2017 Schedule
All festival events take place in Grand Boulevard’s Town Center unless otherwise noted.
Beachfront, Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa
By invitation only, this insider’s reception is hosted by festival founder, Chan Cox. A casual occasion, guests are treated to an authentic South Walton menu, complete with freshly shucked oysters, delicious wines and craft beer. Enjoy live entertainment as the sun sets into the mesmerizing Gulf of Mexico.
Wine World in Destin. Buy tickets here.
Join us as we host honored winemakers and shakers from some of the top wineries in the world and taste great wines.
Grand Boulevard Town Center and Grand Park. Buy tickets here.
Taste and enjoy specialty craft beers and spirits from the hottest breweries and distilleries in the country. Meet the people who make these lively libations. Nosh on great food on EATS Street. Live music to maximize your jam.
Grand Boulevard Grand Park. This event is SOLD OUT!
For the ultimate wine experience, the VIP Wine Tasting has top wine celebrities presenting and pouring rare and collectable wines. Food tastings from fabulous Grand Boulevard and South Walton restaurants. Receive your own commemorative XL Riedel glass to round out this exclusive tasting. Express entry to Saturday’s Grand Tasting included in ticket price.
Grand Boulevard Town Center and Culinary Village. Buy tickets here.
It’s all about the wine! It truly is all about the quality, diversity and scope of wines being offered and the skills and relevance of the people bringing them to you. More than 800 wines are available at the Grand Tasting and ticket price includes Savor South Walton Culinary Village, Tasting Seminars, Champagne Lane Tastings, Spirits Row, chef demos and Nashville Songwriters Showcase.
Don Hartford, Jackson Family Wines & Hartford Family Wines
1:15 – 2:00pm
From the most prestigious wineries on the west coast, Don Hartford, Founder and CEO of Hartford Family wines and CEO of Jackson Family Wines, presents a Pinot Noir focused seminar examining the terroir of California AVA’s – American Viticultural Area. Year after year, Hartford wines rank among the most sought-after collectables from California. Since the 1994 vintage, the Hartford’s have built the winery’s reputation on limited-production, handmade, single-vineyard Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Old Vine Zinfandel from some of Northern California’s greatest vineyards. In addition to their own estate, Hartford harvests fruit from a handful of prized vineyards throughout the Russian River Valley, Green Valley, Carneros, Sonoma Coast and Anderson Valley. These are all high-reputation, low-yielding, sustainably-farmed sites situated in cool-climate sub-regions.
Franco Massolino, Massolino Wines
2:30 – 3:00pm
“A Walk Through Piedmont with Franco Massolino – Experience the Varietals, Terroir, and History of Northern Italy’s Most Prestigious Wine Region”
The history of the Massolino family and their wine became entwined with the history of Serralunga d’Alba in 1896 when Giovanni Massolino founded the estate. Giovanni was the very first person to bring electricity to the village. A few generations later, in the 1990s, Franco joined the family enterprise. His work condenses the experience of an entire family and the ambition of a new generation, determined to make an important contribution to the innovation of oenological and agronomical techniques and to the image of the estate in Italy and abroad. Enjoy the refreshing whites and classic reds of this region while Franco shares his family’s story with you.
Tommy Brunett, Iron Smoke Whiskey
3:30 – 4:15pm
A really special treat from rocker turned whiskey-maker, Tommy Brunett, founder of Iron Smoke Whiskey. As the touring guitarist with Modern English (I’ll stop the world and melt with you – that song!) in the 80s, Tommy played concerts throughout the world. He takes center stage here to take the audience on his adventure from rock n’ roll to award-winning whiskey. A natural raconteur, Tommy still rocks with his band, The Tommy Brunett Band (you can see them mainstage at Friday night’s Craft Beer & Spirits Jam).
Special guests and wine celebrities will be pouring fine Champagnes and sparkling wines on Saturday and Sunday from 2 to 4 p.m. in the new Champagne Lane Tastings tent. Indulge in fine chocolates and sweet treats from Kilwin’s Chocolates, Fudge & Ice Cream, and of course, lots of bubbles.
Auction Central
This unparalleled charity event raises money for children in need in Northwest Florida and has been recognized as one of the Nation’s ‘Top 10 Charity Wine Auction in the U.S.’ by Wine Spectator Magazine for the last four consecutive years. For more information about Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation’s amazing mission and this event, please visit www.DCWAF.org.
Grand Boulevard Town Center and Culinary Village. Buy tickets here.
