DCWAF announces return of Harvest Wine & Food Festival
Following their most successful auction to date, Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation (DCWAF) has announced the return of the Harvest Wine & Food Festival to South Walton Oct. 24-26.
“We are thrilled to bring Harvest Wine & Food Festival back to the South Walton community,” said DCWAF President John Russell. “This is our third year of producing this wonderful event to benefit the children of our community. Harvest Wine and Food Festival continues to expand as we challenge ourselves to offer our patrons the perfect wine and culinary experience to compliment a beautiful fall weekend at the beach."
Ticket prices vary based upon event day and go on sale to the public at 10 a.m. July online at www.HarvestWineandFood.com.
DCWAF is one of the nation’s premier fundraising organizations, raising money for 16 Northwest Florida children’s charities that assist at-risk youth in the local community. In April, DCWAF raised $3.6 million for its benefiting charities.
The festival kicks off Oct. 24 evening with three wine dinners held throughout South Walton, each featuring a celebrity winemaker. On Oct. 25, the Al Fresco Reserve Tasting held on WaterColor’s Marina Park will offer festival-goers a selection of library wines that feature rare vintages. The Grand Tasting, held from 1 to 4 p.m. Oct. 26 in Cerulean Park, is the main event. Among a litany of impressive culinary talent, DCWAF announces the return of Atlanta-based barbecue gurus Johnathan and Justin Fox of Fox Bros. Bar-B-Q.
“DCWAF is well known for our wine events, but great wine goes best with wonderful culinary delights,” Russell said. “Along with the expected line up of wines, spirits, and craft beers, festival attendees will be able to taste their way through every staple of coastal cuisine ranging from freshly caught seafood to farm fresh vegetables and cheeses all the way to traditional smoked barbecue prepared by our friends the Fox Brothers.
"Last year our festival occurred just 17 days after Hurricane Michael made landfall," he added. "While the decision to proceed was difficult, we knew we had a duty to support our benefiting charities in their time of need. Jonathan and Justin understood that. They were generous enough to donate their entire talent fee back to those impacted by the storm, and we’re honored to have them back again this October.”
It wouldn’t be a DCWAF event without the opportunity to bid high and bid often. A silent auction featuring a variety of rare wines, staycations and unique experiences will open Oct. 25 and will run through noon on Oct. 27. The opportunity to purchase merchandise on-site will also be available throughout the duration of the festival.