THREE CHEERS FOR THE SANDESTIN WINE FESTIVAL!

Strong Advance Ticket Sales Reported for 25^th Anniversary Event This April 28-May 1

DESTIN, FL, March 25 /PRNewswire/ - The Sandestin Wine Festival organizers today announced strong advance ticket sales for this year's event on April 28-May 1.

The Sandestin Wine Festival is the oldest, continuously running event of its kind in Florida.   With the pouring of more than 600 wines at the #1 resort on the Emerald Coast, it is a picture perfect festival complete with white tents, flowing wine, gourmet food and live music.

Travelers and local guests are encouraged to reserve accommodations and purchase tickets early. The event is one of the most popular one of the year, drawing thousands of people to The Village of Baytowne Wharf at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort.

Nearby accommodations and tickets for Saturday could potentially sell out.  Interest and attendance at events in the Village of Baytowne Wharf is at an all time high, as evidenced by the sold out crowd at last month's Sandestin Gumbo Festival.

This year's Sandestin Wine Festival attendees will have an opportunity to taste many outstanding wines at the festival. Grand Wine Tastings will be held at The Village of Baytowne Wharf on Saturday, April 30 from noon to 4 p.m. and Sunday, May 1 from 1 - 5 p.m.

One of the major benefits of the Sandestin Wine Festival is that attendees have a rare opportunity to learn about the finest appellations from all major producing countries in all varieties, styles and price ranges.

Located on Sandestin's beautiful Grand Lawn, the 2011 Culinary Pavilion at the Sandestin Wine Festival will feature the "Food Treasures of Spain."   Under the first tent, you'll be treated to such cheeses as Manchego with Quince paste, Murcia al Vino (also called Drunken Goat ) and Roncal and specialty meats such as Chorizo and the famed Jamon Serrano, all served with piping hot baguettes plus the main course for the day, an authentic Spanish paella.   In the second tent, more treats will be available: fresh Spanish olives, Esgarett (famous salt cod tapas served on crostini), Tortas de Aceite (sweet olive oil wafers), Turron desserts (Chocolate almond cakes) and fig/almond cakes.

After a full day of sampling wines and finding new favorites, guests can check out the retail tent that is available each day. "The beauty of the retail tent is, unlike some wine events, attendees can purchase wine sampled that day. Guests can literally walk away with the wines they sampled at a discounted rate," said Lanier Motes, event manager Lanier Motes for the Baytowne Wharf Neighborhood Association (BWNA).  As part of this anniversary celebration, Marc Mondavi will be on hand to autograph a special commemorative cuvee, available for purchase specifically for attendees of the 25^th Sandestin Wine Festival.   Peter Mondavi, Jr. was present for the first Sandestin Wine Festival, and the family has been strong supporters of the event throughout the years.

For more information about the Sandestin Wine Festival at the Village of Baytowne Wharf, the Grand Wine Tastings and Friday seminars, and to purchase tickets online, visit www.sandestinwinefestival.com. Group discounts are also available.

Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort was rated the #1 resort on Florida's Emerald Coast and offers the most complete resort experience for all seasons and all ages.  Sandestin invites guests to enter a world of 2,400 acres including 30 charming neighborhoods with 1,400 condominiums, villas, town homes and the best in Destin hotel accommodations and vacation rentals.  A member of Beaches of South Walton, Sandestin offers more than seven miles of sugar white sand beaches and pristine bay front, four championship golf courses, 15 world-class tennis courts, 19 swimming pools, a 98-slip marina, certified children's programs, a fitness center and spa, 65,000 square feet of meeting space and the Village of Baytowne Wharf, a pedestrian village with shops, dining restaurants and nightlife.

Sandestin is offering a wide variety of discount accommodations and overnight packages for the Sandestin Wine Festival.  Visit www.sandestin.com for information.

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SOURCE Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort