2017 Destin Charity Wine Auction Raises Over $2.7 Million for Children in Need in Northwest Florida

Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation (DCWAF) celebrated the 12th Annual Destin Charity Wine Auction on April 29, raising more than $2.7 million for children in need in Northwest Florida. The record breaking results are a $34,000 increase over the $2.66 million raised last year.

“Our ability to continually increase the funds raised year over year is a testament to both the strength of our organization and the power of our mission of the charities we support," said John Russell, president of DCWAF. “We are so thankful for the generosity of our board, trustees, sponsors, patron hosts, attendees, and friends in the wine and culinary industry without which our auction would not be possible.” 

The auction kicked off with the Magnum Force lot (50 autographed magnums from DCWAF vintners past and present), which raised a record winning bid of $55,000. The highest grossing lot was the highly anticipated 2010 Tesla Roadster Sport, earning $85,000. Donated by St. Joe Community Foundation, the lot included a white, 2010 Tesla Roadster Sport with less than 2,300 miles on it and a stay at Watersound Origins complete with a variety of activities. Currently, there is only one other Tesla Roadster Sport available for sale in the United States.

Raising $60,000 was the Alpha Omega and Tolosa Winery experience donated by proprietors Robin and Michelle Baggett of Alpha Omega and Tolosa Winery. This incredible trip includes five nights for two couples kicking off with a private, four-course wine dinner on the Baggett’s private yacht from San Francisco to Napa Valley where the winning couples will experience all that Alpha Omega has to offer. Both couples will then travel by private plane to San Louis Obispo to enjoy a taste of Tolosa Winery complete with a long list of wine dinners and activities. A trip to Italy’s Amalfi coast sold twice at $45,000 each for a total of $90,000 while an immersive trip to Umbria, Italy sold three times at $20,000 for a total of $60,000. 

The funds raised are distributed to 15 local non-profit organizations for specific projects and programs that benefit children. Charity partners for 2017 include Children in Crisis, Children’s Volunteer Health Network, Emerald Coast Autism Center, the Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center, Food for Thought, Habitat for Humanity of Walton County, The Arc of the Emerald Coast, Opportunity Inc., Pathways for Change, Sacred Heart Hospital on the Emerald Coast, Shelter House of Northwest Florida, AMIKids Emerald Coast, Boys and Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast, Mental Health Association of Okaloosa and Walton Counties, and Youth Village. 

“The wonderful work that our 15 benefiting charities do, day in and day out, unselfishly nurturing children in our community is truly amazing. From health care, autism, abuse, mental health, a place to live, a second chance, dental care or simply having something to eat over the weekend. The organizations we support are not just changing the lives of children today, but also giving them the opportunity to be productive members of society in the future,” said Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation Chairman, George Brannon Jr. 

The 12th Annual Destin Charity Wine Auction was comprised of 55 unique Live Lots, 29 Super Silent offerings, and 132 Silent Lots. The sold out event was attended by over 600 wine enthusiasts, making it the most successful Destin Charity Wine Auction to date.

In addition, during the Wine Auction weekend, 14 Patron Dinners were held in notable restaurants and private homes in the area. These dinners pair celebrity chefs with participating vintners to create a memorable dining experience for every attendee. The Foundation is especially thankful to the Patron Hosts who opened the doors to their homes and restaurants and set the stage for the auction weekend. Auctions at each of these dinners recorded revenues of over $550,000, with $155,000 raised at the dinner hosted by Jack and Candis Wilson featuring Alpha Omega and Tolosa Winery, and Chef Matthew Basford.

As the top charity fundraising event in Northwest Florida, the Destin Charity Wine Auction has been ranked among the nation’s top ten highest-grossing charity wine auctions in the country by Wine Spectator Magazine for five consecutive years and is currently ranked number three. The money raised at this year’s auction will be presented to the charity partners during a check presentation event in August. 

The dates for next year’s Destin Charity Wine Auction weekend are April 27 – 29, 2018. For more information on the Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation, visit www.DCWAF.org. 

