Top Florida Wine Festival Enhances Food and Wine Experiences

Sandestin Wine Festival Announces Cooking Demonstrations and VIP Package

DESTIN, FL, April 3, 2012 /CNW/ - The Sandestin Wine Festival is building on its fine reputation as Florida's most established wine festival, and offering enhanced food and wine experiences.

This year, the Sandestin Wine Festival welcomes guests to the Coastal Living Cooking Demonstrations and an unprecedented VIP Experience.

Scheduled for this April 26-29, the Sandestin Wine Festival is known as the "Kentucky Derby of Wine Festivals," and is a picture perfect event complete with white tents, the tasting of more than 600 wines, gourmet food and live music. The event is one of the best of the year and draws thousands of people to The Village of Baytowne Wharf at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort.

Opportunities to enhance this fine Wine Festival experience include the following:

Cooking Demonstrations and Seminars -- Novice and experienced foodies can register for up to four seminars and cooking demonstrations from top area chefs. Presented on the Coastal Living Magazine Cooking Stages, these one hour events feature a sample menu paired with wine. The sessions provide an opportunity to relax and learn and are only $20 each, in addition to the Grand Wine Tasting.

Saturday, April 28 at 2 p.m. - Johnny Earles, founder of Criolla's in Grayton Beach and five time guest of the James Beard Foundation will prepare and demonstrate Scallops al Pil Pil with Valencia cake, almonds and olives.

Saturday, April 28 at 4 p.m. - Irv Miller, partner and executive chef at Jackson's Steakhouse in Pensacola, is recognized as one of the originators of the New Florida Cooking and a pioneer of Florida Coastal Cooking. He will be preparing and demonstrating Tzatziki pita chips with slow roasted lamb belly paired with micro herbs, toasted walnuts and East Hill Honey.

Sunday, April 29 at 2 p.m. - Jim Richard, partner and executive chef at the acclaimed Stinky's Fish Camp, will be preparing and demonstrating an authentic Spanish Paella. He and his recipes have been featured in Southern Living and Coasting Living among other prestigious publications.

Sunday, April 29 at 4 p.m. - Tim Creehan, owner of Destin's Cuvee Bistro Restaurant, will be preparing Creole French Louisiana crawfish etouffee with green tomato crisp and steamed rice. He is the author of three cookbooks and has appeared on numerous television programs.

The Sandestin Wine Festival VIP Experience - VIP ticket holders will enjoy private events, conversations with notable wine personalities and other exclusive benefits. This limited VIP event is available for only $150 per day of choice and includes:

• VIP tasting including a four year vertical of 2006-2009 Chateau de Beaucastel Chatenauneuf du Pape Rouge, two wines rated 99 and 98 by Wine Advocate, and an interesting comparative tasting of the 1998 and 2008 vintages of Burgess Cellars Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon.
• A celebrity reception from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. with top industry names including Tom Burgess of Burgess Cellars; Luis Burgueno of Marques de Caceres; Cameron Fisher of Fisher Vineyards; Jorge Gutierrez of Napa Angel Winery; Jesse Lange of Lange Vineyards; Cesar Perrin of Famille Perrin Estates; Joy Sterling of Iron Horse Vineyards; Enrique Toso of Pascual Toso Winery; Marcelo Victoria of Archaval Ferrer Winery; and Joseph Wagner of Belle Glos.
• Tasting menu lunch by Marlin Grill Restaurant
• A Specialty Reidel Wine Glass
• Express entry into the Grand Wine Tasting

Availability is limited for the special Cooking Demonstrations and VIP Experience Package. To secure tickets and additional information, go to www.sandestinwinefestival.com.

Deluxe accommodations from the beach to the bay are available for this popular festival. Special rates include a free night with the purchase of four (Code FREE5), and a package including an overnight stay plus tickets (Code WINE12).

Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort was rated the #1 resort in Destin and on Florida's Emerald Coast. It offers the most complete resort experience for all seasons and all ages. Sandestin invites guests to enter a world of 2,400 acres including 30 charming neighborhoods with 1,300 condominiums, villas, town homes, hotel style rooms and other vacation rentals. A member of Visit South Walton, Sandestin offers more than seven miles of sugar white sand beaches and pristine bay front, four championship golf courses, 15 world-class tennis courts, 19 swimming pools, a 113-slip marina, certified children's programs, a fitness center and spa, 65,000 square feet of meeting space and a pedestrian village featuring a host of boutique shops, casual and fine dining restaurants and nightlife.

Sandestin is offering a wide variety of discount accommodations and overnight packages for the Sandestin Wine Festival. Visit www.sandestin.com or call 1-866-91-BEACH for information.

Getting Online and Getting Social

Twitter:  @Sandestin
Facebook:  www.facebook.com/sandestin or www.facebook.com/baytownewharf
APP:   Download Sandestin's APP for iPhone and Android devices.

Media Contacts:
[email protected]
850/267-6131

[email protected]
850/267-8261