April 23-26, 2026
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.
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.
So fresh. So fun. So flavorful. So friendly. Yeah, we’ll toast to that!
Choose from our individual events or go for the full-bodied, VIP experience and enjoy all three days of SoWalWine.
“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.”
So knowledgeable. So notable. So memorable. So remarkable.
That’s SoWalWine’s 2025 Celebrity Guest List!
Andrea is Michter's Master of Maturation and COO overseeing everything from barrel specifications and heat cycling to whiskey filtration and innovation in aging. With a Master of Chemical Engineering, she brings deep technical expertise and leadership to every aspect of whiskey production. Before joining Michter's, Andrea held key roles at Diageo, including Director of Whiskey Strategy for North America. She made history as the first woman to serve as Chair of the Kentucky Distillers Association and was inducted into The Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame® in 2022. Admired for her pioneering spirit and achievements, Andrea continues to shape the future of the whiskey industry.
Meet Michael – Your Friendly Neighborhood Cocktail Maestro! With a decade of mixology magic under his belt, Michael is a storyteller, a drink artist, and your go-to guy for a perfectly crafted cocktail. Whether he's shaking up an espresso martini (his personal favorite) or pouring a smooth bourbon, he’s always ready to swap stories with locals and travelers alike. When he’s not behind the bar, you’ll find him cheering on the Ole Miss Rebels, soaking up the Panhandle’s blue skies, and stunning beaches, or perfecting his latest cocktail creation.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.”
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.
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.
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.
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.
Don't miss the chance to learn from the best in the business at our exclusive tasting seminars. Our 2025 seminar lineup included:
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
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.
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!
Have a question for us? Check out some of the most frequently asked questions.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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!
Unfortunately, we do not have this capability.
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.
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!
Tickets are only available online.
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.
Send us a note or give us a call and we’ll gladly answer any questions you may have. See you soon!
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