27th Annual Sandestin Wine Festival Uncorks April 18-21

Spring in SoWal welcomes wildflowers, warming beaches, and wine. The 27th annual edition of the Sandestin Wine Festival is scheduled for April 18-21 in the charming Village of Baytowne Wharf. The festival has affectionately been called the “Kentucky Derby of Wine Festivals” because of its popularity and grandeur.

The Sandestin Wine Festival is the original and most established wine festival on the coast, and features one-of-a-kind seminars, wine dinners, grand wine tastings and culinary experiences. There is no substitute for this magnificent tradition of the pouring of more than 700 wines, and great events in a scenic, charming and family-friendly setting.

SoWal.com is proud to once again sponsor the Sandestin Wine Festival. This year, Paula Deen will be a featured chef on the Coastal Living Cooking Stage on Saturday, April 20, and will also be a special guest at the festival’s VIP Connoisseur event.

“Paula Deen’s southern charm, positive and engaging personality, cooking expertise and wine festival involvement is a perfect match for our guests and for the treasured tradition of the Sandestin Wine Festival,” said Lanier Motes, special events manager at the Village of Baytowne Wharf. “The Sandestin Wine Festival and our ticket holders are thrilled to have Paula Deen as a celebrity chef and featured guest.”

New this year is a Friday evening Grand Wine Tasting on April 19 combined with the Grand Wine Tasting on Saturday, April 20. Also new this year is an expansion of the wine festival in the Village of Baytowne Wharf and at the Baytowne Marina. Coastal Living Magazine, the premier magazine for people who love the coast, is a presenting sponsor. 

ABC Fine Wine & Spirits, the largest fine wine and spirits retailer in Florida with more than 145 stores, will pour special wine selections at the Sandestin Wine Festival. This involvement complements ABC’s Panhandle expansion, and their focus on education and providing fine customer service. Just recently, the 77 year old company announced Destin and Panama City will be ABC’s first expansion west of Tallahassee. Construction is expected to start late summer/early fall, with the stores opening in early 2014

The Sandestin Wine Festival is also pleased to announce that entwine™ Wines, will be the featured wine for the Coastal Living Magazine Cooking Stage. Food Network partnered with Wente Vineyards, America’s oldest continuously operated family-owned winery, to create entwine. Food Network’s culinary team works directly with fifth generation wine maker Karl Wente to make these signature wines delicious on their own, and work well with food flavors.

Thursday, April 18 Wine Dinners at Sandestin’s Village of Baytowne Wharf.
Participants include Graffiti and the Solaris Dinner Cruise

Friday, April 19 Grand Wine Tasting, 5 to 8 p.m. 
The pouring of hundreds of domestic and international wines and spirits makes for a grand event, and offers a rare opportunity to learn about the finest appellations from major producing countries in all varieties, styles and price ranges.  Sample delicious fare and Gulf seafood paired with wines.  
Location:  The Village of Baytowne Wharf

Cooking Demonstrations at the Coastal Living Stage, 6 and 7 p.m.
Be entertained by culinary experts including Diane Henderiks. Diane will share her tips and tricks for creating delicious and healthy dishes that are simple to prepare. Suggestions for wine pairings included.
Location:  The Grand Lawn
Price:  Free with paid Wine Festival entry and wristband.

Retail Tent, 2 to 9 p.m. 
Purchase your favorite wine or spirits at a special Wine Festival discount. 
Location:  Near the Baytowne Marina

Saturday, April 20 VIP Connoisseur Experience
Wine aficionados will enjoy a VIP tasting of rare and specialty wines.  This VIP experience includes:
A celebrity reception from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Tasting menu lunch
A Specialty Reidel Wine Glass
Express entry into the Grand Wine Tasting
Location:  SunQuest Cruises' Solaris Yacht at Baytowne Marina

Grand Wine Tasting, 1-5 p.m.
The pouring of hundreds of wines and spirits offers a rare opportunity to learn about the finest appellations in all varieties, styles and price ranges. Sample delicious fair including Gulf seafood paired with wines.  
Location:  The Village of Baytowne Wharf

Coastal Living Cooking Stage Presents Paula Deen
2:15 and 3:45 p.m. 
Be entertained by Paula Deen and see one of her favorite recipes paired with wine.  
Location:  The Grand Lawn
Price:  Free with paid Wine Festival entry and wristband. 

Retail Tent, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Purchase your favorite wine or spirits at a special Wine Festival discount. 
Location:  Near the Baytowne Marina

Sunday, April 21 Sunday Brunch by the Bay
Enjoy scenic views of the Bay, music and the charming marina while treating yourself to a delicious Sunday Brunch featuring wonderful champagnes and even a “Create Your Own” Bloody Mary Bar. 
Location:   Baytowne Marina

Additional details are available at www.sandestinwinefestival.com. Proceeds will be donated to The Fisher House, a worthwhile organization that provides free or low cost lodging to veterans and military families receiving treatment at military medical centers.

Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort also provides the convenience of having accommodations that are steps or a convenient complimentary tram ride away from the Festival.  Packages with discounted accommodations and tickets are also available.  Call 1.866.91.BEACH to talk to an expert reservation specialist.