2015 Destin Charity Wine Raises A Record Breaking $2.3 Million For Children In Need In Northwest Florida

MIRAMAR BEACH, Fla., May 5, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation (DCWAF) celebrated the 10^th Annual Destin Charity Wine Auction on April 25, raising more than $2.3 million for children in need in Northwest Florida. The record breaking results are an increase over the $2.035 million raised last year, and helped achieve a $1 million increase in fundraising in just two years. In fact over the last 10 years, the DCWAF has will have donated more than $10 million to non-profit organizations to serve children in Northwest Florida.

"We are extremely grateful for the tremendous support we once again received from vintners, chefs, and the local community," said John Russell, president of DCWAF. "All of us associated with this auction are amazed that we continue to garner this kind of support to help children in need in our community."

The auction kicked off with the Magnum Force lot (38 autographed magnums from DCWAF vintners past and present), which matched last year's winning bid of $45,000. The highest grossing lot was Château de Beaucastel. Donated by the honorary international vintner Marc Perrin, the one-of-a-kind experience includes a stay at the Beaucastel guest house in in the historic village of Vinsobres with exclusive wine tours as well as a stay at Hotel La Villa Gallici in Aix de Provence with a VIP tasting in the Chateau Miraval Tasting Room, featuring the Miraval Rose, a joint venture between Jolie-Pitt, and Perrin.

Other memorable moments included a special 3-liter of 1996 Insignia donated by Honorary Vintner Bill Phelps in honor of the recent passing of his father, legendary Joseph Phelps, which earned $15,000, as well as a special 9-liter of 2004 Charles Krug donated by Chan Cox, which garnered $11,000. The auction team doubled the Switzerland lot, resulting in a $90,000 donation, and tripled the Costa Rica lot, bringing in $108,000.

Russell went on to say "It is truly amazing what we are able to accomplish with a staff of only four. Our board, the trustees, the patron dinner hosts, sponsors and charity partners all invest substantial time and energy to create this world-class event. It is so fulfilling to watch everyone come together to make a substantial impact on children in need in Northwest Florida."

The funds raised are distributed to 14 local non-profit organizations for specific projects and programs that benefit children. Charity partners for 2015 include Children in Crisis, Children's Volunteer Health Network, Emerald Coast Autism Center, the Emerald Coast Children's Advocacy Center, Food for Thought, Habitat for Humanity of Walton County, Horizons of Okaloosa County, Opportunity Inc., Pathways for Change, Sacred Heart Hospital on the Emerald Coast, Shelter House of Northwest Florida, AMIKids, Boys and Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast, and Youth Village.

"Through the incredible work of our charity partners, the dollars raised will help teach autistic children, give families shelter, provide children meals, medical care, and dental work and so much more. It is very rewarding to see the impact these funds are having on local children."

The 10^th Annual Destin Charity Wine Auction was comprised of more than 200 unique live and silent offerings, ranging from one-of-a-kind trips to fabulous art to incomparable collections of rare wines. The sold out event was attended by 600 wine enthusiasts, making it the most successful Destin Charity Wine Auction on record.

In addition, during the Wine Auction weekend, 13 Patron Dinners were held in notable restaurants and private homes in the area. These dinners pair celebrity chefs with participating vintners to create a memorable dining experience for every attendee.

As the top charity fundraising event in Northwest Florida, the Destin Charity Wine Auction is ranked among the nation's top four highest-grossing charity auctions in the country by Wine Spectator Magazine. The money raised at this year's auction will be presented to the charity partners during a check presentation event in the Fall.

The dates for next year's Destin Charity Wine Auction weekend are April 28 – May 1, 2016. For more information on the Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation, visit www.DCWAF.org.

Featured proprietors and vintners included: Honorary Vintner Bill Phelps of Joseph Phelps Vineyards, International Honorary Vintner Marc Perrin of Chateau de Beaucastel, Brendan Tierney of Merry Edwards Winery, Michael Fay of Duckhorn Wine Company, Kristina Dunn Buchanan of Dunn Vineyards, Ted Henry of Jarvis Estate Winery, Megan Baccitich of Paul Hobbs Winery, Andrew Schweiger of Schweiger Vineyards, Mary Joli of Willamette Valley Vineyards, Christopher Tilley of V Madrone Cellars, Cameron Fisher of Fisher Vineyards, Lesley Keffer Russell of Saint Helena Winery, David Lattin of Foley Family Wines, Jean-Charles Boisset of Boisset Collection, Dallas Brennan of Larkmead Vineyards, Jake Krausz of Arkenstone Vineyards, Amy Watson of Macauley Vineyard, Todd Newman of Dakota Shy, Steve Griessel of Betz Family Winery, Rachel Miller of Robert Craig Winery, Bryan Krutz of Krutz Family Cellars, Marie Reintz of De Aureo Spirito, Susan McNerney of Le Chanceux, and Tor Kenward of Tor Kenward Family Wines.

Featured spirits and craft beer:  Wesley Henderson of Angel's Envy and SweetWater Brewing Co.

Honorary chefs and restaurants: Matthew Baker of City Perch Kitchen + Bar, Washington DC; Matthew Basford of Canoe, Atlanta, GA; Michel Cornu of Raymond Vineyards, St Helena, CA; Tim Creehan of Cuvee Bistro, Cuvee Catering, Cuvee 30A, & Grill Plus, Destin, FL; Laurent Deconinck of Restaurant L'Oustalet, Gigondas, France; Robert Gerstenecker of Park 75 At Four Seasons Hotel Atlanta, GA; David Gwynn of Cypress Restaurant & Vertigo Burgers and Fries, Tallahassee, FL; Robert Harris of The Table, Cambridge, MA; Cindy Hutson of Ortanique On The Mile, Coral Gables, FL; Jack McGuckin of Bijoux, Miramar Beach, FL; Luis A. Pous of Asia De Cuba Restaurants Worldwide, New York City, NY; Scott y Schwartz of 29 South, Fernandina Beach, FL; Scott Serpas of Serpas True Food, Atlanta, GA; Dan Vargo of Seagar's Prime Steaks and Seafood, Miramar Beach FL.

About Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation

Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation's mission is to connect wine enthusiasts to raise money to benefit children in need in Northwest Florida. Founded in 2005, DCWAF has donated more than $8 million to Northwest Florida charities through hosting world class wine and culinary events. These funds have impacted the lives of over 55,000 youth, including those afflicted by health issues and abuse. Learn more at DCWAF.org or facebook.com/DCWAF.

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SOURCE Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation