sandestin wine festival

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!

April 5, 2023

Sandestin Wine Festival: Uncorking the fun

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By Michelle Farnham
April 5, 2023

SANDESTIN – Dubbed “The Kentucky Derby of wine festivals,” the Sandestin Wine Festival is back for its 36th installment this April. Rain or shine, guests come to choose from hundreds of wines to sip, and dine on a selection of local eateries’ offerings.

The party gets started with the official kick-off Thursday night at The Village Door from 7 to 9 p.m.

Gourmet food and wine pairings will take place at merchants throughout the Village of Baytowne Wharf all four nights.

Food tents are offered along the wine festival grounds.

Two days of Grand Tastings feature table after table of vintners, pouring everything from Riesling to Cab Sav and plenty in between. Friday from 5 to 8 p.m. and Saturday 1 to 4 p.m., guests can taste as many varieties as they choose, making notes of favorites along the way. Savor South Walton tents will dot the grounds, featuring some of Baytowne Wharf and South Walton’s best restaurants and their kitchen crews. Sample bites from steak to seafood to sweets.

Ticket-holders 21 and over are given a wristband and tasting glass, meaning non-drinking guests are welcome to enjoy the festivities as well. The heartiest of wine enthusiasts can opt for the 2-day Grand Tasting ticket to enjoy a discount, while supplies last. VIP lounge tickets have already sold out.

Yoga, mimosas and the beach converge for a morning of relaxation during Saturday’s Seas the Day session, starting at 9 a.m. Enjoy a good stretch and a sip at this yoga class held at the Sandestin Beach Access, presented by Hotel Effie & Spa Lilliana. If rain dampens the zen, the event moves indoors to Hotel Effie.

Wine tables — Two days of Grand Tastings feature table after table of vintners.

Round out the weekend with the New Orleans Bottomless Brunch held Sunday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Pick from two seatings, 10 or 11:30 a.m. to enjoy a creole menu, bottomless mimosas and a bloody Mary bar.

All this fun is for a good cause, as proceeds of the Sandestin Wine Festival benefit its longtime charities: Fisher House of the Emerald Coast – providing a home away from home for military families – and Sandestin Foundation for Kids, helping local children in need.

“Last year we raised a combined total of $45,000 for our charities,” explained Village of Baytowne Wharf Events Manager Kensley Brooks. “They are a big part of helping the Sandestin Wine Festival run day-of. They help out by volunteering as pourers, ticket scanners, runners, set up, clean up, etc. We really couldn’t do it without them and we can’t thank them enough.”

The Sandestin Wine Festival weekend is slated for April 13 to 16, 2023, throughout the grounds of the Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort in Miramar Beach. For more information including ticket sales, food vendors and the Taster’s Guide, visit www.sandestinwinefestival.com.

April 12, 2022

Sandestin Wine Festival: Wine, food and fun in the sun!

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35th annual gala pours more than just wine

By Michelle Farnham
April 11, 2022

SANDESTIN – Unseasonably cool breezes swept across Baytowne Wharf during the 35th annual Sandestin Wine Festival, held April 7 through 10, but there were plenty of fiery reds and zesty whites to warm you from the inside out.

There appeared to be more non-wine options out for sampling, too, including the likes of Ghost Tequila, Ranch Rider Spirits, and Bumbu Rum – in addition to the Bubbly & Boozy tents.

Two hard-to-miss offerings included Monkey Shoulder Whiskey – which dispensed its cocktail from the back of a custom-outfitted concrete mixer – and industry newcomer Mom Water.

Co-owners Jill and Bryce Morrison got the un-carbonated, fruit-infused vodka drink Mom Water onto store shelves in March of 2021, and were enjoying an overwhelmingly positive response at Sandestin.

“I started making this for myself because I was tired of the seltzers, tired of the bloat,” Jill explained. “I wanted to be able to walk into a bar or restaurant and order a water vodka that wasn’t 70 percent vodka that you have to choke down.”

At 4.5 percent ABV, the drink is approachable, and features fun flavor names like Karen (lemon blueberry) and Sandy (coconut mango).

There was certainly still plenty of vino to be had, from sparkling prosecco to gewurztraminer to hefy merlots, and everything in between.

“The best I’ve had today was the Alkoomi Wines sémillon/sauvignon blanc from the Wines of Australia tent,” said first-time festival attendee Katy Copeland of Santa Rosa Beach. “It was a nice, clean sauvignon blanc.”

The Village Door plated chicken wings with zesty potato salad.

During Saturday’s grand tasting, culinary offerings came in the form of chicken wings with potato salad from Village Oyster, shrimp jalapeño pasta from Cannery Lane Cantina, and charcuterie cones from Ovide.

Baytowne Wharf newcomer Yaki Sushi & Noodles served up bao buns filled with teriyaki marinated pork with pickled vegetables.

Other festival weekend festivities included Thursday night’s kick-off party at The Village Door featuring Timber Creek Distillery, Seas the Day yoga and mimosas on the beach Saturday morning, and Sunday’s Hangover Brunch catered by Ovide.

The 36th annual installment of the Sandestin Wine Festival is already on the calendar for April 13 to 16, 2023.

Photos by Michelle Farnham

April 3, 2022

Sandestin Wine Festival: Raise a glass!

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35th annual celebration runs April 7-9

By Liesel Schmidt
April 3, 2022

SANDESTIN – Running from Thursday, April 7 through Saturday, April 9, the 35th annual Sandestin Wine Festival is a highly anticipated event that draws so many vendors, attractions, and festival goers that it’s been hailed as the “Kentucky Derby of Wine Festivals.” And though one might easily presume it to be largely a local attraction, the scale – not to mention the renown of some of the chefs, vintners, and vineyards – have gained it a reputation as being one of the top wine festivals in the country. The fest brings in countless souls whose predilection for wine seems to ripen like grapes on the vine under the warmth of the Florida sun.

Offering a full-bodied experience that boasts no shortage of opportunities to taste, smell, sip, and savor, The Village of Baytowne Wharf becomes transformed to a veritable village of tents serving up a feast for the senses.

“Our team hopes to really make this year’s event bigger and better than ever. This festival is a picture-perfect series of events, complete with white tents, flowing wine, gourmet food and live music,” said The Village of Baytowne Wharf Events Manager Leighann Elliott. “We are working with major wine distributors this year that carry domestic and international wines. We also plan to continue our Savor South Walton experience with local talented chefs highlighted throughout the festival.”

Featuring one-of-a-kind seminars given by wine experts from across the globe as well as exceptional cooking demonstrations from culinary masters and award-winning local chefs, one can hardly leave without having learned something.

“This event continues to bring a wide range of experiences for all guests, including interacting with some of the finest minds in the worldwide wine industry and having the opportunity to taste unique, hand-selected wines,” said Elliott.

Churros — A little something sweet to go with your vino?

Departing a bit from the grappa but still starting things in high spirits, the festival begins with a kickoff party on Thursday, April 7. Guests will be treated to food tastings as well as wine and liquor samples. The evening also includes wine dinners and seminars from village restaurants.

For those with a desire to try new things, the Grand Wine Tastings Friday and Saturday are a must, as the events feature more than 75 tents offering domestic and international wines as well as a rare opportunity to learn about the finest vintages and varietals from major producing countries. Perfectly pairing with the sips being offered, Savor South Walton tents scattered throughout the grounds offer samplings from acclaimed local restaurants that showcase the culinary talents of some of the area’s best chefs, with different features both Friday and Saturday nights, set to the soundtrack of local bands and regional artists.

“This event gives us a way to truly show off what Florida and South Walton has to offer, from our ability to pull off a great event to showcasing local tastes with Savor South Walton,” said Elliott. “I love watching our guests enjoy beautiful weather and amazing wine and food, and being so hands-on with this event is so rewarding. It takes a village to run a village and an event like this, and my team works so hard to make the festival vibrant and keep it running smoothly. We truly enjoy creating memories for our festival attendees.”

Kombi Keg 30a — There’s more than just wine at this wine festival!

Saturday morning, the day’s festivities begin with a salute to the sun with a beach yoga session presented by Hotel Effie and Spa Liliana. Following yoga, participants will be served mimosas.

Festival partners include ABC Fine Wine & Spirits, and proceeds support Fisher House of the Emerald Coast and the Sandestin Foundation for Kids.

“We connect wine enthusiasts to the community in need,” Elliott said. “It’s great wine for a great cause.”

From first sip to last, the Sandestin Wine Festival is a yearly event worth savoring – and each year, they keep pouring it on.

For event information and tickets, visit www.sandestinwinefestival.com. Read coverage of last year’s festival from 30A Food & Wine.

File photos by Michelle Farnham

April 17, 2021

April showers, wine devoured

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Sandestin Wine Festival makes its triumphant return

By Michelle Farnham
April 17, 2021

BAYTOWNE WHARF – After getting shelved due to the coronavirus in 2020, not even the threat of thunderstorms could keep wine lovers away from the 34 annual 2021 Sandestin Wine Festival, April 15-18. Both Friday and Saturday’s grand tastings sold out, as well as Sunday’s New Orleans Bottomless Brunch, held at Hammerhead’s Bar & Grille.

While the weather held Friday night, the foreboding forecast came to fruition during Saturday afternoon’s grand tasting, as the skies opened up with about an hour to go. That’s the good thing about a wine festival, though, as the party continued under tents, awnings, and even the shuttle back to the parking lot, where a busload of attendees showered one lucky rider with a rousing rendition of “Happy Birthday.”

Before the downpour, guests sampled their way through 58 tents, plus the Bubbly & Boozy tent and the VIP experience.

Over at the Capp Heritage tent, for example, reps were pouring six different bottles.

“Try the Capp Heritage Barbera (2015, Napa Valley),” encouraged the attendant. “It’s real easy drinking, like a Merlot. It’s a specialty of Italy!”

While there was plenty of Cab Sav, Malbec, and Rieslings, the Sandestin Wine Festival isn’t all wines. Manifest Distilling was on site, offering gins, vodkas and whiskey, while Kombi Keg 30A poured Destin Brewery beers straight from the tap on the side of their vintage VW Bus! Up the hill in the Bubbly & Boozy tent, tasters could find everything from the Hard Truth Peanut Butter Whiskey to the Tarantula Tequila, Torres 10-Year Brandy and Deep Eddy Sweet Tea Vodka.

As always, there was a selection of bites to go with the booze under the Savor South Walton tents, like the Steak Diane from Seagar’s Prime Steaks & Seafood, a charcuterie plate from Sandestin Catering, and the very popular churros with Nutella from Cannery Lane Cantina.

Baytowne Wharf newcomer Drunken Goat Saloon dished up tasters of their Hillbilly Chili, which seemed apropos on the unseasonably cool day.

Representing Baytowne neighbor Slick Lips Seafood and Oyster House, Chef Jay Ammons and his crew were slinging street tacos.

“Today we’re doing Mojo Pulled Pork Taco with cotija cheese and fresh salsa verde,” Ammons said as he warmed tortillas. “It’s getting a little damp, but that’s OK!”

The Sandestin Wine Festival is a four-day experience, including the Thursday night kick-off party, a wine and chocolate seminar, tequila dinner, champagne and oysters extravaganza, yoga session and Sunday’s New Orleans brunch at Hammerheads Bar & Grill. Look for information on tickets to the 2022 weekend at www.sandestinwinefestival.com.

Photos by Michelle Farnham

The hardiest of wine samplers were not deterred by the rain.

Mojo pulled pork tacos by Slick Lips Seafood & Oyster House.

Charcuterie plate from Sandestin Food & Beverage.

Seagar’s Prime Steakhouse & Seafood

Back for another fabulous festival!

Snapper and andouille sushi from Signature Catering of 30A

March 28, 2021

Sandestin Wine Festival: Back to the bottles

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By Pam Windsor
April 1, 2021

One of the most popular events of the year, the Sandestin Wine Festival, will take place April 15 to 18. Hosted by the Village of Baytowne, this festival offers something for wine lovers of every level, from the novice to the aficionado.

Two grand wine tastings are scheduled for Friday evening and Saturday afternoon.

“We’ll have more than 500 different types of domestic and international wines,” noted Leighann Elliott, event manager for the Village of Baytowne Wharf at Sandestin. “And the village is kind of transformed for the festival. There are white tents, the wine is flowing, and there’s food and music. And a lot of the vineyard owners and winemakers are available, so attendees will get a chance to talk to them and learn about their wines.”

Sampling so many different types of wines and getting to learn more about the process that goes into making them often gives people an entirely new perspective.

“You might think you like chardonnay or cabernet,” Elliott said, “but then you try all of these different wines and you’re like, ‘Wow, I think I like all of them!’”

And where there is fine wine, there is also exceptional food to pair with it.

Seagar's beef — Seagar’s Prime Steaks & Seafood was on hand for the 2019 event.

“We do what we call our ‘Taste of South Walton’ food events,” Elliot explained. “We have chefs from local restaurants who take part, so we’ll have different culinary tents.”

In addition to food and wine tastings, festival-goers can look forward to special VIP events, wine dinners, seminars, and Yoga on the Beach.

“That’s one of my favorite events,” Elliott said. “We have a yoga instructor, we offer mimosas, and everyone gets a mat that says 34th Annual Sandestin Wine Festival. It’s a great way to kick off the morning on Saturday.”

The festival, which draws people from across the country, helps benefit the community. The Village of Baytowne works with local non-profits to bring everything together.

“We work with Fisher House of the Emerald Coast and the Sandestin Foundation for Kids,” said Elliott. “They provide the volunteers for the festival. They’re the hands of the festival; they’re the ones running around, pouring the wine, and serving the food. Then we donate proceeds back to the charity.”

With last year’s festival forced to cancel due to the pandemic, organizers are thrilled to be able to host it this year. To ensure safety, most events will be held outside, some of the tents will be spaced farther apart, and hand sanitizer stations will be placed throughout the festival.

“This event brings in such a wide range of experiences for all of our guests. They really do get to meet wine experts from across the country. They get an opportunity to taste all of these unique, hand-selected wines. And then they have an opportunity to buy the wines at a discounted cost at the festival. So, it’s a really neat way for them to try what they like and take it home with them. We’re excited to get to see people smiling and enjoying all the festival has to offer.”

For the full schedule and to purchase tickets, visit the website.

A full weekend — In addition to food and wine tastings, festival-goers can look forward to special VIP events, wine dinners, seminars, and Yoga on the Beach.

The Sandestin Wine Festival will be held at April 15 to 18, 2021 at The Village of Baytowne Wharf in Miramar Beach. Tickets are required to participate, but the festival grounds are open to the public. Visit www.sandestinwinefestival.com or email info@SandestinWineFestival.com.

April 2, 2019

Sandestin Wine Festival- Four Days to Pour on the Fun

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By Sara Reese

Toasting 33 years of fine wines, and charitable efforts, the Sandestin Wine Festival returns to The Village
of Baytowne Wharf in mid-April. The extended weekend includes a kick-off party with a local distiller,
wine dinners, the grand tasting events, culinary treats, yoga on the beach, and more! The highly
anticipated festival is the preferred event for over 7,500 wine aficionados and novices, as well as locals
and visitors alike. Tickets are already selling for The Sandestin Wine Festival Weekend of Thursday, April
11 to Sunday April 14, 2019.

The festival weekend opens at Rum Runners in Baytowne Wharf in conjunction with local spirit maker,
Timber Creek Distillery. Timber Creek will highlight its award-winning vodka, gin, and bourbons.
Featured craft cocktails from the distillery will compliment tasty passed small bites like prime-rib sliders
and crab cakes. The welcome party is a popular event and usually sells out quickly.

The Sandestin Wine Festival offers a Friday Grand Tasting on April 12 from 5 to 8 p.m. as well as a
Saturday Grand Tasting on April 13, 1 to 5 p.m. With wine and food tents spread from one corner of
Baytowne Wharf all the way to The Grand Sandestin Hotel, a full day of sipping and nibbling can be
enjoyed. Throughout the festival you will enjoy live music ranging from jazz, popular hits, and New
Orleans style. The “Bubbly Boozy” tent will return during both Grand Tastings. Sparkling wine devotees
will enjoy their favorites side by side. You will also find a selection of bourbons, vodkas, gins and more
from spirit and liquor distributors.

VIP options are available for both Friday and Saturday Grand Tastings. These limited tickets allow you
early entry to the festival, special gathering areas, and access to exclusive wine and spirit tastings.

The weekend offers many unique opportunities to enjoy The Sandestin Resort, culinary treats, and wine
in every way you could imagine! On Friday, step on to the Solaris at The Baytowne Marina for a three-
course seafood and champagne lunch cruise. Look forward to culinary features paired with favorites
from Moet-Chandon and Veuve Cliqcout. Wake up Saturday for Mind.Body.Beach, a morning of
rejuvenating yoga right on the beach. Your commitment to fitness will be rewarded with gulf-side
mimosas following the practice. Seminars will dot the weekend for unique opportunities to more deeply
explore the world of wine, regions, varietals, and more.

The weekend closes on Sunday with Brunch at Slick Lips Seafood & Oyster House in Baytowne Wharf where limited
diners will enjoy a five-course brunch appropriately paired with sparkling wines and champagne. Past
years’ celebrity chefs have included Chef Jim Shirley, famous for Seaside’s Great Southern Café, among
others.

Find favorites from the weekend at The ABC Fine Wine & Spirits retail tent. With hours Friday, Saturday,
and Sunday you will have many opportunities to stock up your wine cellars and refrigerators. A fun
photo booth will be on site to record all the good times from an action packed weekend.

The true highlight of the event is the over $65,000 in charitable contributions made to Fisher House of
The Emerald Coast and The Sandestin Foundation for Kids. This collaborative effort draws the support of over 500 volunteers who work throughout the event to help raise money to assist military families and
children, local and abroad.

As one of South Walton’s longest running wine festivals, tickets do sell out every year. Visit
www.sandestinwinefestival.com to purchase tickets, discover lodging specials, and stay current on any
updates as the festival draws near. Volunteer opportunities are also linked through the website. The
Grand Tastings take place in The Village of Baytowne Wharf, located at 9100 Baytowne Boulevard,
Miramar Beach, within The Sandestin Resort. Questions can be directed to
info@SandestinWineFestival.com

Photos by Michelle Farnham

April 16, 2018

Wino-saurs and foodies converge on Sandestin

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Festival offers food from near and wines from far

By Michelle Farnham

The enthusiasm for fine food and wine was evident not just in the size of the crowd at the Sandestin Wine Festival, but also from its leisurewear. Novelty t-shirts were big this year, sporting clever phrases such as “Wino-saur,” “Drinkerbell,” “Rise & Wine,” and the nearly ubiquitous “Rosé All Day.”

Yes, the mood was light at the festival’s 32nd installment, which included 74 wine tents scattered throughout the Village of Baytowne Wharf. Twenty more beverage stations were set up within the “Bubbly and Boozy” tents, where the party really seemed to be happening.

Vintage Distributors out of Destin occupied booth No. 23, which heard a lot of buzz about the 2015 Domaine du Grangeon.

“If you don’t feel it in your teeth and gums, you’re not doing it right,” explained Joshua Ray, as he held up a bottle of the 100 percent Syrah out of Northern Rone. The Grangeon has limited availability, with only 600 cases produced each year.

From Booth 6, Anne Hay of Snarky & Spirited was suggesting the Podere Volpaio Chianti 2012.

“I’ll admit I’m biased, because I imported it, but this really is the best Chianti. I’ve even blind taste-tested it,” said Hay, who came in from Connecticut for the event. Her table also included the 2016 Aziende Valle Pinot Grigio and Tola Nero D’Avola.

Those in attendance came from near and far, too, as the festival is known to draw guests from out of state. First-timer Don Pearson made the trip in from Tifton, Ga., on the recommendation of friends.

“It’s all been good thus far; it’s an enjoyable experience,” Pearson said. “It’s been as good or better than I expected.”

To help taste-testers keep a clear head, local restaurants filled 10 food tents along the trail. Chef Javier Rosa from Sandestin Catering presented a Paella Valenciana with smoked paprika chicken, clams, bay scallops, bay shrimp, roasted peppers, and a saffron seafood broth.

At times, the line was 30-deep for festival-goers to try the food of Vue on 30a Chef Gio Filippone. Clad in his “Hell’s Kitchen” chef’s whites, the two-time reality TV contestant chatted with guests about his time on the show, while checking on his grilled bacon-wrapped venison and fried oysters.

“For the record, I cried the night you got kicked off the show,” shared one loyal fan, to which Filippone shouted, “I got robbed that day!”

Bryce Jarvis manned the tent for his newest Sandestin restaurant, Slick Lips Seafood and Oyster House. Chef Jay Ammons whipped up a portable version of the ahi poke tuna found on the regular menu. He marinates the protein in a ponzu sauce with Granny Smith apples and pickled watermelon, topped it with an avocado lime mousse, and served it all in an edible wasabi-sesame spoon.

Chef Christopher Holbrook of Signature Catering of 30A reportedly rolled 1,000 10-piece sushi rolls to keep the hungry crowd fed, and they gobbled up them all.

Other culinary offerings included the famous shrimp and grits from Baytowne Provisions, key lime pie bites and caprese salad skewers from Poppy’s Crazy Lobster, and Executive Chef Laurie Graupner brought her strip loin with mushroom and madeira jus from Seagar’s Prime Steaks and Seafood.

Photos by Michelle Farnham

April 4, 2018

Toasting to Another Successful Year

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By Sarah Murphy Robertson

The 32nd annual Sandestin Wine Festival is the longest-running wine event in the Southeast. That’s a pretty remarkable feat and those who plan this festival know it couldn’t happen without the support of those who attend year after year.

“We are always thrilled to see countless guests returning to the festival,” said Julie Stuckey, events manager for the Village of Baytowne Wharf, site of the festival. “Our loyal patrons truly make the event.”

The Sandestin Wine Festival has been named the “Best Annual Event” by Destin Magazine as it affords both wine aficionados as well as novices the chance to learn more about wine, the art of winemaking and expert pairings. Whether it is attending wine dinners with celebrity chefs or taking part in wine tastings highlighting hundreds of wines, this festival has something for everyone.
“I’m excited to work on this festival again, as I find myself learning new things about wine each year! We really have a great variety of wines from regions all over the world, and I also love discovering new wineries during the festival,” Stuckey shared.

Wine lovers will revel in the chance to chat with their favorite winemakers and, of course, the unfettered access to rarer selections. Wine novices learn more through copious sampling of all varietals and price ranges. ABC Fine Wine and Spirits Retail Tent will have selections on sale for discounted rates and the festive live music and delicious gourmet bites will pair beautifully with wine tasting.

Additional features

For an extra-special experience, the VIP Lounge will be set up Friday, April 13 from 4:30 to 8 p.m., and Saturday, April 14 from 12:30 to 5 p.m. This is an exclusive preview event for the Grand Wine Tasting. Enjoy heavy hors d’oeuvres and specialty samples of wines as you relax in the VIP lounge upstairs at the Amenities Terrace in the Village of Baytowne Wharf. This event allows participants to bypass the lines entering the festival, and go to their favorite tents as soon as gates open. Tickets for Friday’s VIP Lounge run $100, Saturday’s is $150, or a two-day pass is $210.

The Mind.Body.Beach event at Spa Sandestin begins at 9 a.m. on Saturday, April 14. Breathe in a new day by the peaceful, turquoise gulf waters of the beaches of South Walton, as Spa Sandestin presents a brand new event for fitness-focused guests. Bringing together three of your favorite things – yoga, mimosas, and the beach – the Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort staff will lead you through this session paired with mimosas.

SunQuest Cruise’s Champagne & Seafood Lunch Cruise aboard the Solaris departs Sandestin’s Baytowne Marina Friday, April 13 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. In partnership with Coastal Wine & Spirits, the Solaris and its chefs are featuring an elaborate four-course, Gulf Coast seafood menu, paired with premium champagnes for $93 per person.

Brunch on the Bay with Chef Jim Shirley at Baytowne Provisions is in the works for Sunday, April 15. More details will be coming soon, but Stuckey scooped, “The sneak peek of the menu looks fantastic!”

And while it is clear this well-orchestrated weekend is full of fun, its philanthropic component should not be overlooked. Over $65,000 from the 2017 festival were donated to Fisher House and Sandestin Foundation for Kids. Each year they increase their giving, thus helping these community nonprofit partnerships grow.

Stay tuned to the Sandestin Wine Festival website as more special events are still being announced. Be sure to note: the Village of Baytowne Wharf is always open to the public and non-drinking festival guests are welcome to attend with their friends at no charge, they will simply not receive a wristband.

