F

ort Walton Landing was a hot 

spot for bon vivants as hundreds 

of residents and visitors who 

appreciate the pleasures of fine 

food and wine gathered in the sunshine to 

enjoy “A Taste of Fort Walton Beach” on 

September 25. 

For wine aficionados there were plenty 

of varieties to sample, whether you were 

looking for bottles for your collection or 

just appreciating the clarity, aroma and 

taste of a wide range of available wines.

“A Taste of” gave businesses ranging 

from restaurants to food trucks a chance 

to delight the taste buds of  participants 

who could choose to purchase tickets for 

food only, wine only, or a combination of 

the two.

Both the serious wine connoisseurs and 

the wine enthusiasts could be spotted 

doing the age old wine tasting test: 

Looking – checking out the color and 

clarity; Smelling – swirling the glass 

then whiffing and inhaling; and Tasting 

– to evaluate everything from the first 

impression to how long the flavor lasted. 

Steps away from the wine tents, there 

were copious samples of fine chocolates, 

Greek appetizers, bruschetta and much 

more to savor.

Whether you’re a veteran epicure, or 

one in the making this Downtown FWB 

Food and Wine Festival at the scenic 

Landing was the perfect spot for a Sunday 

afternoon social affair.   

photos & story by

 

Michele Nicholson

   VIP Destin at Fort Walton Landing

Alex & Kristen Santos

Kristin, Warren & baby Rylen Bondi

Maria, Dan & Baby Kristala Weimer with Chuck Norris

Callie & Jake Habrun, Hunter & Mary Kathryn Maddox

96     |    DestinMagazine.com

Casey Jones & Tiffany Merrell

96-97 Event Taste of Fort Walton Beach.indd   1

11/29/16   10:07 AM