Sometimes something is so much fun you want to do it all over again. Welcome back to day two of the Grand Tastings. For those of you just joining us, relax and enjoy ambling around Grand Boulevard’s large Town Center as you taste as many of the 800 bottles of wine as you like. Stroll over to the Savor South Walton Culinary Village and taste delicious food, selected to go with all varietals of wines. Check out the songwriters who came in from Nashville to play just for you.
Laurent Gruet, Gruet Winery
1:30 – 2:15pm
“French Roots; American Dreams”
For 2017, the sparkle is back! And by sparkle, we mean bubbly of course! Second-generation winemaker, Laurent Gruet, and the fabulous sparkling wines of Gruet Winery will be featured at the festival during a special presentation at Champagne Lane. Laurent will also present one of four tasting seminars. His seminar, “French Roots; American Dreams,” will explore his family’s winemaking journey from the Champagne region of France to New Mexico where they craft their award-winning, top-rated sparkling wines. Sip on these delectable bubbles while listening to Laurent tell his family’s story about passionately crafting American sparkling wines in the traditional French method.
Glenn Salva, Wine Estate Manager, Antica Napa Valley – Antinori, Italy
3:00 – 3:45pm
“Antinori Heritage Explored through Cabernet”
Enjoy this opportunity to merge stories about two of the historic estates of the Antinori family (Tenuta Tignanello and Tenuta Guado al Tasso) with the wines and history of Antica Napa Valley. The Antinori Family history is a narrative about devotion to winemaking that is woven through more than 630 years and 26 generations. Six wines will be tasted that will showcase how the Antinori reputation has grown throughout the centuries by making innovative and sometimes courageous choices, always with unwavering respect for the land and for tradition. The Antinori Family winemaking history will be explored through Cabernet Sauvignon from three of their esteemed wine estates: Tenuta Tignanello (Tuscany), Tenuta Guado al Tasso (Tuscany), and Antica Estate (Napa Valley).
Special guests and wine celebrities will be pouring fine Champagnes and sparkling wines on Saturday and Sunday from 2 to 4 p.m. in the new Champagne Lane Tastings tent. Indulge in fine chocolates and sweet treats from Kilwin’s Chocolates, Fudge & Ice Cream, and of course, lots of bubbles.
Beachfront, Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa
By invitation only, this insider’s reception is hosted by festival founder, Chan Cox. A casual occasion, guests are treated to an authentic South Walton menu, complete with freshly shucked oysters, delicious wines and craft beer. Enjoy live entertainment as the sun sets into the mesmerizing Gulf of Mexico.
Wine World in Destin. Buy tickets here.
Join us as we host honored winemakers and shakers from some of the top wineries in the world and taste great wines.
Grand Boulevard Town Center and Grand Park. Buy tickets here.
Taste and enjoy specialty craft beers and spirits from the hottest breweries and distilleries in the country. Meet the people who make these lively libations. Nosh on great food on EATS Street. Live music to maximize your jam.
Grand Boulevard Grand Park. This event is SOLD OUT!
For the ultimate wine experience, the VIP Wine Tasting has top wine celebrities presenting and pouring rare and collectable wines. Food tastings from fabulous Grand Boulevard and South Walton restaurants. Receive your own commemorative XL Riedel glass to round out this exclusive tasting. Express entry to Saturday’s Grand Tasting included in ticket price.
Grand Boulevard Town Center and Culinary Village. Buy tickets here.
It’s all about the wine! It truly is all about the quality, diversity and scope of wines being offered and the skills and relevance of the people bringing them to you. More than 800 wines are available at the Grand Tasting and ticket price includes Savor South Walton Culinary Village, Tasting Seminars, Champagne Lane Tastings, Spirits Row, chef demos and Nashville Songwriters Showcase.
Don Hartford, Jackson Family Wines & Hartford Family Wines
1:15 – 2:00pm
From the most prestigious wineries on the west coast, Don Hartford, Founder and CEO of Hartford Family wines and CEO of Jackson Family Wines, presents a Pinot Noir focused seminar examining the terroir of California AVA’s – American Viticultural Area. Year after year, Hartford wines rank among the most sought-after collectables from California. Since the 1994 vintage, the Hartford’s have built the winery’s reputation on limited-production, handmade, single-vineyard Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Old Vine Zinfandel from some of Northern California’s greatest vineyards. In addition to their own estate, Hartford harvests fruit from a handful of prized vineyards throughout the Russian River Valley, Green Valley, Carneros, Sonoma Coast and Anderson Valley. These are all high-reputation, low-yielding, sustainably-farmed sites situated in cool-climate sub-regions.
Franco Massolino, Massolino Wines
2:30 – 3:00pm
“A Walk Through Piedmont with Franco Massolino – Experience the Varietals, Terroir, and History of Northern Italy’s Most Prestigious Wine Region”
The history of the Massolino family and their wine became entwined with the history of Serralunga d’Alba in 1896 when Giovanni Massolino founded the estate. Giovanni was the very first person to bring electricity to the village. A few generations later, in the 1990s, Franco joined the family enterprise. His work condenses the experience of an entire family and the ambition of a new generation, determined to make an important contribution to the innovation of oenological and agronomical techniques and to the image of the estate in Italy and abroad. Enjoy the refreshing whites and classic reds of this region while Franco shares his family’s story with you.
Tommy Brunett, Iron Smoke Whiskey
3:30 – 4:15pm
A really special treat from rocker turned whiskey-maker, Tommy Brunett, founder of Iron Smoke Whiskey. As the touring guitarist with Modern English (I’ll stop the world and melt with you – that song!) in the 80s, Tommy played concerts throughout the world. He takes center stage here to take the audience on his adventure from rock n’ roll to award-winning whiskey. A natural raconteur, Tommy still rocks with his band, The Tommy Brunett Band (you can see them mainstage at Friday night’s Craft Beer & Spirits Jam).
Special guests and wine celebrities will be pouring fine Champagnes and sparkling wines on Saturday and Sunday from 2 to 4 p.m. in the new Champagne Lane Tastings tent. Indulge in fine chocolates and sweet treats from Kilwin’s Chocolates, Fudge & Ice Cream, and of course, lots of bubbles.
Auction Central
This unparalleled charity event raises money for children in need in Northwest Florida and has been recognized as one of the Nation’s ‘Top 10 Charity Wine Auction in the U.S.’ by Wine Spectator Magazine for the last four consecutive years. For more information about Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation’s amazing mission and this event, please visit www.DCWAF.org.
Grand Boulevard Town Center and Culinary Village. Buy tickets here.
Sometimes something is so much fun you want to do it all over again. Welcome back to day two of the Grand Tastings. For those of you just joining us, relax and enjoy ambling around Grand Boulevard’s large Town Center as you taste as many of the 800 bottles of wine as you like. Stroll over to the Savor South Walton Culinary Village and taste delicious food, selected to go with all varietals of wines. Check out the songwriters who came in from Nashville to play just for you.
Laurent Gruet, Gruet Winery
1:30 – 2:15pm
“French Roots; American Dreams”
For 2017, the sparkle is back! And by sparkle, we mean bubbly of course! Second-generation winemaker, Laurent Gruet, and the fabulous sparkling wines of Gruet Winery will be featured at the festival during a special presentation at Champagne Lane. Laurent will also present one of four tasting seminars. His seminar, “French Roots; American Dreams,” will explore his family’s winemaking journey from the Champagne region of France to New Mexico where they craft their award-winning, top-rated sparkling wines. Sip on these delectable bubbles while listening to Laurent tell his family’s story about passionately crafting American sparkling wines in the traditional French method.
Glenn Salva, Wine Estate Manager, Antica Napa Valley – Antinori, Italy
3:00 – 3:45pm
“Antinori Heritage Explored through Cabernet”
Enjoy this opportunity to merge stories about two of the historic estates of the Antinori family (Tenuta Tignanello and Tenuta Guado al Tasso) with the wines and history of Antica Napa Valley. The Antinori Family history is a narrative about devotion to winemaking that is woven through more than 630 years and 26 generations. Six wines will be tasted that will showcase how the Antinori reputation has grown throughout the centuries by making innovative and sometimes courageous choices, always with unwavering respect for the land and for tradition. The Antinori Family winemaking history will be explored through Cabernet Sauvignon from three of their esteemed wine estates: Tenuta Tignanello (Tuscany), Tenuta Guado al Tasso (Tuscany), and Antica Estate (Napa Valley).
Special guests and wine celebrities will be pouring fine Champagnes and sparkling wines on Saturday and Sunday from 2 to 4 p.m. in the new Champagne Lane Tastings tent. Indulge in fine chocolates and sweet treats from Kilwin’s Chocolates, Fudge & Ice Cream, and of course, lots of bubbles.