A Spirited Tour of South Walton
Wine On Your Mind
If you're just looking to relax with a glass of red, pull up a seat at The Wine Bar, with locations in WaterColor and Grand Boulevard. With an award-winning wine list, a casual setting and tasty bites to pair with your drink, it's a popular spot to unwind. Plus, you can buy your favorite bottle or cheese from the retail shop!
Interested in a bistro with a great wine list? Vin'tij Food & Wine fits the bill, with food that's won the Golden Spoon Award every year for nearly a decade, and a wine list put together by their in-house wine guru.
You can also mix things up a bit with the Third Thursday Wine Walkabout, which meets at Gulf Place on the third Thursday of each month to explore local wine establishments, shop, mingle and munch on snacks. Often accompanied by live music, it's a fun, friendly atmosphere – perfect for grabbing a glass of wine.
Want a more celebratory atmosphere? South Walton is chock-full of festivals that feature food and wine. Just about any occasion is an excuse to eat something delicious and wash it down with Cabernet or Sauvignon Blanc. From festivals honoring gumbo or blue crab to those focused solely on the best wines, you'll have every opportunity to get out there and taste.
Cheers for Beer
If beer's more your speed, you've got just as many options. You could go for the full tour, or pick your preference. The budding craft beer scene means there are more choices all the time.
There's Growler Garage in Santa Rosa Beach, which has 45 taps (even some for wine) and a prime location across from the beach. It's a great spot, filled with motorcycles and painted surfboards, and with such a varied selection, they're sure to have something right up your alley. Cozy up to the bar at South Walton's newest taproom, Beach & Brew 30A in Seacrest. Here, you'll find 30 taps showcasing an assortment of local and regional craft beers. Both dogs and kids are welcomed at Beach & Brew 30A.
If your idea of fun is to go straight to the source, a tour of a local brewery is in store. Fortunately, there are two fantastic local breweries offering tours of their facilities (and both, of course, offer samples). Grayton Beer Company, South Walton's first brewery, quickly became part of the fabric of the beach, with standout beers and a laidback attitude. Beach Camp Brewing Company operates the Beach Camp Brewpub in Grayton Beach, where you can find all of your (new) favorite beer, plus a chef-inspired menu, trivia and a laid back vibe. Founded by chefs, Idyll Hounds Brewing Company is inspired by the beach, using 100% recyclable materials in their cans and continually brewing new creations.
Whatever your spirit of choice, you'll find your perfect drink at the beach.