April 24-27, 2025

Sip, Sip, Hooray! SoWalWine’s on the way.

This unforgettable event blends a curated selection of offerings into an unmatched world-class experience. Come be a part of the Southeast’s stand out wine and food festival, where you’ll find the perfect pairing of sunshine, wine, food, industry celebs, and beautiful beaches.

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EST. 2013

So delicious. So vibrant. So exciting. That’s SoWalWine!

We curated the perfect blend of 600+ world-class wines, industry experts, culinary icons, Nashville singer/songwriters, educational seminars and a sprinkle of fun and funky activations, so there’s something for everyone at SoWalWine.

2024 Highlight Reel

So fresh. So fun. So flavorful. So friendly. Yeah, we’ll toast to that!

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Sip, Savor & Celebrate.

Choose from our individual events or go for the full-bodied, VIP experience and enjoy all three days of SoWalWine.

Single Event Admission
April 24, 2025 | 5pm - 7pm

Winemakers & Shakers

Join us as we host honored winemakers and shakers from some of the top wineries in the world to celebrate the best in wine and food. Savor some great wines, mingle with industry experts, and kickoff festival weekend as an insider. *This event is located at Wine World in Destin, FL.
All Inclusive Access
April 25 - April 27, 2025

VIP 3-Day Package

Join us for ALL three days of the wine festival and enjoy VIP access to our Botanicals, Bitters & Brews, VIP Tasting, and both Saturday & Sunday Grand tastings. This all-inclusive festival experience comes with express entry, VIP wine pourings, Riedel tasting glasses, upgraded swag, and so much more!
Single Event Admission
April 25 | 5:30pm - 8pm

Botanicals, Bitters & Brews

Enjoy a cocktail competition, craft beer, lite bites, and live music in a stunning garden-inspired setting under the stars. Sample specialty cocktails & vote for your favorite, sip local craft brews, and nosh on delectable cuisine while you dance the night away to The Forrest Williams Band!
Single Event Admission
April 26 | 3pm - 6pm

Saturday Grand Tasting

Looking to taste the best in wine? You’ve come to the right place. At SoWalWine, it’s all about the quality, diversity, scope, and relevance of wines being offered and the people bringing them to the table. We proudly pour over 600 high-quality, diverse selections of wines at SoWalWine.
Single Event Admission
April 27 | 1pm - 4 pm

Sunday Grand Tasting

When it’s so much fun you have to do it again! That’s SoWalWine. Welcome back to day two of the Grand Tastings, where you can taste wines from around the world and buzz-worthy, award-winning craft spirits, then stroll on over to sample delicious foods while listening to live music.

“In April, the South Walton Beaches Wine & Food Festival pours out the fun during a four-day extravaganza with winemakers, distillers, and mixologists alongside bites by South Walton’s best chefs.”

Celebrity Guests

Pouring on the Fun

So knowledgeable. So notable. So memorable. So remarkable. That’s SoWalWine’s Celebrity Guest List!

Cocktail Competition Contestant
Nick Robison
Pescado, Alys Beach
Nick Robison
Botanicals, Bitters & Brews Bartender

Nick has been bringing energy, charm, and top-tier cocktails to the bar for 13 years. For him, bartending isn’t just about mixing drinks—it’s about carrying on a centuries-old craft while meeting incredible people along the way. A whiskey lover with a soft spot for a Gold Rush, he pours with personality and serves up good times with every glass. Born and raised in the Panhandle, he’s got deep roots in the community he loves—between the beaches, the diverse crowd, and having his family close, it’s home. Plus, it’s where he met the love of his life, so it doesn’t get much better than that!

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Cocktail Competition Contestant
Blake Shaw
The Grand Marlin, Pensacola
Blake Shaw
Botanicals, Bitters & Brews Bartender

Blake has been in the industry for over a decade, crafting drinks with passion and creativity. His favorite spirits are bourbon and tequila, and he’s always up for a well-made Paper Plane. He loves the Panhandle for its diverse mix of people and cultures—plus, the great weather doesn’t hurt. Now, he’s thrilled to be a part of Botanicals, Bitters & Brews, bringing joy to others through his craft.

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Cocktail Competition Contestant
Devin Hudson
Hurricane Oyster Bar & Grille, Pensacola Beach
Devin Hudson
Botanicals, Bitters & Brews Bartender

Devin has been in the industry for 20 years, perfecting the craft of bartending with a meticulous touch and a creative spirit. She loves everything about the process—measuring, pouring, shaking, and stirring—just as much as she enjoys crafting new drinks and connecting with the diverse guests who visit the bar. A fan of bourbon and Scotch, her go-to cocktail is a Last Word. When she's not behind the bar, you'll find her exploring the Panhandle’s stunning natural landscapes, from the coastal dune lakes to the waters of the Choctawhatchee Bay. And if the UNC Tar Heels are playing, you know she’s watching.

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Cocktail Competition Contestant
Corey Jordan
Shades at the Loop, Rosemary
Corey Jordan
Botanicals, Bitters & Brews Bartender

Corey has spent the last decade behind the bar, finding joy in expanding guests’ horizons and getting them to try something new—especially when it’s his own creation. There’s nothing better than watching someone light up with surprise and satisfaction, especially when they realize they love a spirit they thought they didn’t. A tequila fan who prefers sipping neat to cocktails, he takes the same appreciation for nuance into his surroundings, savoring the beauty of the Panhandle’s beaches, the feel of warm sand, and the rhythmic crash of the waves as the perfect escape from everyday stress.

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Cocktail Competition Contestant
Hunter Church
Down Island, Santa Rosa beach
Hunter Church
Botanicals, Bitters & Brews Bartender

Hunter has spent the last decade behind the bar, where he finds the most satisfaction in crafting the perfect cocktail experience for his guests—there’s nothing better than nailing a pairing and feeling that spark of creativity at the same time. While he enjoys all forms of alcohol, tequila is always a solid go-to. He loves calling the Panhandle home, not just for the beaches or its close proximity to fun cities like New Orleans and Atlanta, but for the laid-back, welcoming people who make it hard to leave.

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Cocktail Competition Contestant
Adam Guidry
Mingle, The Mobile Mixologist Experience
Adam Guidry
Botanicals, Bitters & Brews Bartender

Adam has been in the industry for 15 years and is passionate about crafting memorable cocktails and experiences for his guests. A tequila enthusiast, he appreciates the depth and versatility of the spirit, but his go-to cocktail is the classic Blood and Sand. Living in the Panhandle, he loves the slower pace of life and the stunning beauty of the Gulf, which perfectly complements his approach to hospitality.

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Cocktail Competition Contestant
Madeline Cates
Jacos, Downtown Pensacola
Madeline Cates
Botanicals, Bitters & Brews Bartender

Madeline has been in the industry for 13 years and loves pushing the boundaries of flavor by experimenting with unique and creative combinations. A true bourbon and rum enthusiast, her favorite cocktail is a perfectly crafted Smoked Old Fashioned. Born and raised in Pensacola, she has a deep appreciation for her hometown’s rich history and natural beauty.

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Cocktail Competition Contestant
Chris Thoumaly
Alys Beach, Santa Rosa Beach
Chris Thoumaly
Botanicals, Bitters & Brews Bartender

Chris has been in the industry for 10 years and thrives on the creative vision behind bartending—experimenting with flavors, perfecting presentation, and crafting unique experiences. While his favorite spirit depends on the vibe, tequila is his top choice, and his go-to cocktail is the bold and balanced Naked and Famous.

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Founding Sponsor

Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation

As a 501(c)3, all proceeds from South Walton Beaches Wine & Food Festival support Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation, benefiting children in need in Northwest Florida. By raising our glass, we’re raising hope for our community one sip at a time.

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Sounds of SoWalWine

Music. Wine. Repeat.

From fun and funky to bluegrass and everything in between, enjoy the savory sounds of Nashville singer/songwriters and local musicians as you stroll the festival.

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Nashville Songwriter
Aaron Barker
Nashville Songwriter
Aaron Barker
Nashville Songwriter

Aaron Barker, a Texas native, began his musical journey at a young age, writing songs and performing in bands. His songwriting talent caught the attention of George Strait, leading to a string of hits like "Baby Blue" and "Love Without End, Amen." Barker also pursued a successful solo career, releasing several albums and touring extensively. Beyond his own music, he has written songs for numerous country artists, including Doug Supernaw, Lonestar, and Clay Walker. His contributions to the country music industry have earned him recognition and induction into prestigious halls of fame.

