South Walton is a Wine Lover's Oasis

From merlot and cabernet to rosé and chardonnay, those who affectionately love to uncork, sip and savor don’t have to travel to France, Italy or even Napa Valley to explore world-class wines. South Walton is home to a spectacular community of wine lovers and wine-centric events throughout the year.

No matter when you visit, you’ll be able to sip on some great wines, enjoy gourmet bites from local restaurants and rub elbows with winemakers. Here’s a look at some of the can’t-miss wine happenings in South Walton.

Early spring not only offers cooler temperatures along South Walton’s sugar-white sand, but it really is the kick-off of the wine season. Mix and mingle with other wine aficionados at the annual 30A Wine Festival, a five-day showcase of wine, food, fun and charity. The stark white architecture of Alys Beach serves as a picturesque backdrop for shades of red and rosé.

Image Courtesy of Alys Beach

April is home to two of South Walton’s most well-known wine events – Sandestin Wine Festival and South Walton Beaches Wine & Food Festival.

Both events showcase hundreds of wines, culinary treats from local restaurants and celebrity chefs, intimate wine dinners and plenty of educational seminars and unique experiences.

Looking to travel in the fall? An October/November trip to South Walton can be paired perfectly to coincide with the annual Harvest Wine & Food Festival, Seeing Red Wine Festival and Rosemary Beach Uncorked.

A relative newcomer to the South Walton wine scene, the Harvest Wine & Food Festival is held every November in WaterColor. This three-day event perfectly blends wine, food and charity.

The Seeing Red Wine Festival, held in Seaside, will mark its 31st anniversary in 2022 and has proven to be a local favorite and was recognized by Fodor’s Travel as one of the “Top 10 Can’t Miss Fall Wine Festivals.”

Always quick to sell out, the annual Rosemary Beach Uncorked wine festival invites you to Eat. Drink. Be Rosemary. each November.

Can’t make it for a wine festival? Just enjoy a day at a local winery! Located in DeFuniak Springs, Chautauqua Vineyards & Winery specializes in native Muscadine grape varieties – Carlos for white and Noble for red. Complimentary tastings are offered all week through most of day, with no reservation required. While the majority of their vineyard is located off-site, 10 “preview rows” are showcased on the beautiful front lawn. During harvest season (late August into September), you can even pick grapes to get a hands-on feel for what goes into their process. Taste a fresh grape to understand the origin of these incredible wines. And don’t leave without joining their very popular Old Vine Wine Club! You can also sample and purchase these wines at their sister location, Emerald Coast Wine Cellars, in Miramar Beach.

Overall, South Walton is home to dozens of restaurants that boast award-winning wine lists. No matter when, or where, you visit, a memorable glass of vino awaits.

Want to see what else is happening in South Walton? Visit www.visitsouthwalton.com/events.