Uncork Fun in the Sun at Sandestin Wine Festival Apr 16-19

Wine lovers will be swirling about for the 29th annual Sandestin Wine Festival held April 16-19 at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort. The festival has become a tradition over the years and is widely renowned as the "Kentucky Derby of Wne Festivals."  SoWal.com is proud to once again sponsor the Sandestin Wine Festival.    
 

Daily Grand Wine Tastings in the Village of Baytowne Wharf will feature the pouring of hundreds of domestic and international wines on Friday, April 17 from 5-8 p.m. and Saturday, April 18 from 1-5 p.m. The four-day lineup of events, tastings and entertainment is the longest-running and most established wine festival in Northwest Florida and is presented by Coastal Living magazine.

 
The festival uncorks all the fun on Thursday, April 16 with the official Sandestin Wine Festival Kick-Off Party at Rum Runners located in the Village. The event starts at 5 p.m. and is presented by Mercer Wine Cellars. Enjoy food tastings, wine samples and a special presentation by winemaker Jessica Munnell from Mercer Wine Cellars. Each night of the wine festival showcases special wine dinners from quality Village restaurants including Marlin Grill and Poppy’s Seafood Factory, among others. Also, on Friday night enjoy live music from Nashville rising star Maggie Chapman and local favorite Free Monica.
 
Saturday VIP ticket holders will enjoy an exclusive midday VIP event from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the Terrace Amenities Deck in the Village and will feature a “Base to Bubbles” wine seminar 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. Marlin Grill will accent the experience will special appetizers with musical performances from Maggie Chapman and the duo Elenowen, who captured immediate fame after appearances on the inaugural season of NBC’s The Voice.
 
Saturday’s Grand Wine Tasting will feature vineyard representatives from around the globe and will provide a rare opportunity to learn about the finest appellations from all major wine producing countries in terms of varieties, styles and price ranges. Entertainment for the Saturday tasting will feature Chris Roberts Trio and Elenowen.
 
The weekend events for the Sandestin Wine Festival start with a twist, plus some postures and poses. Get your downward dog on for a first at the festival. The Mind, Body and Beach cleanses the spirit, if not the palette with a special yoga on the beach session presented by Spa Sandestin starting at 7 a.m. Saturday, April 18. Enjoy yoga and beautiful white sand beaches of South Walton all capped off with mimosas to start the day.
 
Back by popular demand this year is the Seafood and Lunch Cruise aboard the Solaris from 12-3 p.m. on Friday, April 17. Enjoy a special dockside reception at Baytowne Marina, then board the vessel for the 2nd Annual Champagne and Seafood Voyage. A four-course seafood menu will be prepared by Solaris chefs as experts from Coastal Wine and Spirits pair the savory selections with premium champagnes.
 
Cap off the festival with a real treat and amazing views. The Sandestin Wine Festival Brunch on the Bay takes center stage 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Sunday, April 19 at Baytowne Marina. Guests can choose from a wide variety of fresh, seasonal brunch items, live music and free flowing sangria, margaritas and mimosas.
 
The ABC Fine Wine & Spirits Retail Tent will be open daily throughout the festival and located at the entrance of Baytowne Wharf. Anyone can enter to purchase their favorite wines without ever having to leave the event.
 
Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort also 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: WINE15). Call 866.91.BEACH to talk to a reservation specialist.
 
Chief sponsors of the 29th Annual Sandestin Wine Festival include Coastal Living magazine, Visit South Walton and ABC Fine Wine & Spirits. Proceeds from the event 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, making a meaningful and positive difference in children's lives.   

 
For more information about tickets and a full schedule of events for the 29th Annual Sandestin Wine Festival, visit www.sandestinwinefestival.com. People are invited to follow festival the event on social media using the hashtag #SandestinUncorked and the Sandestin Wine Festival Facebook page.   

 
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 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. Visit www.Sandestin.com to learn more.