Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation names 2012 Honorary Vintner

Unveils Event Details and Full List of Participating Vintners

DESTIN, FL, Jan. 25, 2012 /CNW/ - Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation (DCWAF) proudly announces 2012 Honorary Vintner Beth Novak Milliken, President and CEO of Spottswoode Estate Vineyard & Winery. Milliken will serve as the Honorary Vintner for the area's largest fundraising event, the Destin Charity Wine Auction.

"Spottswoode is an iconic Napa Valley brand and Mrs. Milliken is a dynamic, world-class wine executive.  We're thrilled and honored to have her involvement and support for our 2012 event," said Todd Vucovich, President of the Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation.

The Wine Auction promises the weekend of a lifetime, drawing wine aficionados, award-winning chefs and celebrity vintners from around the world to enjoy world-class wines in the picture-perfect setting of Destin, Florida. Funds raised from the weekend's festivities benefit local children's charities, making a strong impact in lives of kids in need.

Honorary Vintner:
Milliken is the President and CEO of Spottswoode Estate Vineyard and Winery, having joined forces with her mother in the fall of 1987. After completing high school in St. Helena, she attended college at UCLA. She spent her junior year studying in Europe, and it was at that time her interest in wine developed. Beth graduated with a degree in economics, after which she worked for four years as a sales representative for a wine brokerage company based in San Francisco.

In addition to overseeing the family business and participating in many philanthropic events, Beth was the youngest and first female President of the Napa Valley Vintners Association.

Delighted at her opportunity to join DCWAF in their mission to help Emerald Coast children in need, Mrs. Milliken said, "The DCWAF and Spottswoode share common values of excellence and a strong sense of community. I'm excited to share our wines with so many philanthropic-minded wine enthusiasts in such a beautiful location."

Beth and her Mother, Mary Novak, were Honorary Chairs of Auction Napa Valley 2010, which raised more than $8.5 million.

The Wine Party 2012 - Campaign for Kids:
The theme for this year's event, "The Wine Party 2012 - Campaign for Kids", creates added excitement with a play on this year's presidential election.  The weekend begins April 27^th, as twelve of the Emerald Coast's most exquisite homes set the stage for the 2012 Patron Dinners, a unique segment of The Wine Party. Each Patron Dinner will feature a nationally recognized chef paired with a world-class celebrity vintner for the dining experience of a lifetime.

On April 28th, this year's exciting Wine Party Auction will win your vote at the world-renowned Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort. It will feature distinctive wines from more than 20 internationally acclaimed vintners, poured and paired with fine cuisine created by a selection of the area's top chefs. While wining and dining, attendees will enjoy a silent auction and live music. The day will culminate with a high-energy and entertaining live auction that will include rare and distinctive wines, spectacular trips and other incredible one-of-a-kind items.

2012 Platinum Sponsor:
Among this year's many sponsors, DCWAF is proud to announce Caduceus Society as its 2012 Platinum Sponsor. The Caduceus Society is comprised of physicians from the Medical Staff of Sacred Heart Hospital who provide financial support for underserved patients of all ages, including children in need. These philanthropic doctors give time, talents, and devotion for the betterment of our community.

2012 Participating Wineries:
Joining Spottswoode are fellow vintners Staglin Family Vineyard, Duckhorn Wine Company, Joseph Phelps Vineyards, Pride Mountain Vineyards, Paul Hobbs Wines, Spring Mountain Vineyard, DeLille Cellars, Jarvis Estate Winery, Merry Edwards Winery, Stag's Leap Wine Cellars, Darioush, Dunn Vineyards, Forman Vineyard, JUSTIN Vineyards & Winery, Martinelli Winery, Schweiger Vineyards, Dominio IV, Willamette Valley Vineyards, Palazzo Wine, Krutz Family Cellars and Black Dog Cellars.

For pricing information or to register for The Wine Party 2012, please visit www.DCWAF.org or call 850.650.3732.

About Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation:
The Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation's (DCWAF) mission is to connect wine enthusiasts to raise money for children in need. Founded in 2005, DCWAF has donated more than $3.5 million to Emerald Coast children's charities by hosting world-class wine and culinary events. These funds have impacted the lives of more than 30,000 youth, including those afflicted by health issues and abuse. Learn more at DCWAF.org or facebook.com/DCWAF.

Media Contact:
Lauren Magli
Events Manager
Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation
850-650-3732
[email protected]