwinefestival.com.

Photos by Michelle Farnham

Slideshow: Sandestin uncorked!

June 16, 2022

Cheers to beach beers! Taking a look at local breweries

Blog, Home Page Blog

Grayton Beer • Idyll Hounds • 3rd Planet • Salty Oak • Odd Pelican

By Michelle Farnham
June 16, 2022

EMERALD COAST – When it comes to local exports here on the gulf, fresh seafood might be the first thing you think of, but a growing number of brewers are looking to make a mark in the craft beer industry, too. Take a look at this roundup of five Florida Panhandle companies that have joined the brewski game. Most products are available commercially, at select bars and restaurants, or you can head to the tap room, pull up a chair, and if you’re lucky, talk with the master brewers themselves.

Grayton Beer Company

Always a hometown favorite, Grayton Beer Company is perhaps best known for its 30A lineup: the Beach Blonde Ale in the bright yellow can; the 30A IPA, which comes in at an ABV of 4.5% and an IBU of 70; or the 30A Rosé Gose, with its bright berry notes and salty/tart foundation. Don’t sleep on the 1890 Founder’s Ale, a rich, malty amber ale with a lively pine finish; the Staff Pale Ale, featuring a nose of lemon and orange; or the Fish Whistle IPA, a combination of floral, herbal and spicy flavors.

The Taproom – which is both kid- and pet-friendly – is open Saturdays, and housed inside the 30,000-square-foot production facility.

Grayton Beer Company is located at 217 Serenoa Road, Santa Rosa Beach. Contact: 850-231-4786, www.graytonbeer.com

Idyll Hounds Brewing Company

The folks at Idyll Hounds like a good pale ale – try the Divide and Conch’r (8% ABV), the Palapa Pale Ale, or the Boosh (a New England-style IPA). The Ghost Crab Pilsna is an easy-drinking Bohemian-style pilsner made with Saaz hops, while the Rosemary Saison Ale is a French farmhouse-style saison with soft spiciness and rosemary notes. For those who like a jolt of java, the Joe is porter-brewed with vanilla and coffee, packs a heftier ABV of 7.5%.

Most of those commercially available brews are also among the 22 beers on tap at the Taproom, open daily. There you might enjoy such fun finds at the Mustachio Sour, the Banana Chocolate Mousse Stout – which packs an impressive 9% ABV– or the Grapeful Opossum IPA

Idyll Hounds Brewing Company is at 845 Serenoa Road, Santa Rosa Beach. Contact: 850-231-1138, www.idyllhoundsbrewingcompany.com

3rd Planet Brewing Co.

Venture across the Choctawhatchee Bay to Niceville to find 3rd Planet Brewing Co. The taproom, affectionately known as The Mothership, is open daily. There you’ll find a wall full of beer options, visiting food trucks, and an outdoor area complete with live music stage and green space. On tap, sample the likes of their Dank Side of the Moon, a New England-style IPA; the Bear Creek Bramber with its nutty, toffee notes; or the Luminous Cloud, a hazy pale ale with a citrusy hop profile. For something completely different, look to the constantly evolving sequence of Fruited Sours, with new flavors available seasonally.

Find 3rd Planet Brewing Co. at 1400 E. John Sims Parkway, Niceville. Contact: 850-424-4257, www.3rdplanetbrewing.com

Salty Oak Brewing Co.

With a brewery and tasting room in Panama City, Salty Oak Brewing Co. pours the likes of Island Time Blonde Ale, an easy-drinker at 36 IBU. Buckle up for their Bourbon Country Brand Stout, an imperial with an ABV of 15.2%; or keep things fruity with the Wanna Peach of Cobbler? fruited sour.

The Salty Oak tasting room is known for its daily specials like flight nights, discounts for military and first-responders, and food trucks and live music. The tap list evolves throughout the year, as does the bottle and can selection.

Visit Salty Oak Brewing Co. at 2337C St. Andrew’s Blvd., Panama City. Contact: 850-276-0706, www.saltyoakbrewing.com

Odd Pelican Beer Co.

The new game in town, The Odd Pelican Beer Co. tapped its first keg in 2021. Like many of their counterparts, the Pelican crew finds inspiration locally with their Seaside Suds collection, including Bud’s Brew, a golden ale, and the OBE IPA. The Freeporter Vanilla Porter is sure to be a local favorite, or try the Tucker Town Brown.

At the onsite taproom, which opened in October, enjoy live music guests, trivia nights, visiting food trucks and the occasional holiday celebration.

Find Odd Pelican at 355 Bulldog Road, Freeport. Contact: www.oddpelicanbeer.com

March 3, 2022

Wine festival wishes and Alys Beach dreams

Blog, Home Page Blog

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.

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 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