H

osted at the Hilton Sandestin 
Beach Golf Resort & 
Spa Ballroom, this South 
Walton Beaches Wine and 

Food Festival preview allowed patrons to 
sample wines from over 600 entries for the 
2017 festival, including newly named medal 
winners in 60 categories. Lots of volunteers 
from many charities assisted in making the 
tasting run smoothly.

“Tasting of Champions is one of our 

most popular events, giving attendees the 

opportunity to sample more than 600 wines, 
many of which retail for more than the 
event ticket price,” said DCWAF Executive 
Director John Russell. “This event provides a 
unique opportunity to sample award winning 
wines first. It is also a great way to advance 
your wine repertoire by tasting wines rated by 

judges with a very sophisticated palate.” 

This annual event is a fundraiser which 

benefits the Destin Charity Wine Auction 
Foundation. The money raised benefits 

children in need in Northwest Florida. The 
foundation has raised more than $10 million 
through hosting of world class wine and 
culinary events, helping more than 60,000 
children. Not only does it taste good, it does a 
world of good for children affected by health 
problems or abuse.  For more information on 
the foundation see DCWAF.org.

   VIP Destin at Hilton Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort

photos and story by

 

Leah VanHoose 

Lena Argersinger & Jill Cadenhead

Megan Daemy & Nate Waldstein

36     |    VIPDestinMagazine.com

Carlene Alexander & Pam Smith

Mallerie Gest & Adrianna Berrios 

Chipper Keener & Samantha Alley

T

ASTING

 

OF

 C

HAMPIONS

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