Wine Down at the Seeing Red Wine Festival, Nov. 4-6

Florida’s Emerald Coast has a passion for wine. We’re current researching the reasons so we can tell this story in our next issue of Where you’d rather Be magazine. In the meantime, we'll be doing some field research. Next weekend, residents and visitors alike will flock to Hwy 30A to celebrate the 26th Annual Seeing Red Wine Festival, and while the Grand Tasting is sold out, there are plenty of ancillary events in which tickets are still available.  
 
The four days of festivities include reserve wine tastings, dinners, a brunch with featured guest winemakers and a wine walkabout and auction. Several of Seaside’s well-known restaurants will showcase their farm-to-fork and Gulf-to-table offerings, which pair beautifully with the featured wines. 
 
The festivities kick off Thurs., Nov. 3, at 7 p.m. with the Vintner’s Dinnerat the famed Bud & Alley’s restaurant. Executive Chef David Bishop will create a special menu in collaboration with a featured vintner. A limited number of reservations are available, and reservations can be made by calling the restaurant.
 
On Fri., Nov. 4, the Al Fresco Reserve Tasting, from 6 to 8 p.m., will showcase an incredible selection of library wines, featuring vintages that have been cellared to be uncorked at just the right time. An array of hors d’oeuvres will pair perfectly with the featured wines, in addition to Southern Artisan Chocolates™ made by Olive and Sinclair Co. The evening is complemented by live music under twinkling lights on Seaside’s Lyceum Lawn. A limited number of tickets are still available ($250/pp).   
 
On Sat., Nov. 5, the Grand Tasting is sold out, with the exception of a limited number of VIP Grand Tasting tickets. VIP tickets include early admission to the Grand Tasting at 12:30 p.m. for the first taste of the day as well as access to the VIP lounge at 12 p.m., which features local fare and exclusive library wines and libations. The VIP lounge will also feature a “meet and greet” with wine celebrities personally signing bottles of their premium wines featured at the festival. In addition, VIP check-in attendees will receive a Seeing Red Wine Festival cooler bag with festival merchandise. The price of VIP tickets is $325 with a limited number of tickets remaining 
 
On Sun., Nov. 6, a Celebration of Bubbles, from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m., will be held at the Great Southern Café in Seaside, and features sparkling wines, including Champagne, Cava, and Prosecco, among others. The bubbly wines will be complemented by delectable brunch items. Live music and new friends make for a fun, festive morning on the coast. Tickets are $85/pp. 
 
Later on Sunday, Nov. 6, from 1-4 p.m., the Fall Walkabout & Charity Auction is the grand finale and is a prelude to the Destin Charity Wine Auction held each year in April. Held on Seaside’s Lyceum Lawn, the Fall Walkabout will feature wines, food stations, live music and the famous “Hangover Station” with Bloody Marys and mimosas. The event is enhanced by a silent auction, featuring items such as rare wines, exclusive dinners, vacation packages, and artwork. Tickets are $125/pp. This is a truly a local’s favorite.
 
The best part… everyone is drinking for a good cause. Proceeds from the Seeing Red Wine Festival will be presented to the Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation, which supports 14 local non-profits, serving children in need in Northwest Florida. The DCWAF’s signature event, the Destin Charity Wine Auction, is held annually the last weekend of April at Grand Boulevard at Sandestin.  

Ready to join the fun? Tickets are available at seeingredwinefestival.com/

Looking for a 30A rental near the Seeing Red Wine Festival? View our premier South Walton vacation rentals online , including Hidden Dunes rentals in Miramar Beach and Sanctuary at Redfish rentals on 30A, or call one of our friendly vacation specialists at 1-800-225-7652.

See you @ the beach!
 
 

Published by Tracy Louthain
Friday, October 28, 2016