Award Winning Wines at South Walton Beaches Wine & Food Festival, April 28-May 1

We have a lot of wine lovers along the beaches of South Walton. Whether you’re just a casual wine drinker or a full-fledged wine enthusiast, there is no shortage of wine events and tastings in Miramar Beach and along Hwy 30A.

For those looking for the perfect spring getaway, consider attending the South Walton Beaches Wine & Food Festival and Destin Charity Wine Auction, April 28-May 1. Recently, event organizers hosted tasting experts from the wine and culinary industries to judge and award medals to the winning wines which will be poured and sold at the 2016 South Walton Beaches Wine & Food Festival, April 28 – May 1.

Nearly 600 wines were poured and judged by a panel of 24 vintners, educators, collectors, restaurant owners and wine-related media. Gold, Silver and Bronze winners were named in 72 categories and a Best of Show was named for red and white wines. In all, 216 medals were awarded!

Here’s the wines that stood out as the BIG winners: 
Best in Show Red: Zenato Amarone della Valpolicella 2011
Best in Show Wine: Morgan Winery Double L Vineyard Chardonnay 2013
People’s Choice: Castello Banfi Brunello Di Montalcino 2010
(People’s Choice winner was voted for at the Tasting of Champions, the evening event that follows the competition where the public has the opportunity to taste the 600 wines judges earlier in the day.)

Held in Grand Boulevard at Sandestin, South Walton Beaches Wine & Food Festival features more than 800 wines, on-going wine tastings with dozens of celebrity winemakers, food tastings at the Savor South Walton Culinary Village, tasting seminars, live entertainment and special features including Champagne Lane and Spirits Row.

On Friday, the Craft Beer & Spirits Jam kicks off the festival Friday from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.; the Grand Tastings are on Saturday and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Advance tickets are $35 for Friday; $85 for Saturday and Sunday (ticket price include Spirits Row, Champagne Lane, wine and food tastings, seminars and live entertainment); and $175 for the VIP Tasting with express entry to the Grand Tasting.
The weekend also includes the Destin Charity Wine Auction, which benefits children in need in Northwest Florida. Proceeds from both the auction and the festival provide critical funds for local 14 local children’s charities. So you’ll be tasting for a great cause! Learn or purchase tickets at www.sowalwine.com

View our available South Walton vacation rentals online, including condos, cottages and villas, available as rentals at Hidden Dunes, and enjoy the ultimate wine weekend.

Book your stay for 3 nights or more and take advantage of our Late Spring Fling Special Offer that includes 10% participating vacation rentals. Book online with promo code: SPRG16 or one of our friendly vacation specialists at 1-800-225-7652.

See you @ the beach!

Published by Tracy Louthain
Wednesday, February 24, 2016