Sandestin Wine Festival Pours More Fun

Save the Date for April 14-17 for One of Florida Gulf Coast's Top Events

Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort announces details for the 30 th Annual Sandestin Wine Festival, the longest-running and most established wine festival in Northwest Florida.

Slated for April 14-17, the Sandestin Wine Festival presented by Coastal Living magazine, 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, culinary treats and live music.

Now in its 30 th year, 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 14
Official Kickoff Party 5-8pm
The official kickoff party at Rum Runners is presented by Mercer Wine Estates and 30A.com. Enjoy featured Rum Runners' menu samples, wine sampling and live music from jazz pianist Cam Ray.

Uncork the Bottle with Will Mercer 6-7pm
Enjoy an exclusive VIP seminar featuring Mercer Reserve and 30A wine selections paired with heavy hors d'oeuvres and a special meet and greet with Will Mercer, Mercer Wine Estates' general manager.

The Ever Changing Grape | A History of the Pinot Family 8pm
This seminar, featuring Luke McCollum from Left Coast Cellars, will explore the history of Pinot Noir, Meunier, Blanc and Gris, clones and mutation differences plus similarities between the wines. The event will conclude with the development of the White Pinot Noir, which is sweeping the country. Signature Catering of 30A will provide delicious desserts and cheese.

Wine Dinners
Celebrate the festival with winemakers as they host a gourmet experience at select restaurants throughout The Village.

Friday, April 15
Champagne & Seafood Lunch Cruise 12-3pm
Patrons will embark on an unforgettable day that begins at the dockside of Baytowne Marina. The SOLARIS event includes a four-course meal, premium champagne pairings and a two-hour cruise. A reception is held at noon on the 125-foot yacht with appetizers and drinks to toast to the day. It's smooth sailing for the rest of the afternoon as the SOLARIS cruises the sparkling local waters with warm coastal breezes from the sky deck and panoramic views from all three decks.

The World of Bubbles with special guest Bill Stobbs 4pm
A 17- year Veteran at ABC Fine Wine and Spirits, Bill Stobbs has gained a profound liking for wine from the southern hemisphere, though his love of wine ventures further. Bill is known for his courageous palate as he explores the new, the rare, the underestimated and the offbeat grapes of the wine world. Join Bill for a sparkling wine seminar, sampling and discussion of the many differences in the world of bubbles. Signature Catering of 30A will provide delectable hors d'oeuvres.

Grand Wine Tastings 5-8pm
The pouring of hundreds of domestic and international wines 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. Also, enjoy tasty samplings from your favorite local restaurants with the Savor South Walton experience, including The Bay, Seagar's, Sandestin Catering, Holy Cakes, Sunset Bay Caf, 30A Olive Oil, Back Forty Beer, The Village Door, Osaka Sushi Rocks, The Beach House, Whole Foods and hailing from Birmingham, AL John City Diner. Live music provided by the Matt McCarty Project.

VIP Lounge Area 4:30-8pm (SOLD-OUT)
Enjoy the exclusive VIP Lounge with premium wine, spirits and hors d'oeuvres from Marlin Grill, located at the Terrace Amenities Deck.

Wine Dinners
Celebrate the festival with winemakers as they host a gourmet experience at select restaurants throughout The Village.

ABC Fine Wine and Spirits Retail Tent, 2-9pm
Purchase your favorite wine or spirits at a special Wine Festival discount.

Saturday, April 16
Mind. Body. Beach. 9am
Breathe in a new day and enjoy the beach with this gulf-front yoga experience presented by the Spa Sandestin fitness aficionados. Enjoy yoga, mimosas and the beach with an experience that will rejuvenate your body and mind on the beaches of Sandestin.

Base to Bubbles | A Lesson on Sparkling Wines 11am-Noon
Join a unique look at champagne and sparkling wines with "Base to Bubble" presented by Coastal Wine and Spirits. Learn the basics of champagne, including the importance of grapes, and influences of terrain and climate when creating the perfect vintage. The seminar will feature Tom Tiburzi. Signature Catering of 30A will provide delectable hors d'oeuvres.

Grand Wine Tastings 1-5pm
The pouring of hundreds of domestic and international wines 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. Also, enjoy tasty samplings from your favorite local restaurants with the Savor South Walton experience, including The Bay, Seagar's, Sandestin Catering, Holy Cakes, Sunset Bay Caf, 30A Olive Oil, Back Forty Beer, The Village Door, Osaka Sushi Rocks, The Beach House, Whole Foods and hailing from Birmingham, AL John City Diner. Live music performed by Chris Alvarado and the Chris Godber Jazz Band.

VIP Lounge Area 12:30-5pm
Enjoy the exclusive VIP Lounge with premium wine, spirits and hors d'oeuvres from Marlin Grill, located at the Terrace Amenities Deck.

Wine Dinners
Celebrate the festival with winemakers as they host a gourmet experience at select restaurants throughout The Village.

ABC Fine Wine and Spirits Retail Tent, 10am-8pm
Purchase your favorite wine or spirits at a special Wine Festival discount.

Sunday, April 17
Brunch by the Bay, 10am-2 pm
Cap off your wine festival weekend at Baytowne Marina. Enjoy scenic views of the bay, live music and free-flowing specialty drinks while choosing from a wide selection of fresh, seasonal brunch items.

Exploration of Vintage and Oak Choices, 12pm
Explore the choices winemakers make through a tasting targeting the differences in vintage variation and oak aging. Enjoy a tasting of the entire line of Honor's boutique 300 case or less production with winemaker Sean Meyer. The experience will also highlight four wines to provide clear examples of winemaking choices.

ABC Fine Wine and Spirits Retail Tent, 10am-2pm
Purchase your favorite wine or spirits at a special Wine Festival discount.

Accommodations from the Beach to the Bay
Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort 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 available with savings up to 25% off (code: WINE16). Call 866.91.BEACH to talk to a reservation specialist or visit Sandestin.com/WINE.

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

Chief sponsors of the 30th Annual Sandestin Wine Festival include Coastal Living magazine, ABC Fine Wine & Spirits, Publix, Good Grit Magazine, Visit South Walton, 30A, GPL Landscaping, EC Magazine, 850 Magazine, Fly VPS and SoWal.

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, and Sandestin Foundation for Kids, whose goal is to make a meaningful and positive difference in children's lives.

For more information about tickets and a full schedule of events for the 30th Annual Sandestin Wine Festival, visit www.sandestinwinefestival.com. People are invited to follow the festival on social media using the hashtag #SandestinUncorked and the Sandestin Wine Festival Facebook page.

About the Sandestin Wine Festival
The Sandestin Wine Festival is the longest, continuously running wine festival in the Southeast. Thousands of people enjoy festival events including Sparkling Wine and Holiday Lights in November, plus Wine Dinners, Seminars and Grand Wine Tastings in April. For information, visit www.sandestinwinefestival.com.

About Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort
Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort is a major destination for all seasons and all ages, and was named the #1 Resort on Florida's Emerald Coast. The resort invites guests to a world of 2,400 acres and 30 charming neighborhoods featuring more than 1,250 vacation rentals, condominiums, villas, town homes and the best in hotel accommodations. As 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 Village of Baytowne Wharf, a charming pedestrian village with events, shopping, dining and nightlife. People are invited to download Sandestin's APP for iPhone and Android devices, or become a Facebook Fan or Twitter follower for the latest events and news.

SOURCE Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort