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With stark white tents, flowing fine wine, fresh Gulf seafood, beautiful ladies strolling around in hats, and plenty of live music, it’s no wonder that the The Sandestin Wine Festival is sometimes called the “Kentucky Derby of Wine Festivals.” Drawing thousands…
Drawing thousands of people to The Village of Baytowne Wharf at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, this year’s event is set for April 18 – 21.
Now in its 27th year, the Sandestin Wine Festival is the original and most established wine festival on the Gulf Coast, and features one-of-a-kind seminars, wine dinners, grand wine tastings and culinary experiences. It’s a magnificent tradition featuring more than 700 wines.
“We are excited to report that ticket sales for the Sandestin Wine Festival are well ahead of any festival in previous years,” said special events manager Lanier Motes.
New this year is a Friday evening Grand Wine Tasting on April 19 combined with the Grand Wine Tasting on Saturday, April 20. Also new this year is an expansion of the wine festival in the Village of Baytowne Wharf and at the Baytowne Marina. Coastal Living Magazine is a presenting sponsor, and other notable organizations including The Atlanta Wine School, are supporting sponsors. Proceeds of the Sandestin Wine Festival will go to the Fisher House, a home-away-from-home for the Military families of seriously ill or injured patients.
This year, Diane Henderiks — a personal chef and Registered Dietitian on a mission to teach America how to cook and eat well — is slated to entertain guests on Friday, April 19 at the Sandestin Wine Festival at the Coastal Living Magazine Stage during the Grand Wine Tasting event. Diane is a regular contributor for Good Morning America, founder of “Dish with Diane” and has appeared as an expert guest on many of the country’s leading media including CBS, ABC, NBC, Fox News, CNN, BetterTV and on Martha Stewart Radio. “Any dish can be revamped to be good for you,” said Henderiks. “It just takes a little education and finesse.”
Also appearing is Paula Deen, internationally known food personality, author and restaurateur.
“Paula’s southern charm, positive and engaging personality, cooking expertise and wine festival involvement is a perfect match for our guests and for the treasured tradition of the Sandestin Wine Festival,” said Motes.
From Paula’s Home Cooking to Top Chef, Paula Deen has been a popular personality on the Food Network for more than a decade. She has sold nearly 10 million books focused on her life of Southern cooking, and has her own magazine, Cooking with Paula Deen. Paula has been an inspiration to thousands with her good natured approach, her ability to overcome adversity and positive attitude.
As part of her involvement at the Sandestin Wine Festival, Paula will be a featured chef on the Coastal Living Cooking Stage on Saturday, April 20, and will also be a special guest at the festival’s VIP Connoisseur event.
Wine Dinners at Sandestin’s Village of Baytowne Wharf
Village restaurants including Marlin Grill, Bistro Bijoux and Graffiti will offer specially prepared menus paired with wines.
Grand Wine Tasting and Cooking Demonstrations at the Coastal Living Stage, 5 p.m. to 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. Visit the Culinary Pavilion as well to sample delicious fare and Gulf seafood paired with wines. Location: The Village of Baytowne Wharf
Cooking Demonstration at the Coastal Living Stage, 6 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Be entertained by culinary experts and learn how they prepare their favorite entrees and suggestions for wine pairings. Location: The Grand Lawn. Price: Free with paid Wine Festival entry and wristband. Please note seating is limited.
Retail Tent, 2 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Purchase your favorite wine or spirits at a special Wine Festival discount. Location: Near the Baytowne Marina
A Southern Lunch and Featured Visit by Paula Deen, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Enjoy some of Paula’s favorite dishes as well as some of our own! Paired with wines. Limited tickets available. Tickets include catered lunch, wine pairings, a photo opportunity with Paula Deen, and festival entry. Please note tickets are limited and are based on availability. Location: The Marlin Grill.
VIP Connoisseur Experience
Wine aficionados will enjoy a VIP tasting of rare and specialty wines. This VIP experience includes:
A celebrity reception from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. with top industry names
Tasting menu lunch
A Specialty Reidel Wine Glass
Express entry into the Grand Wine Tasting
Location: SunQuest Cruises’ Solaris Yacht at Baytowne Marina
Grand Wine Tasting
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. Visit the Culinary Pavilion as well to sample delicious fair including Gulf seafood paired with wines. Individuals must be at least 21 years of age to taste wines. Location: The Village of Baytowne Wharf
Coastal Living Stage Presents Paula Deen, 2:15 p.m. and 3:45 p.m.
Be entertained by Paula Deen and see one of her favorite recipes paired with wine. Location: The Grand Lawn. Price: Free with paid Wine Festival entry and wristband. Please note seating is limited.
Retail Tent, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Purchase your favorite wine or spirits at a special Wine Festival discount. Location: Near the Baytowne Marina
Sunday Brunch by the Bay
Enjoy scenic views of the Bay, music and the charming marina while treating yourself to a delicious Sunday Brunch featuring wonderful champagnes and even a “Create Your Own” Bloody Mary Bar. Location: Baytowne Marina
Retail Tent, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Purchase your favorite wine or spirits at a special Wine Festival discount. Location: Near the Baytowne Marina
