SIPPIN’ THE DAY AWAY ON 30A
The idyllic coastal communities of Scenic Highway 30A along Northwest Florida’s Gulf Coast have quickly become home to an energetic wine scene! The 24-mile corridor that hugs the coastline is a catch for wine drinkers from all over and hosts some of the region’s finest festivals throughout the year.
Rosemary Beach
Rosemary is no stranger to the wine festival scene. This year will mark the town’s 8th annual festival, Rosemary Uncorked, which takes place in October. This festival fills attendees’ glasses with crafted wines and pairs those varietals with incredible food from local restaurants while visitors enjoy live music entertainment and exceptional scenery. At each location, guests sample different specialty dishes which have been carefully paired with the perfect wines, keeping vintners, connoisseurs, foodies, and casual visitors coming back for more each year.
Some notable participants from 2017 were:
-Amavida Coffee and Team
-CK’s Feed and Supply
-Cowgirl Kitchen
-Edward’s Fine Food & Wine
-Havana Beach Bar and Grill
-La Crema Tapas & Chocolate
-The Summer Kitchen Café
-Restaurant Paradis
*With Wines From All Over*
Alys Beach
This year, the seventh annual 30A Wine Festival returned to the beautiful Alys Beach community in February. Showcasing renowned vintners and culinary favorites, the four-day celebration benefited the Children’s Volunteer Health Network. This year’s event featured a lively barbecue and bourbon tasting featuring some of the country’s best pit masters and distillers, Patrons also enjoyed live music. The ever-so-popular and posh “Rosé & Croquet” event on Sunday featured rosé tastings, a delicious brunch, and the beloved croquet tournament.
Wine
30A Coastal Dunes Wine Company
Laurent-Perrier
Miura Vineyards
Pahlmeyer
Sanglier Cellars
Thompson 31Fifty Wines
Trinchero Family Estates
Spirits and Beer
American Barrels
Balcones Distilling
Garrison Brothers Distillery
Heaven Hill Distillery
Grayton Beer Company
Idyll Hounds Brewing Company
Left Hand Brewing Co
Victory Brewing Company
Chefs & Restaurants
Acre, David Bancroft
Café Thirty-A
Caliza Restaurant, Drew Dzejak
Certified Burgers and Beverage, David Carrier
Corner Taco, Chris Dickerson
Fonville Press
George’s at Alys Beach, Camille Withall
Jim ‘N Nick’s Community BBQ
Rodney Scott’s Whole Hog BBQ, Rodney Scott
Seagar’s Prime Steaks & Seafood, Laurie Graupner
Seaside
The Seeing Red Wine Festival has grown to be a sell-out event, attracting wine connoisseurs from all over. Four days of events include wine tastings, dinners, and brunch. Seaside’s well-known restaurants showcase how their gulf-to-table offerings pair gracefully with the featured wines. This festival has also been recognized as one of the “Top 10 Can’t-Miss Fall Wine Festivals,” by Fodor’s Travel. Decades of southern tradition in this charming beach town are complimented by wonderful afternoon events sure to satisfy your tastes for wine…and the beach!
WaterColor
Just after finishing their first year in South Walton, The Harvest Wine and Food Festival— presented by the Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation— will return this November. The Harvest Wine & Food festival provides people the opportunity to sip and savor some of the world’s finest wine and culinary selections in the iconic town of WaterColor.
Last year’s grand tasting was held in Cerulean Park. It was the festival’s main event and featured more than 150 wines for tasting. Patrons spent the afternoon strolling through Cerulean Lawn sipping an extensive array of highly sought-after wines from around the world while enjoying live music and light bites from South Walton’s leading local restaurants. Wine-lovers also had the opportunity to purchase wine on site. 