grand tasting

February 28, 2023

30A Wine Festival: Carnival!

Grand Tasting fills Alys Beach with color

By Michelle Farnham
Feb. 28, 2023

ALYS BEACH – Mardi Gras rolled through town last week, but there was still plenty of celebration at the Carnival-themed 30A Wine Festival Grand Tasting, held Feb. 25 along South Charles Street.

Vibrant Brazilian decor stood out among the stark white architecture synonymous with Alys Beach. Complete with traditional music and dancers, many of the restaurants presented dishes in keeping with the evening’s theme.

Bites

George’s at Alys Beach served mini pork belly tostadas.

The Depot served Baja tuna tartare sushi bowls and Gulf seafood paella.

Black Bear Bread Co. delighted with lemon curd king cake.

Yellowfin tuna dumplings were plated by Pescado.

The Alys Beach Culinary Team, for example, served Brazilian seafood stew and picanha skewers, which Executive Chef Drew Dzejak was grilling and carving on-site.

“We got the steak picante, done on the traditional skewers, as well as some lovely beef fat roasted potatoes to go with it,” Dzejak said, adding he thought the venue was looking particularly colorful and festive.

Neighboring George’s at Alys Beach was also in attendance at the sold-out event, including a pork belly tostada and a vegan lettuce wrap.

“We toss mushrooms in a teriyaki-style sauce with bourbon in it, and garnish it with toasted cashews, crispy shallots and pickled red cabbage,” explained Executive Chef Camille Withall, while refilling plates. “I love this festival, bringing people together. It shows the community and it’s a good time.”

In addition to other local vendors like Black Bear Bread Co., The Salty Butcher, Pescado and 2 Birds Café, festival organizers brought in talent from outside the state. Chef Scott Simpson of The Depot out of Auburn, Ala., was serving Baja tuna tartare sushi bowls and Gulf seafood paella. Hailing from Cleveland Heights in the Buckeye state, Farmer’s Feast served a rillette of Ohio chicken with crisp rice; and sausage, pickled cabbage and potato crisp on a baguette.

Of course it wouldn’t be a wine festival without the wine, and ticket-holders could sample vintages from the likes of Soter Vineyards, La Grande Sieste, Thompson 31Fifty Wines, La Fete Wine Co., and Finca Ambrosia, to name a few.

The stroll down Charles Street concluded with a cocktail station, pouring mixed drinks using Leyenda de México tequila, Campesino Rum, Vulanica Vodka, and Wonderland Distilling Gin.

Sights

The Grand Tasting was held Feb. 25.

The Carnival theme brought a lot of color to South Charles Street!

Even the guests got in on the sartorial fun!

Wine vendors came from near and far to offer their bottles.

Wine vendors came from near and far to offer their bottles.

The 30A Wine Festival ran Feb. 22 to 26.

In addition to wine, guests enjoyed a cocktail station.

Beautiful Alys Beach afternoons call for beautiful Alys Beach sunsets.

First-time attendee Joanna Thomas was in awe of the festivities.

“This is just tremendous; we’re having such a wonderful time!” she said, gesturing around. “The wine is exquisite, the food is delicious, I love the Brazilian dancers, and of course the venue here in Alys Beach is unmatched.”

The Grand Tasting is part of the five-day 30A Wine Festival extravaganza, including speciality dinners and seminars; Bourbon, Beer & Butts; the Gospel Brunch; and the Rose & Croquet tournament. The weekend benefits the Children’s Volunteer Health Network, providing affordable healthcare to children in need throughout Okaloosa and Walton counties.

Photos by Michelle Farnham

February 22, 2023

Alys Beach prepares for 11th 30A Wine Festival

Blog, Home Page Blog

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.

February 14, 2022

Alys Beach celebrates 10th annual 30A Wine Festival

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Special to 30A Food & Wine
Feb. 14, 2022

ALYS BEACH – The 30A Wine Festival, underwritten by The Alys Foundation, returns to Alys Beach for its 10th year, Wednesday, Feb. 23 through Sunday, Feb. 27, 2022. 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.

The festival kicks off on Wednesday evening at Caliza Pool and Restaurant with an intimate wine dinner featuring a four-course meal created by Alys Beach Executive Chef Kevin Cavanaugh.

On Thursday evening, attendees have the option between an oyster and champagne gathering in Central Park or a Rum Dinner in Papilio Park.

Friday afternoon, a mixology seminar Friday evening features the Bourbon, Beer & Butts event, where a lively barbecue and bourbon tasting will feature some of the country’s best pit masters and distillers, with live music under the stars on Kelly Green.

Saturday showcases the exquisite Grand Tasting event, featuring tastings from distinguished vintners and chefs stationed along the meandering, open-air gallery of picturesque South Charles Street in the heart of Alys Beach.

Alongside the festival and the Grand Tasting, guests have the opportunity to bid on hundreds of items featured in the silent auction as they stroll, sip and taste their way to the Gulf Green for the iconic Gulf of Mexico vista. The festival finishes on Sunday with the Gospel Brunch on the Gulf Green, a captivating experience of song with good food and good company, and the highly anticipated Rosé & Croquet event on Kelly Green, where guests enjoy rosé tastings, a delicious brunch and possibly a coveted spot to play in the beloved croquet tournament.

Wednesday, Feb. 23

• Wine Dinner: Caliza Restaurant, 6 to 9 p.m.

Kick off the 2022 30A Wine Festival with an intimate four-course wine dinner by Alys Beach Executive Chef Kevin Cavanaugh. Caliza Restaurant sets an elegant tone for an evening of fine wines perfectly paired with Chef’s most delectable creations; this opening event is always an experience to remember. Tickets are available for individual purchase and are not included in the weekend pass.

• Wine + Beer Dinner, 6 to 9 p.m.

This special collaboration between Miura Vineyards and Red Clay Brewing Company includes a 4-course pairing dinner featuring Miura Vineyards wines alongside Red Clay’s new collection of beers. Guided by Napa-based Miura Vineyards’ owner, winemaker and Master Sommelier, Emmanuel Kemiji, Red Clay Master Brewer, Kerry McGinnis, and Alys Beach Executive Chef, Kevin Cavanaugh, this is sure to be a vibrant, exciting evening of food, drink, and merriment. Tickets are available for individual purchase and are not included in the weekend pass.

Thursday, Feb. 24

• Oysters + Champagne: Central Park, 6 to 9 p.m.

An evening in Central Park 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. Tickets are available for individual purchase and are not included in the weekend pass.

• Rum Dinner: Papilio Park, 6 to 9 p.m.

A new addition to the 30A Wine Festival, the Rum Dinner features a four-course dinner alongside neat rum tastings and beautifully crafted rum cocktails. Set in the enchanting canopy of Papilio Park, this dinner is a welcome addition to the festival repertoire and is sure to be a memorable evening of food, drink, and revelry. Tickets are available for individual purchase and are not included in the weekend pass.

Bourbon — Friday from 6 to 9:30, enjoy a night of bourbon, beer, and barbecue with bourbon tastings.

Friday, Feb. 25

• Mixology Seminar: Palmera Park, 5 to 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 share their expertise, insights, and instructions to impart participants with a fresh new lineup to replicate at home. Tickets are available for individual purchase and are not included in the weekend pass.

• Bourbon, Beer & Butts: Kelly Green, 6:30 to 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. The Cleverlys are sure to keep the party rockin’ all night! Tickets are available for individual purchase or are included in the weekend pass.

Saturday, Feb. 26

• Grand Tasting: S. Charles Street, 4 to 7 p.m.

Meander along charming South Charles Street and explore wines from across the globe. Showcasing more than 80 wines accompanied by small bites of the finest creations from local and regional eateries, the Grand Tasting is the centerpiece of the 30A Wine Festival. A beautiful, elegant event, the Grand Tasting is not to be missed! Tickets are available for individual purchase or are included in the weekend pass.

Croquet — At the croquet game Sunday, sip some sparkling rosé, and watch the games!

Sunday, Feb. 27

• 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. Tickets are available for individual purchase and are not included in the weekend pass.

• Rosé & Croquet: Kelly Green, noon to 3 p.m.

Rosé & Croquet is one of the most beloved of the festival events and access is only available to weekend pass holders. 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 eight annual Croquet Tournament ($100 croquet team ticket and weekend passes for all players required), or just sit back, sip some sparkling rosé, and watch the games. It’s always a fun finale for the 30A Wine Festival! Included in the weekend pass only; not available for individual purchase.

November 7, 2021

Harvest Wine Festival: Grand Tasting pours once more!

Blog, Home Page Blog

By Michelle Farnham
Nov. 7, 2021

WATERCOLOR – The fifth annual 2021 Harvest Wine & Food Festival Grand Tasting was a celebration of wine, a celebration of food, but it also celebrated a return to normalcy. After public health concerns canceled the weekend’s premier event in 2020, wine lovers turned out by the hundreds to WaterColor’s Cerulean Park Nov. 6 for an afternoon of sunshine and fall flavors.

Two gals — The Harvest Wine & Food Festival was back for its fifth year.

Guests enjoyed samples from 51 tables, including food, wine and spirits tents, and the beer garden.

Fox Bros. B-B-Q owners Jonathan and Justin Fox were back, this time collaborating with fellow Atlanta restaurateur Craig Richards of Lyla Lila. The trio rolled out a multi-course menu, starting with burnt ends and provolone arancini with pepperoni sausage. Later in the day, they offered tasters of cacio e pepe agnolotti over smoked beef cheeks, then pit-smoked porchetta with giardiniera.

Seagrove hotspot Old Florida Fish House was on hand, as Chef Michael Sichel brought the flavors of fall with his crab and butternut squash risotto. He was energized to see the sold-out crowd out enjoying food and wine again.

“It’s lovely to see everyone, everyone feels safe and comfortable in their environment,” Sichel explained. “The hospitality world is all about making people feel good about themselves, so to be able to have this event today and have everyone feel so free, I just love to be a part of it.”

Those lucky enough to score a VIP ticket were treated to a set from local up-and-comer Skylar Capri, singing her “Maybe We Should Run Away From Here.” VIPs also enjoyed bites from Alys Beach newcomer The Citizen, The Henderson and Sunquest Catering. Roy Estates was pouring alongside Purlieu Wines and local favorites Idyll Hounds.

Representing The Citizen, Chef Drew Dzejak plated Calabrian shrimp with homemade focaccia – heralded by many as the best bite of the day.

“To be out here, it feels like normalcy again,” Dzejak said with a smile as he stirred a pan of shrimp. “It feels normal to get back to the food, and the VIP tent is always the best place to be!”

Other food offerings included goat cheese crustini from Perfect Pig, tuna poke bowls from Jackacuda’s, and tuna dip from Destin Ice Market 30A.

Among the capacity crowd was Cathy Perschbacher of Dallas, who has been bringing her family to the 30A area for years, but she and her girlfriends recently were thrilled to learn about the Harvest Wine Festival.

“It’s a totally different experience from coming with your family, you know, a girls’ trip. We’re having a great time,” she said.

Her strategy was to ditch the tasting guide, not worry about bottle prices, and let her tastebuds do the deciding.

“I take pictures of my favorites with my phone, and that way I know what I want to buy on my way out!” Cathy explained, pointing to the retail tent.

Table — Wine lovers turned out by the hundreds to WaterColor’s Cerulean Park Nov. 6 for an afternoon of sunshine and fall flavors.

The Harvest Wine & Food Festival is presented each year by the Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation, benefitting Northwest Florida children’s charities. The weekend includes private winemaker and celebrity chef dinners, a Sunday brunch, and virtual silent auction. The DCWAF’s next event is April 22-24, 2022, as part of the South Walton Beaches Wine & Food Festival.

For more photos, follow us on Instagram at 30afoodandwine

Photos by Michelle Farnham