As residents and repeat visitors know, there are no down seasons in Walton County, thanks to all the beyond-the-beach activities. In large part, this is due to the numerous festivals that warmly welcome visitors and locals alike. More than just weekend gatherings, these events often have a philanthropic tie that helps to support the community year-round. With fall in the air, here’s a quick spotlight on a few wine festivals that will offer a toast to the Gulf Coast.
Rated as one of the premier wine and food festivals in the Southeast, the 6th Annual Harvest Wine & Food Festival at WaterColor celebrates the best of both fine wine and gourmet cuisine within the local community. As with any harvest fest worth its salt, there will be a more than ample bounty ready to be sampled. The festival kicks off with celebrity winemaker dinners taking place in private homes and restaurants throughout South Walton on October 13th and 14th.
On Saturday, October 15th, the Grand Tasting returns to WaterColor’s Cerulean Park. A wide range of stations will offer fresh seafood, local barbecue and incredible wines from around the world. Some of the Gulf Coast’s celebrity chefs will also be at provisional stations, ready to chat and share some delicacies. Presented by Emerald Coast Magazine, the Grand Tasting’s VIP Tent will feature elevated wine, beer and culinary options along with a lounge area, cocktail bar and live music.
The “Better Together Brunch” is the festival’s finale on Sunday, October 16th. Hosted at a 360 Blue Private Home on 30A, this spirited cocktail brunch will have tasty fare prepared by a celebrity chef paired with craft cocktails by Better Together Beverage and Distillery 98.
A portion of the festival’s proceeds will go towards supporting underserved youth in Florida. The fundraising will also include an expansive virtual silent auction accepting bids from anywhere in the world – even from those who can’t attend the festival. Bidding opens at 9 am CST on Thursday, October 13th, and closes Sunday, October 16th, at 12 pm CST. Just find Harvest Wine & Food Festival on Facebook and Instagram to receive the link for placing your bids.
A little further into the fall, Rosemary Beach Uncorked will fill glasses on Saturday, November 5th. The primary events of the festival take place in a host of local eateries, but the celebration typically spills out into this picturesque neighborhood. While the event is sold out, there is currently a waitlist, and it’s always fun to simply wander around Rosemary Beach and be close to all the action.
The featured restaurants for this 11th anniversary edition of Uncorked include Amavida Coffee, CK’s Feed & Supply, Cowgirl Kitchen, Edward’s Fine Food & Wine, Gallion’s, Havana Beach Bar & Grill, La Crema Tapas & Chocolate and Restaurant Paradis.
While the festival technically entails just a few hours of celebration, there is plenty packed into it – with great live music, some of the most inspired food in Rosemary Beach and, of course, countless bottles of wine.
The festival will benefit Habitat for Humanity of Walton County. On top of helping to coordinate the building of new homes for those in need, they provide valuable advocacy, training and technical assistance that keeps the organization thriving.
Less than a week later, the Seeing Red Wine Festival brings the party to Seaside. Celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, the festival is an experience that can be customized based on specific preferences and a variety of unique events.
The action officially kicks off on Thursday, November 10th, with the Vintners Dinner. A menu catered by Bud & Alley’s will be paired with delicious wines from Bogle Vineyards – served by Jody Bogle, herself.
Friday evening, the Al Fresco Wine Tasting offers an elegant gathering under the stars on Seaside’s Lyceum Lawn. A carefully curated selection of vintage and reserve wines will be poured by winemakers and vintners as a complement to live music and hors d’oeuvres.
Then, Saturday, November 12th, welcomes the Grand Tasting event in Central Square. Some of the top chefs in Seaside will be on hand serving up their creative cuisine. And with more than 130 wines from around the world, every palate will be pleased.