Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation Achieves Record Results for 2013

The Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation (DCWAF) today announced that revenues from the 2013 live and silent auctions are $1,323,000, a 16 percent increase from last year’s results of $1,142,000, maintaining DCWAF as the top charity fundraising event in Northwest Florida. The 2013 results continued the trend of revenue growth every year since the first auction in 2006. The 2012 auction marked the first year the Destin Charity Wine Auction was listed in the "Top Ten Charity Wine Auctions in the U.S." by Wine Spectator Magazine. The 2013 revenue growth cements the DCWAF as a significant member of this elite list.

“We are extremely grateful for the tremendous support we once again received from vintners, chefs, and the local community” said John Russell, president, DCWAF. “All of us associated with our auction are amazed that we can garner this kind of support to help children in need in Northwest Florida. This year’s results will provide significant funding for 14 charities that do the incredible work to change the lives of so many children."

Russell continued, "We are especially pleased with this year's results, because this was our first year in our new location as part of the South Walton Beaches Wine and Food Festival held at Grand Boulevard at Sandestin®. The success of the Festival and the Auction set the stage for an even stronger performance in coming years.”

The Destin Charity Wine Auction was comprised of more than 150 unique live and silent offerings, ranging from one-of-a-kind trips, to fabulous jewelry, to incomparable collections of rare wines. More than 500 wine enthusiasts attended this year’s auction and the event continues to grow in both recognition and popularity.

“We were very pleased to be the 2013 Honorary Vintner," said George Peterson, general manager of Spring Mountain Vineyard. "The entire event was seamlessly organized with opportunities to make new friends for the winery while generating funds for children of the Emerald Coast. Simply a great event!”

Two auction lots brought in the highest bids of the day at $28,000 each. The first was Lot 15 – Exuma Blue for 6, which featured a six-night stay at the Grand Isle Resort & Spa in Great Exuma, Bahamas and round trip airfare via private jet. The second was Lot 16 – We are the World for 8, included VIP lunch, and wine dinner aboard The World, the largest privately owned yacht on the planet and round-trip airfare by private jet.

During the Wine Auction weekend, 14 Patron Dinners were held in notable restaurants and private homes in the area. These dinners paired celebrity chefs with participating vintners to create memorable experiences for every attendee.

Participating wineries included Caymus Vineyards, Pride Mountain Vineyards, Paul Hobbs Winery, Merry Edwards Winery, Dunn Vineyards, Jarvis Estate Winery, Robert Craig Winery, Spring Mountain Vineyard, Joseph Phelps Vineyards, Château de Beaucastel, DeLille Cellars, O Wines, Domaine Champy, Domaine Clos de la Chapelle, Duckhorn Vineyards, Hourglass, Husic Vineyards, Krutz Family Cellars, Willamette Valley Vineyards, V Madrone Cellars, Schweiger Vineyards and Betz Family Winery.

The dates for next year’s Destin Charity Wine Auction Weekend are April 25-27, 2014.

About Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation 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 (DCWAF) has donated more than $4.7 million to Northwest Florida charities through hosting world class wine and culinary events. These funds have impacted the lives of over 42,000 youth, including those afflicted by health issues and abuse. Learn more at DCWAF.org or facebook.com/DCWAF.