Taste of THE Beach - Wine. Dine. Donate., a four-day culinary and cultural celebration benefitting children’s charities, returns to Northwest Florida’s Gulf Coast November 5-8, 2009.  Set along the scenic backdrop of THE Beach’s 227 miles of white sand coastline and charming seaside towns, the second annual festival is comprised of seven events ranging from wine tastings and film screenings to winemaker dinners and a charity auction.

 

              A collaboration between the Walton Area Chamber of Commerce, Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation (DCWAF) and Coastal Vision 3000, Taste of THE Beach combines new and established food, wine and artistic events featuring prized vintners, renowned chefs and independent filmmakers.  Almost all proceeds from ticket sales and the charity auction will benefit local charities that work to improve the physical, emotional and educational lives of underprivileged and at-risk children in Northwest Florida.

 

This year’s exciting schedule of events includes: Taste of THE Harbor, Taste of Bay Wine & Food Experience, Al Fresco Reserve Tasting at Ruskin Place, Telluride MountainFilm on Tour, Seeing Red Wine Festival, a series of wine maker dinners at area restaurants, and the Taste of THE Beach & Charity Auction.

 

For tickets to all events call (850) 267-0683 or visit www.tasteofthebeachfla.com.

 

Schedule of Events

 

November 5, Taste of THE Harbor

Emerald Grande, Destin

5pm  – 8pm, $50 per person

 

This inaugural event kicks off with distinctive wines and culinary delights prepared by the area’s celebrated chefs.  Surrounded by breathtaking views of the Gulf of Mexico, oenophiles and gourmands will imbibe, indulge and enjoy educational cooking demonstrations.

 

November 6, Taste of Bay Wine & Food Experience

Pier Park, Panama City Beach

5:30pm – 8:30pm, $50 per person

 

Guests will sip exceptional wines and sample savory cuisine prepared by local restaurants while strolling outdoors alongside the many shops at Pier Park.

 

November 6, Al Fresco Reserve Tasting in Ruskin Place

Ruskin Place, Seaside

6pm – 8pm, $145 per person

 

In the picturesque town of Seaside amid the art galleries of Ruskin Place, guests will taste a range of highly allocated and reserve wines, dine on sushi and hors d’oeuvres prepared by noted local restaurateur and chef Jim Shirley, and enjoy live chamber music.

 

November 6 & 7, Telluride MountainFilm on Tour

WaterColor Amphitheater, Santa Rosa Beach

Show times are 7pm – 10pm; gates open at 6pm

$25 per person for one night; $40 per person for two nights; kids five and under are free

 

The popular Telluride MountainFilm on Tour festival returns to WaterColor Inn & Resort for the ninth consecutive year, celebrating movies produced by independent filmmakers.   This year’s evenings under the stars feature thought provoking and entertaining short films with the common theme of “food.”

 

November 7, Seeing Red Wine Festival

Streets of Seaside

1pm – 5pm, $100 per person

 

One of the largest events during Taste of THE Beach, this picnic-style festival will take over the streets of Seaside, offering dozens of domestic and international red wines to sample while live music entertains. 

 

November 7, “Winemaker & Shakers” Dinners

Local Restaurants

6:30pm – 8:30pm, $125 per person

 

A selection of THE Beach’s acclaimed fine dining restaurants welcome guests to specially prepared, multi-course dinners featuring expertly paired wines chosen by a renowned winemaker.

 

November 8, Taste of THE Beach & Charity Auction

Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa, Destin

3pm – 6pm, $35 per person

 

Taste of THE Beach concludes with a silent auction to benefit 11 local children’s charities including Sacred Heart Foundation, Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation, Children in Crisis and Ronald McDonald House.  Guests may bid on fabulous prizes donated from the community and enjoy cocktails and passed appetizers.

 

 

About Taste of THE Beach

Taste of THE Beach is a collaboration between the Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation (DCWAF), the Walton County Area Chamber of Commerce and Coastal Vision 3000. The DCWAF’s mission is to connect wine enthusiasts to raise money for children’s charities throughout the Emerald Coast.  Since 2007 the foundation has raised more than $1 million.  Coastal Vision 3000 is a nonprofit membership organization that promotes national and international awareness of THE Beach – Northwest Florida’s Gulf Coast as a premier tourism and economic development destination.  The Walton Area Chamber of Commerce regularly hosts special events and is involved in numerous initiatives and programs that positively affect the region’s business community.  For more information or to buy tickets visit www.tasteofthebeachfla.com. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Comment On This Story