Vino lovers and beach bums can combine two of their favorite things at the 30th Annual Sandestin Wine Festival, which takes place April 14-17. Just a six-hour drive from Atlanta, the Sandestin Wine Festival at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort gets uncorked on April 14 with the Official Kick-Off Party, 30A at the 30th ($30 ticket) at Rum Runners, featuring paired appetizers, live music and wines from the new 30A collection.
The festival will wow serious wine enthusiasts and dabblers alike with hundreds of domestic and international wines up for sampling during the Grand Tastings in the Village of Baytowne Wharf on Friday, April 15 from 5 p.m.-8 p.m. and Saturday, April 16, from 1 p.m.-5 p.m. The Savor South Walton experience will showcase local chefs, while the Village Merchants will feature plenty of appetizers to pair with your vino. Friday and Saturday ticket holders can opt to up the ante on the grand tasting experience with a VIP lounge area that features exclusive wines and hors d'oeuvres from Marlin Grill. Friday Grand Tasting pre-sale tickets will run you $55 each ($100 for VIP Lounge), while Saturday tickets are $85 each ($150 for VIP Lounge). Or choose the Two-day Friday and Saturday Grand Tasting tickets that cost $125 each ($210 for the VIP Lounge). Day-of ticket prices will be higher, so plan ahead!
Back again this year is the Champagne & Seafood Voyage ($90 per person) on Friday, April 15, from noon-3 p.m. You'll enjoy a dockside reception at Baytowne Marina, then hop aboard the Solaris for the 3rd Annual Champagne & Seafood Voyage, which includes a four-course seafood menu paired with premium bubbly.
Give yourself a little detox time while you're at the festival with the Mind. Body. Beach event—a special yoga on the beach class (complete with mimosas) presented by Spa Sandestin at 9 a.m. on Saturday, April 16. Tickets are $25 each.
Wrap up an amazing weekend with Brunch on the Bay ($60 ticket) from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on Sunday, April 17 at Baytowne Marina.
If all this talk about vino has you ready for a trip to the Sandestin Wine Festival, consider staying at the Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort (so that you don't have to worry about who has to be the designated driver). The resort offers a complimentary tram ride to the festival. Better yet, packages with discounted accommodations and tickets are available with savings up to 25 percent off when you use code WINE16. Book online or call (800) 622-1038.
For more event info, visit www.sandestinwinefestival.com.
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