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A Taste of South Walton Returns

April 2025

Savor the South Walton Beaches Wine & Food Festival

Story and photography courtesy of Grand Boulevard

Vino connoisseurs and casual wine fans, rejoice! The South Walton Beaches Wine and Food Festival is returning to Florida’s breathtaking Emerald Coast from April 24–27, 2025! This four-day celebration blends endless glasses of wine, incredible food from local chefs, and beautiful beaches, all for a great cause. Held at the stunning Grand Boulevard Town Center, this wine and food festival celebrates flavor, fun, and—most importantly—giving back to the community. With interactive spirit activations, tasting seminars, and live entertainment, this is a festival you won’t want to miss!

Grand Boulevard Town Center in Miramar Beach offers a variety of restaurants, shopping, events, and more. For these four days, as SoWalWine takes over the main boulevard, guests will enjoy over six hundred wines and spirits from some of the finest vintners, distillers, and mixologists around the globe. Seminars led by top industry experts will provide guests with the perfect opportunity to discover new favorite flavors while also making a difference, as ticket sales benefit local children’s charities through the Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation.

“With winemakers and industry experts present to share their knowledge and passion, the festival offers a unique opportunity to learn about the winemaking process, discover new favorites, and connect with prominent figures in the wine industry,” says Chan Cox, founder and owner of Wine World. “It’s more than just a tasting; it’s an immersive experience.”

As the Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation (DCWAF) celebrates its twentieth anniversary this year, the auction weekend promises more than just unforgettable flavors. For nearly two decades, DCWAF has transformed the lives of children across Northwest Florida, raising over $35 million to support more than 100,000 children. These funds are directed to local charities that offer essential services for children, ranging from health care to education. Guests will not only enjoy amazing food and wine, but also contribute to the health and well-being of children in the South Walton area and beyond.

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

The Savor South Walton Culinary Village and Nosh Pavilions will feature top chefs serving up delicious dishes designed to pair perfectly with different wines. At the same time, Spirits Activations invites you to sample inventive cocktails while learning from master mixologists. With live music featuring Nashville singer/songwriters and local musicians, this festival promises non-stop fun, delightful flavors, and great memories.

This year’s event is particularly significant as it coincides with the 20th anniversary of the Destin Charity Wine Auction, which has raised millions for the local community. Just last year, the auction garnered an impressive $3.3 million, a true testament to the generosity of the guests and the impact of their contributions.

“The impact the funds we raise have on our supported charities cannot be overstated,” shares Karah Fridley-Young, president of DCWAF. “They have faced seemingly insurmountable challenges to continue delivering their services, often at great risk to themselves, ensuring that the children in our community know they are not forgotten.”

The funds raised benefit seventeen nonprofit organizations across the region, aiding a variety of programs that positively impact the lives of children facing mental and physical health issues, abuse, and more.

This festival celebrates twenty years of impact, with many more to come. Whether you’re a wine enthusiast, a foodie, or just someone seeking a great weekend getaway, the Savor the South Wine and Food Festival offers something delicious for everyone.