Drink in the coast at the Sandestin Wine Festival
The annual festival returns for its 34th year with popular events both new and familiar
April has long been a highly anticipated month for local and visiting wine enthusiasts along the Emerald Coast as it promises the return of the annual Sandestin Wine Festival. Now in its 34th year, the Sandestin Wine Festival is the most established and continuously running wine festival on the coast, and its continued success enchants thousands every year at The Village of Baytowne Wharf.
Like its signature libation, this annual festival has aged to perfection. Approximately 4,000 festival-goers descend on the Village during the event’s four-day weekend, and this year’s event — set for April 15–18 — hopes to see more of the same as it provides a unique South Walton experience that is both educational and relaxing.
A new festival favorite — the Bubbly & Boozy tent — returns to the Grand Sandestin Lawn, featuring bubbles, specialty liquors and desserts galore. Local and regional music also set the vibe for these four days of fun and discovery.
Savor South Walton tents will be sprinkled within the festival to allow guests to pair exquisite seafood and delectable appetizers with their current selection. Tents will feature a unique culinary experience that’s included in the ticket price. These tents focus on the food and culture of the Emerald Coast. Stay tuned for exciting info on this year’s chefs and vintners! This year we are adding on to the grand tastings with more selections from around the world while introducing delicious new food offerings. We also have some exciting new venues for some festival-event favorites.
This festival is a picture-perfect series of events, complete with white tents, flowing wine, gourmet food and live music at The Village of Baytowne Wharf at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort. The Sandestin Wine Festival features one-of-a-kind seminars, wine dinners, grand wine tastings and culinary experiences.
The main events, known as our Grand Wine Tastings, showcase more than 500 domestic and international wines over a two-day span. Guests can enjoy the opportunity to talk to vineyard owners and wine makers about their favorite appellations — or maybe try something new. During the Grand Wine Tastings, guests are also treated to a gourmet experience courtesy of some of the best chefs on the Emerald Coast.
Proceeds from this event will be donated to the Fisher House, which provides free or low-cost lodging to veterans and military families receiving treatment at military medical centers. The festival will also benefit the Sandestin Foundation for Kids, which aims to make a meaningful and positive difference in children’s lives. We are so thankful for wonderful community partners that help make this festival a huge success.
Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort also provides the convenience of having accommodations that are steps or a complimentary tram ride away from the festival. Packages with discounted accommodations and tickets are also available. The Sandestin Wine Festival is a chance to truly show off what South Walton has to offer, from the ability to pull off a great event to showcasing local tastes with Savor South Walton — all while inviting everyone to come back for more
So come on down and uncork some fun in the sun at the 34th Annual Sandestin Wine Festival, known as the “Kentucky Derby of Wine Festivals!”
Schedule of Events:
Thursday, April 16
Kickoff Party | DETAILS TBD
Kick off the Sandestin Wine Festival with bite-sized appetizers and mixed drinks. This event is sure to start a fantastic wine festival weekend. Timber Creek Distillery will sample various mixed drinks and craft cocktails during the event.
Celebrate the festival with winemakers as they host a gourmet experience at select restaurants throughout the Village.
Friday, April 17
Champagne and Seafood Lunch Cruise │ DETAILS TBD
Sparkling waves and soft breezes set the mood aboard a luxurious 125-foot yacht that cruises the open waters while indulging in fresh local seafood and premium champagnes. The SOLARIS chefs are featuring an elaborate four-course, Gulf Coast seafood menu, each paired with premium champagnes.
Grand Wine Tastings │ 5–8 p.m.
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 samplings from your favorite local restaurants with the Savor South Walton experience.
VIP Lounge Area │ 4:30–8 p.m.
Enjoy an exclusive VIP Lounge with premium wine, spirits and hors d’oeuvres, located at the Amenities Terrace Deck in The Village of Baytowne Wharf.
Saturday, April 18
Mind. Body. Beach. │ 9 a.m.│ Sandestin Beach | DETAILS TBD
Time to breathe in a new day beside the peaceful turquoise waters of the Gulf and the beaches of South Walton. Open your mind, become one with your body and enjoy the beach with this seaside yoga experience. Enjoy yoga, mimosas and the beach with an experience that will rejuvenate your body and mind.
Grand Wine Tastings │1–4 p.m.
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 samplings from your favorite local restaurants with the Savor South Walton experience.
VIP Lounge Area │ 12:30–4 p.m.
Enjoy an exclusive VIP Lounge with premium wine, spirits and hors d’oeuvres, located at the Amenities Terrace Deck in The Village of Baytowne Wharf.
Sunday, April 19
Bubbly Brunch │ 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.│ DETAILS TBD
Cap off your Sandestin Wine Festival weekend with a special Sunday. Enjoy bottomless mimosas, screw drivers and bloody marys with a traditional brunch menu.
For all additional details on events, tickets, and more as they become available, visit sandestinwinefestival.com.
