First Timer’s Guide to Harvest: 4 Tips Before you Sip

Looking for ways to drink wine while also helping a great cause? Look no further than the 8th Annual Harvest Wine & Food Festival October 17-20. If you are thinking about taking part in this incredible weekend, tickets are on sale now, and this is not something you want to miss.

If this is your first Harvest Wine & Food Festival, here are some tips to help you navigate the weekend.

What to Wear
The event takes place in October, which can be a tricky season in Florida. It may be a warmer fall, or it could be chilly. Each year is different, so check the weather before packing your bags. You may opt for a sundress if the forecast is warmer or you might need to layer up if it’s a breezy, cool fall. As a coastal community, the attire in South Walton is all about comfort. While there is no official dress code for the event, you may see that our exclusive dinners on Thursday and Friday are more “coastal dinner party” and Saturday’s Grand Tasting and Sunday’s Brunch are more casual. Saturday, you will have your hands full with your glass and tasting guide, so maybe opt for a crossbody handbag so your hands are free for sipping and tasting. You’ll be on your feet while walking through the Grand Tasting, so comfortable shoes may be something to keep in mind. 

Lodging and Parking
The event space has limited parking, so if you are attending with a group, think about organizing carpools. Uber and Lyft can have limited availability in South Walton, and if you are planning on indulging in the delicious wine the festival has to offer, think ahead for a safe ride option. For attendees traveling to our area and in need of accommodations, 360 Blue offers the most extensive collection of vacation rentals on the Emerald Coast.

Pick Your Experience
The weekend offers a variety of different activities, from exclusive, upscale dinners to casual outdoor tastings. If you are a wine enthusiast and want to spend time with the vintners in a more intimate setting, you may enjoy Thursday night’s exclusive dinners. If you enjoy more of an energy-infused festival setting, Saturday’s Grand Tasting may be perfect for you as it includes live music and a more relaxed, outdoor atmosphere that you can enjoy at your own pace. Event tickets can be purchased individually, so attendees can conveniently select which events they would like to attend. There is also a VIP option for Saturday, which offers more seating in a private lounge, elevated culinary options, wines from our headlining vintners, and a cocktail bar.

Remembering the Cause
With the excitement of the festival weekend, we always encourage attendees to pause and understand the true meaning behind why we host Harvest Wine & Food Festival. Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation helps fund 17 charities that support local children facing numerous challenges - from food insecurities and developmental disabilities, to physical abuse and medical care. Year round, DCWAF hosts events throughout Northwest Florida and the funds raised go directly back to the benefiting charities.  Some of the incredible organizations we support are Children In Crisis, Youth Village, Children's Home Society, Westonwood Ranch, and Boys & Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast. So remember, when you purchase a ticket to these events, you are helping bring these programs to life for children in our community. If you want to learn more about any of these charities or more about DCWAF and who we support, click here. 

Published on Monday, September 30, 2024