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Nashville Songwriter
Austin Moody
Nashville Songwriter
Austin Moody
Nashville Songwriter

Austin Moody, from Kingsport, Tennessee, is a true artist with a deep respect for traditional country and classic rock. As the frontman of The Neon High and producer of Tommy Conners’ new album, he stays true to timeless storytelling and raw emotion. In 2023, he independently released a song that hit the iTunes top five, proving his dedication to authentic, heartfelt music.

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Nashville Songwriter
Bridgette Tatum
Nashville Songwriter
Bridgette Tatum
Nashville Songwriter

Bridgette Tatum is an accomplished singer/songwriter/producer/industry entrepreneur from Florence SC (Cackalacki) with more than 100 cuts to include #1’s under her boots! A Guitar banger with the vocal delivery of honey soaked tequila, she brings the songs and the stories to life with each line. Some call her an experience, some call her a friend to the craft, but each moment represents a piece of what’s in her soul that’ll have you walking away with a feeling of both. In her own words, “Make it honest, let it tell it’s truth, and you’ll be saying what the song needs to say. It’s always in the room.”

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Nashville Songwriter
Clint Daniels
Nashville Songwriter
Clint Daniels
Nashville Songwriter

Clint Daniels was born in Panama City, Florida, and raised in nearby Lynn Haven. He discovered his passion for music early on, singing with his family in church and teaching himself guitar at 12, inspired by bluegrass. After high school, he moved to Nashville to pursue a career in country music, signing with Acuff-Rose Music Publishing in 2000. He is now a songwriter for Sony/ATV Publishing.

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Friday Night Artist
2025 Guest
Forrest Williams
Country, Rock, Blues, Folk
Forrest Williams
Country, Rock, Blues, Folk

Growing up in the hills of Arkansas, Forrest picked up the guitar when he was 14 years old and has been playing ever since. He grew up listening to Rock, Blues, Country, and Folk music from the 60's up to present day, which has influenced his songwriting. His style covers a variety of music, incorporating the acoustic & electric guitar and the harmonica. Forrest released his third all Original studio album “Monday To A Saturday" in May of 2019. He has two more all Original CD’s “Gonna Take Love & his self-titled album.

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Nashville Songwriter
Jason Byrd
Nashville Songwriter
Jason Byrd
Nashville Songwriter

Jason Byrd, a Tallahassee native, balanced careers as a firefighter and a country music artist, eventually catching the attention of country legend George Jones. Under Jones’ mentorship, Jason’s career took off, leading him to share stages with icons like Loretta Lynn, Dierks Bentley, and Tracy Lawrence. In 2021, he released Better Life, a duet with Jones, which was nominated for the 2022 Josie Music Awards' “Single of the Year.” To date, Jason has released 12 singles, with new music set for release in summer 2025.

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Nashville Songwriter
Ronnie Bowman
Nashville Songwriter
Ronnie Bowman
Nashville Songwriter

Ronnie Bowman has been performing since age three, starting in a family band before joining The Lonesome River Band, where he contributed to the IBMA Album of the Year Carrying the Tradition. A three-time IBMA Male Vocalist of the Year, he has also written chart-topping songs for Brooks & Dunn, Kenny Chesney, and Lee Ann Womack. His songwriting success continued with three songs on Chris Stapleton’s Traveller, including Nobody to Blame, which won the ACM Song of the Year. Today, he remains a celebrated Bluegrass and Country artist, performing and contributing to the genres he loves.

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Tasting Seminars

Grab a seat at the insider’s table

Transcending expectations and demystifying the search for the perfect bottle, SoWalWine welcomes enthusiasts of all ages and levels—from casual sippers to the most discerning palates. Learn from the industry’s finest vintners, distillers, and experts during our educational tasting seminars on Saturday and Sunday.

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Sunday 27 April

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Time
8:00 am - 9:00 am
Location
123 Sample St, Sydney
Speaker
Ben Casteel
Details

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Tasting Seminars

Grab your seat at the insider’s table

Don't miss the chance to learn from the best in the business at our exclusive tasting seminars.

Saturday:
3:30pm - 4pm: Panel Seminar with Willamette Valley Wineries Association   
4:30pm - 5pm: Myra Barginear, Co-Founder & CEO,  Paul Sutton Bourbon

Sunday:
1:30pm – 2pm: Jonathan Pullis, Wine Director & Master Sommelier at PARC Aspen showcases an Artiste Winery & Wine Chips pairing with Brown Trading Co. Caviar 
2:30pm – 3pm: Panel Seminar with Napa Valley Vintners

Spirits Activations

Where everyone's spirits are always high!

Discover unique spirits activations throughout the festival, featuring craft cocktails from Mount Gay Rum, bold pours from Jim Beam, and rich flavors from Paul Sutton Bourbon, with co-founder & CEO Myra Barginear sharing her passion for bourbon. Plus, savor iconic wines from Rombauer Vineyards, making this a tasting experience you won’t want to miss.

Stay tuned—there are more exciting activations to come!

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A photo of merchant booth with paddle boards
A photo of merchant booth with paddle boards
A photo of merchant booth with paddle boards
A photo of merchant booth with paddle boards
A photo of merchant booth with paddle boards
A photo of merchant booth with paddle boards
A photo of merchant booth with paddle boards
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Culinary Village

Savor South Walton's favorite flavors

Savor four unforgettable days of culinary delights from beloved local hotspots like BrickTop’s, Harbor Docks, Wine World, Louis Louis, The Perfect Pig, The Craft Bar, Working Cows Dairy, Grimaldi’s Coal Oven Pizzeria, Cantina Laredo, Emeril’s Coastal, Barefoot’s Beachside Bar & Grill, and more!

FAQs

Have a question for us? Check out some of the most frequently asked questions.

Where is South Walton Beaches Wine & Food Festival located?

The festival is located throughout Grand Boulevard’s Town Center, on multiple streets and green spaces. For the most accurate directions, enter 585 Grand Boulevard, Miramar Beach, Florida, into your GPS.

Where do we park?

Grand Boulevard has parking throughout its 52 acres of retail stores, restaurants, parks and hotels. Parking will be at a premium so we recommend ride shares or carpooling. Arrive early for the best experience!

Is there a designated driver ticket?

In order to enter any of the vendor tents, including culinary village, seminars or pouring tents, you must have a wristband. There is no reduced-price wristband but, remember, SoWalWine is a charitable event and all proceeds benefit Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation.

Does my child need a ticket?

This is an adults-only event and we do not recommend bringing children. In order to enter any of the vendor tents, including culinary village, seminars or pouring tents, you must have a wristband. There is no reduced-price wristband.

My friend is coming with us but does not want to purchase a ticket, will there be anything for her to do?

Grand Boulevard’s Town Center is open to the public during the festival. That includes all of the retail shops and restaurants. Additionally, there will be live entertainment throughout the afternoon that anyone can enjoy!

Can I upgrade or change my ticket?

Unfortunately, we do not have this capability.

Can I bring my pet to the festival?

Pets may be okay, but no pets are allowed in the Culinary Village for sanitary and safety purposes. If you have a certified therapy dog with papers, it will be allowed, however, be aware that leashes may create a safety hazard.

Can I make a reservation for a seminar?

The seminars are first come, first serve and no standing room. There are 72 seats for each seminar where attendees are treated to wine and spirits typically not available during the festival. We recommend grabbing your seat early!

Can I buy tickets at a physical location before the festival?

Tickets are only available online.

Can I buy tickets at the event?

If tickets are still available, you may purchase them at online while at Grand Boulevard the day of the event. Remember, ticket prices increase April 1st.

Still have questions?

Send us a note or give us a call and we’ll gladly answer any questions you may have. See you soon!

Raise your glass to 
our Presenting Sponsors!

Founding Partners

Official Lodging Partner

Official Media Sponsor

Preferred Lodging Partners

Media Sponsors

Platinum Sponsors

Community Sponsors

Contributing Sponsors

Special Thanks

Stay Connected

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