‘Uncork some fun in the sun’ at the 29th Annual Sandestin Wine Festival

The premier spring event in our area is almost here! The 29th Annual Sandestin Wine Festival is set for April 16-19 at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort.

The event is known as the “Kentucky Derby of Wine Festivals” and is the most established and longest-running wine festival not only on the Emerald Coast, but throughout all of Northwest Florida. It is also regarded as one of the top wine festivals in the country. The wine festival has also been named “best event” in the annual Best of Destin poll.

Guests are invited to “uncork some fun in the sun” at this annual event with four days of unique events including opening night wine dinners with celebrity chefs at participating restaurants in the Village of Baytowne Wharf, Grand Wine Tastings on Friday and Saturday, and all capped off with a special Brunch on the Bay at Baytowne Marina overlooking the majestic Choctawhatchee Bay.

Hundreds of domestic and international wines will be available to taste and purchase through the entire weekend. Be sure to purchase some of your favorite wines at the ABC Fine Wine & Spirits Retail Tent on Saturday and Sunday.

Back by popular demand, the 2nd Annual Champagne and Seafood Voyage aboard the cruise ship the Solaris will take place from 12-3 p.m. on Saturday, featuring a four-course menu with Coastal Wine and Spirits pairing the savory seafood selections with premium champagnes. Also on Saturday, start the day with a new event – the Mind, Body and Beach presented by Spa Sandestin, which will showcase a sunrise yoga session with your toes in the sand, then tantalize the tongue with post workout mimosas.

This year’s festival will once again highlight new musical styles featuring special regional and local artists. The Friday night Grand Wine Tasting will showcase local group Free Monica as well as Nashville rising star Maggie Chapman.

Saturday afternoon will feature musicians from the innovative and talented Chris Alvarado Trio, followed by Elenowen, a dynamic duo that found immediate fame during the inaugural year of the NBC hit show, “The Voice.” Elenowen and Maggie Chapman will also perform an intimate songwriter’s round at the exclusive Saturday VIP party.

Once again, Coastal Living magazine – the premier magazine for people who love the beach lifestyle – is a presenting sponsor with other organizations including ABC Fine Wine & Spirits, Visit South Walton, Rowland Publishing, Destin – Fort Walton Beach Airport, SoWal, Atlanta Wine School and Vino Venue as supporting sponsors.

The Sandestin Wine Festival benefits the Fisher House of the Emerald Coast and other worthwhile charities including the Sandestin Foundation for Kids. The Fisher House of the Emerald Coast provides a home for military families when a family member is undergoing medical treatment at any local facility. Their services are available to any families with someone who has served in any branch of the military for any length of time. The goal of the Sandestin Foundation for Kids is to make a meaningful and positive difference in children's lives.

To purchase tickets and for more event information, visit SandestinWineFestival.com. Tickets can also be purchases at the new Sandestin Welcome Center located adjacent to the main entrance of the resort.