13th Annual Destin Charity Wine Auction

Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation (DCWAF) is pleased to announce Betz Family Winery as the 2018 Honorary Vintner for the 13th Annual Destin Charity Wine Auction, hosted April 27-29 as part of the South Walton Beaches Wine & Food Festival held in Grand Boulevard. Accepting the award will be winery owner Steve Griessel, who will also be participating in a patron dinner hosted by Stephen and Joan Carter with the help of celebrity chef Cindy Hudson.

“Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation is consistently overwhelmed by the amount of support we receive from our friends in the wine industry. Steve and the team at Betz Family Winery have been tremendous supporters of our organization, and we are honored to have them return to the 2018 auction,” said John Russell, president of DCWAF. “Their passion and support has played a huge part in our ability to donate more than $15 million and improve the lives of 90,000 plus youth in Northwest Florida.”

The 13th annual auction weekend kicks off on Friday, April 28 with 12 patron dinners, hosted in some of the most stunning homes and restaurants along the Emerald Coast, and is followed by a reserve wine tasting and live auction on Saturday afternoon. Patrons who attend the auction weekend will also be granted access to Sunday’s South Walton Beaches Wine and Food Festival also hosted throughout Grand Boulevard.

Patron packages for the 13th Annual Destin Charity Wine Auction are on sale now at www.dcwaf.org.

“The impact that DCWAF has on the community is unparalleled and Destin has become a shining example for all cities in the USA,” said Steve Griessel, owner of Betz Family Winery. “Our family is humbled at this unexpected honor, and we are delighted to be part of such an incredible cause.”

Currently ranked #3 on the list of "Top Ten Wine Auctions in the U.S." by Wine Spectator Magazine, the Destin Charity Wine Auction connects wine enthusiasts with preeminent winemakers and chefs to help children in need in Northwest Florida.

The Destin Charity Wine Auction Weekend is the Foundation's largest annual event. Currently ranked #3, DCWAF has been recognized as one of the nation's 'Top 10 Charity Wine Auctions in the U.S.' by Wine Spectator Magazine, for five consecutive years. The event draws wine aficionados, gourmet chefs, and celebrity vintners from around the globe to enjoy world-class wines in the picture-perfect setting and white sand beaches of Northwest Florida's Emerald Coast. Funds raised will benefit our local charities impacting the lives of children in need. Your patron package is inclusive of the following:

Patron Dinners - Friday, April 27th at 6 PM
On April 27, 2018, some of the Emerald Coast’s most exquisite homes and restaurants set the stage for the 2018 Patron Dinners. Each dinner will feature a nationally recognized chef paired with world-class celebrity vintners. The dinners provide a unique opportunity to interact with fellow wine enthusiasts while enjoying innovative cuisine and the world’s best wines. As patrons, you will also enjoy complimentary transportation to and from your dinner. Each dinner will benefit one of our 15 charities and allow a chance to see firsthand how your generosity is changing the lives of children in need in our community. 

Reserve Tasting & Live Auction - Saturday, April 28 at 1 PM
On April 28, 2018, the Reserve Tasting and Live Auction will be held under an air-conditioned tent in Grand Boulevard at Sandestin Town Center. It will feature distinctive wines from internationally acclaimed vintners, poured and paired with cuisine created by a selection of the area’s top local restaurants. The Reserve Tasting is accompanied by a silent auction as well as an almost live auction featuring wine, autographed large format bottles, art and more. The event will culminate with a high-energy live auction, which includes rare and distinctive wines, spectacular trips and other incredible one-of-a-kind items. 

1:00 PM – Reserve Tasting & Silent Auction
3:00 PM – Live Auction
Grand Boulevard North Park
Resort Casual

Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation’s (DCWAF) mission is to connect wine enthusiasts to raise money to benefit children in need in Northwest Florida. Founded in 2005, Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation has donated more than $15 million to Northwest Florida charities through hosting world class wine and culinary events. The signature event, the Destin Charity Wine Auction, is held in South Walton within Grand Boulevard at Sandestin the last weekend of April each year. These funds have impacted the lives of over 90,000 youth, including those afflicted by health issues and abuse. DCWAF is recognized as one of the nation’s ‘Top 10 Charity Wine Auctions in the U.S.’ by Wine Spectator Magazine. Learn more at DCWAF.org or facebook.com/DCWAF. 

South Walton Beaches Wine & Food Festival will be held April 26-29, 2018 throughout the Town Center of Grand Boulevard at Sandestin. The festival features a stunning showcase of more than 800 of the best wines in the world. Meet the celebrity wine producers and master distillers presenting their fine wine and spirits from around the world. The Savor South Walton Culinary Village offers a sumptuous array of foods to taste, wines to pair, as well as popular wine and food tasting seminars. Visit Spirits Row, Champagne Lane and Nosh Pavilions and enjoy entertainment throughout the weekend. The event is a major fundraiser for Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation which benefits children in need in Northwest Florida. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.SoWalWine.com.

Thursday Apr 26: Winemakers and Shakers 5-7pm at Wine World Destin
Friday Apr 27: Craft Beer & Spirits Jam 6-9pm
Saturday Apr 28: Grand Wine Tasting 1-5pm | Destin Charity Wine Auction 3pm
Sunday Apr 29: Grand Wine Tasting 1-5pm

South Walton Beaches Wine & Food Festival presents a weekend of great wines, fine foods, live music from national artists, culinary celebrities and more, April 26-29,2018 at Grand Boulevard at Sandestin. Proceeds from the festival benefit Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation, which was named a Top 10 Wine Charity Auction by Wine Spectator magazine. 

Tickets and info at sowalwine.com.

Grand Boulevard is the shop, dine, play and stay Town Center located on Northwest Florida’s Beaches. The center offers a dynamic lifestyle experience with convenient access to a multitude of exclusive shopping and dining options, entertainment, professional services, corporate offices and lodging. For more info: visit www.grandboulevard.com. 

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