Destin Charity Wine Auction Ranks Among Top Ten by Wine Spectator Magazine

Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation (DCWAF) today announced that its 2012 Charity Wine Auction was recently recognized as one of the nation’s top ten highest-grossing charity auctions by Wine Spectator Magazine. Founded in 2005, DCWAF has since donated $4.7 million to support a variety of children’s charities in Northwest Florida. In 2012, DCWAF donated $1.2 million ($895,000 from live auction bids), representing a 300-percent increase in giving capacity, since its inception.

“We are absolutely delighted and humbled to be recognized by Wine Spectator Magazine this year,” said John Russell, president, Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation. “One of our long-held benchmarks was to be listed among the Top Ten Charity Wine Auctions by this prestigious publication. We are extremely grateful to all of our patrons, sponsors, volunteers and leadership. Their hard work, loyalty, tenaciousness and generosity have helped us to achieve this milestone. We will remain committed to build on this recognition to perpetuate our efforts to support the children of Northwest Florida.”

During the past several years, DCWAF has experienced exponential growth in name recognition, attendance and revenue.  As a result, the organization has been able to attract some of the most influential vintners in the world to participate in the event. Likewise, celebrity chefs from across the country have been coming to South Walton and Destin during Auction weekend in April to create memorable Patron Dinners.

"We have been able to gain significant traction year after year, which has allowed us to build a top-tier organization and draw enthusiastic support throughout the Southeast and beyond," continued Russell. "We are honored to have so many individuals and businesses donate their time and resources to grow this event, which has allowed us to impact the lives of more than 34,000 youth, including those afflicted by health issues and abuse."

In 2013, Destin Charity Wine Auction will again highlight approximately 200 silent and live offerings, many of which are unavailable at other venues, and will welcome hundreds of auction attendees who look forward to the ability to secure rare and highly sought after wines and wine-oriented trips. Included in this year’s Auction is a trip for eight to Napa Valley’s Spring Mountain Vineyards including wine tastings and a selection of the Vintner’s finest reserve wines, a walk down the red carpet and tickets for two to the 2013 Emmy Awards, a six-day journey along Washington State’s San Juan Islands aboard a 50-foot sailing yacht, rare wine collections, a Rolex watch, and many more coveted selections.

This year’s Patron Dinners will feature such well-known chefs as Cindy Hutson of Ortanique on the Mile and Clay Conley of Buccan, both from South Beach in Miami, as well as Tim Creehan from the Destin area and Carvel Grant Gould from Canoe in Atlanta.

This year, Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation will be the recipient of all proceeds generated from the newly-formed South Walton Beaches Wine and Food Festival, which will be held on April 25-28, 2013 in Grand Boulevard at Sandestin. For more information about the Festival, and to secure tickets, visit www.sowalwine.com.

The 2013 Destin Charity Wine Auction will be held on Saturday afternoon, April 27 in Grand Boulevard at Sandestin. The Patron Dinners, which support DCWAF, will be held on Friday evening, April 26. A limited number of tickets for Patron Dinners, which include tickets to the Charity Auction, are still available. For ticket information, please contact karah@dcwaf.org. For more information on DCWAF and the 2013 Auction, visit www.dcwaf.org.

About Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation (DCWAF) was initiated for the purpose of connecting wine enthusiasts and philanthropic-minded citizens in order to raise money for children in need. Founded in 2005, DCWAF has donated more than $4.7 million to Northwest Florida children’s charities by hosting world-class wine and culinary events. These funds have impacted the lives of more than 34,000 youth, including those afflicted by health issues and abuse. Learn more at DCWAF.org or facebook.com/DCWAF.