For more information or to purchase tickets for the Sandestin Wine Festival – which runs April 12 to 15, 2018 – visit SandestinWineFestival.com.

Publisher’s note: This article originally appeared in the 2018 Spring Edition of the Food & Wine Guide for south Walton.

March 27, 2018

Sunshine and Sauvignon: countdown to the Sandestin Wine Festival

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Argentine vintner headlines Slick Lips wine dinner

By Michelle Farnham

Spanning April 12 to 15, the Sandestin Wine Festival is poised to offer food and wine aficionados four days of fun in the sun.

With an array of events to choose from over the long weekend, it appears the sold-out VIP experiences at both Friday and Saturday’s Grand Tastings were the hottest tickets in town.

Julie Stuckey, events manager at the Village of Baytowne Wharf, said Grand Tasting general admission tickets are still available, but quantities are limited – by design.

“All events have the potential to sell out,” Stuckey explained. “We pride ourselves on maintaining the same experience for all ticket buyers, so we don’t want to run out of food or have terribly long lines. After so many wine festivals here in The Village, we’ve certainly learned a lot, so we know that amount of people that we can handle!”

Argentine import

Although the festival is in its 32nd year, organizers continue to add new offerings. Slick Lips Seafood & Oyster House – the newest eatery in the village – will host its first wine dinner Thursday night. The intimate upstairs gathering features Slick Lips cuisine, expertly paired with wines from Pascual Toso, presented by its chief winemaker, Felipe Stahlschmidt.

Coming out of Argentina, Pascual Toso is known for producing some of the best Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon in the Mendoza region. Stahlschmidt holds a degree in agronomic engineering and a Master’s in viticulture and enology, with more than a decade in management at some of his country’s premier vineyards.

“I’m so excited that even though they are brand new to the village, Slick Lips Seafood and Oyster Bar is taking on a private seminar with a wine dinner,” Stuckey said. “I can’t wait to hear how they develop this event!”

Village neighbor Marlin Grill is also serving a three-course dinner for two each of the four nights ($210), paired with a flight of wines from around the world. Entrées include the Marlin Grill Medley (grouper with crabmeat, ahi tuna, and mahi-mahi) and twin filets of beef. Enjoy 375mL of Nicolas Feuillatte Brut Champagne, Sanford “Flor De Campo” Pinot Noir, and Faust Cabernet Sauvignon.

Bottoms up!

So what’s pouring this year, you might be wondering. Local staple 30a Wines will again have a tent, offering their product by Mercer Estates. Last year saw the debut of the company’s new Rosé, so we’ll be excited to see what shows up in 2018.

Among the more than 70 tents dotting Baytowne, you’ll recognize names like C Mondavi, Biltmore Wines, Trinchero, and Campari.

Wrath Wines, a vineyard out of the Santa Lucia Highlands, is known for its small, limited distribution of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Syrah, and Sauvignon Blanc. Ca’ Momi and Old Bridge Cellars will be visiting from the Napa Valley, and you’ll see Davis Estates out of Calistoga, Calif.

Also look for representatives from Ferrari-Carano, Gerard Bertrand Wines, Rodney Strong, Krutz Family Cellars, Deutsch Family Wines, Boedecker Wines, Pappas Wines – just to name a few.

Stuckey is pleased to see so many familiar faces on the 2018 roster.

“I am most excited about having so many repeat wineries,” she said. “We’ve worked with these reps for so many years, and I’m so thankful that they continue to come back to our festival, and show off their products.”

More than meets the mouth

Don’t forget to think beyond the eats and drinks, as the Sandestin Wine Festival is a multi-sensory experience. Long-time exhibitor and coastal artist Donna Burgess of Donna Burgess Gallery will feature her exclusive artwork during the Friday and Saturday Grand Tastings. Across the events plaza, the Matt McCarty Quintet – a Gulf Coast jazz band with a unique sound – will perform Friday from 5 to 8 p.m. and Saturday from 1 to 5 p.m.

For more information on the Sandestin Wine Festival – including additional events and the Savor South Walton food tents – check out 30A Food & Wine’s previous article at Sandestin Uncorks 32nd Annual Wine Festival