wine festival

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

November 13, 2022

Seeing Red Wine Festival: Come for the wine, stay for the bites

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Seaside’s wine weekend marks 30th year

By Michelle Farnham
Nov. 12, 2022

SEASIDE – The 30th annual Seeing Red Wine Festival returned after a two-year hiatus, and this year’s culinary offerings – a lineup of 16 Seaside-area vendors – matched the 21 tables worth of wine in their splendor.

Jim Shirley properties The Meltdown on 30A and The Chicken Shack served brie and bacon grilled cheese, and sweet tea brined fried chicken, respectively; while Airstream Row resident Mr. Gyro Hero offered gyro bites, baklava and hummus. Seaside Farmer’s Market mainstay Derryck’s Pastries plated a six-item taster of South Asian delights and Amavida kept the crowd running with coffee and chocolates.

Derryck's Pastries — In addition to savory bites, Derryck’s Pastries had baklava.

Ashley Beecher, co-owner of The Dawson Group, had two of her company’s five restaurants represented at the festival. Pickle’s Beachside Grill was offering loaded french fries with all the fixings, while at the Wild Bill’s Beach Dogs tent, Beecher served a Wagyu beef chili queso dog.

“Everyone has been saying it’s the best hot dog they’ve ever had! They want to know where to get it and it’s so easy because I can just point to our Airstream trailer,” Beecher joked. “This is so great to be a part of, and we always love to participate in anything Seaside puts on.”

The Green Stream offered guests a lime garlic avocado baguette.

Of course it wouldn’t be a wine festival without the wine, and with nearly 90 bottles to choose from, taste-testers had plenty to explore.

Brigid Babb was pouring the 2019 Project 18 Cabernet Sauvignon and the 2017 RMS Blend for Lerner Project.

“This is our inaugural appearance at Seeing Red Wine and it’s wonderful,” Babb said. “We’ve had a great response to the wines and a really nice, intimate visit last night through the vintners dinner.”

Other winemakers included Priest Ranch, Arano, Baccio Divino Cellars and Tamber Bey Vineyards, to name just a few.

Friends Karen Peck, Sandy Taylor and Gary Howell came into town for the festival from Houston. Peck is a veteran attendee, but Taylor and Howell were really taken aback by their first Seaside soiree.

“Oh I love this!” Howell exclaimed. “It’s one of the best things I’ve ever done!”

He pointed to The Chicken Shack and Wild Bill’s as his top dining spots, while Taylor was impressed by the wines from Bricoleur Vineyards and Great Southern’s Grits A Ya Ya.

“If you twisted my arm, I may come back!” Taylor added with a laugh.

Karen Peck, Sandy Taylor and Gary Howell traveled from Houston.

The Seeing Red Wine Festival is a four-day annual event comprised of a Thursday evening Vintners Dinner at Bud & Alley’s, Friday’s Al Fresco Wine Tasting on the Lyceum Lawn, Saturday’s Grand Tasting and Sunday’s Celebration of Bubbles brunch.

April 15, 2022

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

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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

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 Kombi Keg VW bus rolled in to serve Destin Brewery beers.

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

March 3, 2022

Wine festival wishes and Alys Beach dreams

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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

November 7, 2021

Harvest Wine Festival: Grand Tasting pours once more!

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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.

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

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.