Featured Proprietors and Vintners: Honorary Vintners Greg and Stacy Lill of DeLille Cellars, International Honorary Vintners Erik Saccomani and Glenn Salva of Antinori and Antica Napa Valley, Robin and Michelle Baggett of Alpha Omega and Tolosa Winery, Will Phelps of Joseph Phelps Vineyards, Tom Gamble and Ashley Brandner of Gamble Family Vineyards, Kristina Dunn Buchanan of Dunn Family Vineyard, Scott Morrison of Jarvis Estate, Susan Doyle of Spring Mountain Vineyard, Mary Rocca of Rocca Family Vineyard, Bart and Barb O’Brien of O’Brien Estate, Luis Reyneri of Domaine Serene, Gianni Abate and Robert Smith of Foley Family Wines, Fiona and Hal Barnett of Barnett Vineyards, Erik Ackerman and Leah Robinson of Cardinale, Ken Coopersmith of Merry Edwards Winery, Shari Staglin of Staglin Family Vineyards, Franco Massolino of Massolino, Don Hartford of Hartford Family Wines, Elton Slone and Rachel Miller of Robert Craig Winery, Bob and Ann Arns of Tournesol Winery, Kristi Devine of Covert Estate, Mary Joli of Willamette Valley Vineyards, Susan Krausz of Arkenstone, Axel Schug and Dan Zepponi of Carneros Wine Alliance, Ralph Hertelendy of Hertelendy Vineyards, Morgan Lee of Covington Cellars and II Vintners, and Bryan Krutz of Krutz Cellars. 

Featured Spirits: Wesley Henderson of Angel’s Envy, Harlen Wheatley of Buffalo Trace, and Carlton Grooms of Papa’s Pilar. 

Honorary Chefs and Restaurants: Matthew Basford of Canoe, Atlanta, GA; Tim Creehan of Cuvee 30A, Cuvee Catering, & Grill Plus, Destin, FL; Robert Harris of The Table, Cambridge, MA; Cindy Hutson of Ortanique On The Mile, Coral Gables, FL; Jack McGuckin of Bijoux, Miramar Beach, FL; Luis A. Pous of Asia De Cuba Restaurants Worldwide, New York City, NY; Craig Richards of St. Cecilia and The Optimist, Atalanta, GA; Scotty Schwartz of 29 South, Fernandina Beach, FL; Scott Serpas of Serpas True Food, Atlanta, GA; Dan Vargo of Seagar’s Prime Steaks and Seafood, Miramar Beach FL; Nyesha Arrington, Los Angeles, CA; Greg Zanitsch of The Fig Tree, Charlotte, NC; Jamie McFadden of Cuisiners Catered Cuisine and Events, Orlando, FL; Nikhil Abuvala of Roux 30A, Grayton Beach, FL; and Bob Hurley of Hurley’s Restaurant and Bar, Yountsville, CA. 

Local Restaurants featured at the Reserve Tasting: Wild Olives (Rosemary Beach), Bijoux, Brotula’s Seafood House and Steamer, Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse, Cuvee Kitchen + Wine Bar, Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse, Seagar’s Prime Steaks & Seafood, Royal Palm Grille, Whole Foods Market, The Henderson, and Vue on 30a. 

Sponsors: Platinum: Newman-Dailey Resort Properties Inc. (Official Lodging Sponsor), and Setco Services, L.L.C. Gold: Chuck Hutton Toyota, Chan’s Wine World (Founding Sponsor), National Event Rentals, Quantum Workplace, REX-Lumber, Sacred Heart Hospital on the Emerald Coast, Rowland Publishing Silver: Coastal Accounting, Ocoee Foundation Inc, Enco Electronic Systems, Wavefly Bronze: Jordan Dennis Real Estate, Green Earth Landscaping, Image Printing and Digital Services, Inc., Merrill Lynch- Krueger Fosdyck & Associates, 21st Century Oncology, Scenic Sotheby’s International Realty, ZT Motors, Acentria Insurance, Bert & Sue Trucksess, Centennial Bank, Community Bank, Dan & Stephanie Buckner, Don & Cathy Hay, GPL Landscaping, Grand Boulevard Town Center, Jack & Candis Wilson, Jeff & Debbie Epding, Jim & Renee Beaman, Jim & Sherre Bunch, My Vacation Haven, RJH & Associates, Sharon & William Stark, Silver Sands Premium Outlets (Paddle Sponsor), Vicki Matthews- Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate, Hall & Runnels PA, Johnny on the Spot, Home Pocket, Shaffer Wealth Management Group, Florida Agency Network, Renovation Flooring, Florida Fine Properties, Dermatology Specialists, Bob & Charlotte Mock, and Maurice & Janine Stouse.