Culinary Expert Diane Henderiks Featured at Sandestin Wine Festival in April

The Sandestin Wine Festival, one of the top wine festivals in the country, will host healthy eating expert Diane Henderiks as a presenting chef at its 2013 Spring event.

Slated for this April 18-21, the Sandestin Wine Festival is known as the “Kentucky Derby of Wine Festivals.” It will be a picture perfect event complete with white tents, the tasting of hundreds of wines, Gulf seafood and other culinary treats, as well as live music.

Diane Henderiks is a personal chef and Registered Dietitian on a mission to teach America how to cook and eat well. On Friday, April 19 at the Sandestin Wine Festival, Diane will entertain guests at the Coastal Living Magazine Stage during the Grand Wine Tasting event.

Diane is a regular contributor for Good Morning America, founder of "Dish with Diane" and has appeared as an expert guest on many of the country’s leading media including CBS, ABC, NBC, Fox News, CNN, BetterTV and on Martha Stewart Radio. Diane has raised the culinary bar for healthy cooking and is renowned for her expertise in creating wholesome cuisine that is both delicious and nutritious. “Any dish can be revamped to be good for you”, she says, “it just takes a little education and finesse.”

Now in its 27th year, the Sandestin Wine Festival is the most established and continuously running wine festival on the coast. Guests are invited to “uncork some fun in the sun,” and see why the Sandestin Wine Festival receives accolades from media around the country. Four days of unique events will include the following:

Thursday, April 18
Wine Dinners at Sandestin’s Village of Baytowne Wharf
Village restaurants including Marlin Grill, Bistro Bijoux and Graffiti will offer specially prepared menus paired with wines. Alexander Valley Vineyard will have a five course wine dinner aboard the SunQuest Cruises’ Solaris yacht for $115. For more information call 850.650.2519. Vodka & Victuals will take place at Graffiti Restaurant with a five course tasting menu featuring Pinnacle Vodka for $75. For more information call 850.424.6650.

Friday, April 19
Grand Wine Tasting | 5-8pm
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 | 6pm & 7pm
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 | 2-9pm
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 11am to 1pm 
• 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 | 1-5pm
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 fare including Gulf seafood paired with wines.
Location: The Village of Baytowne Wharf

Coastal Living Cooking Stage Presents Paula Deen | 2:15pm and 3:45pm
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 | 10-8pm
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 | 10am-2pm
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

Because of the strong demand, high ticket sales and community support, people are encouraged to purchase tickets early before sessions sell out.

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.

About Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort was named the #1 resort on Florida’s Emerald Coast. The resort invites guests to a world of 30 charming neighborhoods with hotel suites, villas, condominiums and townhomes. A member of Visit South Walton and Visit Florida, the resort features more than seven miles of beaches and pristine bay front, four championship golf courses, 15 world-class tennis courts, 19 swimming pools, a 113-slip marina, a fitness center and spa, meeting space and the charming Village of Baytowne Wharf. Visit www.sandestin.com or follow Sandestin on Facebook and Twitter for the latest information and events.