A Recipe for Success: Sandestin Wine Festival Reports Record Ticket Sales

This April's Destin FL Wine Festival On Track to be One of the Best in 27 Year History

DESTIN, FL, Feb. 5, 2013 /PRNewswire/ - The Sandestin Wine Festival, one of the top wine festivals in the country, is reporting record ticket sales for its 2013 Spring event.

Slated for this April 18-21, the Sandestin Wine Festival is known as the "Kentucky Derby of Wine Festivals." It will be a picture perfect event complete with white tents, the tasting of hundreds of wines, Gulf seafood and other culinary treats, and live music.

According to special events manager Lanier Motes, "We are excited to report that ticket sales for the Sandestin Wine Festival are well ahead of any festival in previous years at this time. This demand is a testament that there is no substitute for this long standing Sandestin tradition."

Now in its 27^th year, the Sandestin Wine Festival is the most established and continuously running wine festival on the Coast. Guests are invited to "uncork some fun in the sun," and see why the Sandestin Wine Festival receives accolades from media around the country.

Four days of unique events will include the following:

Thursday, April 18
Wine Dinners at Sandestin's Village of Baytowne Wharf.
Village restaurants including Marlin Grill, Bistro Bijoux and Graffiti will offer specially prepared menus paired with wines.

Friday, April 19
Grand Wine Tasting and Cooking Demonstrations at the Coastal Living Stage, 5 to 8 p.m. 
The pouring of hundreds of domestic and international wines makes for a grand event, and offers a rare opportunity to learn about the finest appellations from major producing countries in all varieties, styles and price ranges.  Visit the Culinary Pavilion as well to sample delicious fare and Gulf seafood paired with wines.
Location:  The Village of Baytowne Wharf

Cooking Demonstration at the Coastal Living Stage, 6 and 7 p.m.
Be entertained by culinary experts and learn how they prepare their favorite entrees and suggestions for wine pairings.
Location:  The Grand Lawn
Price:  Free with paid Wine Festival entry and wristband. Please note seating is limited.

Retail Tent, 2 to 9 p.m.
Purchase your favorite wine or spirits at a special Wine Festival discount.
Location:  Near the Baytowne Marina

Saturday, April 20
A Southern Lunch and Featured Visit by Paula Deen, 11 to 1 p.m.
Enjoy some of Paula's favorite dishes as well as some of our own! Paired with wines. Limited tickets available. Tickets include catered lunch, wine pairings, a photo opportunity with Paula Deen, and festival entry.  Please note tickets are limited and are based on availability.
Location:  The Marlin Grill

VIP Connoisseur Experience
Wine aficionados will enjoy a VIP tasting of rare and specialty wines.  This VIP experience includes:

• A celebrity reception from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. with top industry names
• Tasting menu lunch
• A Specialty Reidel Wine Glass
• Express entry into the Grand Wine Tasting

Location:  SunQuest Cruises' Solaris Yacht at Baytowne Marina

Grand Wine Tasting
The pouring of hundreds of domestic and international wines makes for a grand event, and offers a rare opportunity to learn about the finest appellations from major producing countries in all varieties, styles and price ranges.  Visit the Culinary Pavilion as well to sample delicious fair including Gulf seafood paired with wines.   Individuals must be at least 21 years of age to taste wines.
Location:  The Village of Baytowne Wharf

Coastal Living Stage Presents Paula Deen, 2:15 and 3:45 p.m.
Be entertained by Paula Deen and see one of her favorite recipes paired with wine.
Location:  The Grand Lawn
Price:  Free with paid Wine Festival entry and wristband.  Please note seating is limited.

Retail Tent, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Purchase your favorite wine or spirits at a special Wine Festival discount.
Location:  Near the Baytowne Marina

Sunday, April 21
Sunday Brunch by the Bay
Enjoy scenic views of the Bay, music and the charming marina while treating yourself to a delicious Sunday Brunch featuring wonderful champagnes and even a "Create Your Own" Bloody Mary Bar.
Location:   Baytowne Marina

Retail Tent, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Purchase your favorite wine or spirits at a special Wine Festival discount.
Location:  Near the Baytowne Marina

"We are pleased with the support and interest we have received from loyal guests, leaders in the wine industry, trusted partners, and the local community," added Ms. Motes.

Because of the strong demand, high ticket sales and community support, people are encouraged to purchase tickets early before sessions sell out.  Tickets are also a great gift idea for this upcoming Valentines Day.

Additional details are available at www.sandestinwinefestival.com.

Proceeds will be donated to The Fisher House, a worthwhile organization that provides free or low cost lodging to veterans and military families receiving treatment at military medical centers.

Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort also provides the convenience of having accommodations that are steps or a convenient complimentary tram ride away from the Festival.  Packages with discounted accommodations and tickets are also available. Call 1.866.91.BEACH to talk to an expert reservation specialist.

About Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort
Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort was named the #1 resort on Florida's Emerald Coast. The resort invites guests to a world of 30 charming neighborhoods featuring 1,300 Destin vacation rentals, condominiums, villas, town homes and the best in Destin hotel accommodations. As a member of Visit South Walton and Visit Florida, the resort features more than seven miles of beaches and pristine bay front, four championship golf courses, 15 world-class tennis courts, 19 swimming pools, a 113-slip marina, a fitness center and spa, meeting space and The Village of Baytowne Wharf, a pedestrian village with shopping, dining and nightlife. Guests can visit www.sandestin.com or follow Sandestin on Facebook and Twitter for the latest information and events.

SOURCE Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort