25th Annual Seeing Red Wine Festival – Nov 5-8

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Visit the Scenic 30A Corridor and make plans now to attend the Seeing Red Wine Festival which will celebrate the 25th year, November 5-8, 2015, in the award-winning town of Seaside. It is produced in partnership with the Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation.

In the 25 years since it began, the festival has grown to become a sell-out event, attracting wine connoisseurs and novices alike, and being named as one of the ‘Top 10 Can’t-Miss Fall Wine Festivals’ by Fodor’s Travel. The four days of festivities include reserve wine tastings, dinners and a brunch with featured guest winemakers. Several of Seaside’s well-known restaurants showcase their farm-to-fork and gulf-to-table offerings, which pair beautifully with the featured red wines.

Thursday, November 5, 7 p.m. – Vintner’s Dinner at Bud & Alley’s restaurant. Executive Chef David Bishop will create a special menu in collaboration with the featured vintner. Admission is $125 and a limited number of reservations are available.

Friday, Nov. 6, 6 to 8 p.m. – the Al Fresco Reserve Tasting. Local chef, Jim Shirley, will prepare a delicious array of hors d’oeuvres that pair perfectly with the featured wines. The evening is complemented by live jazz music under a clear-topped tent and twinkling lights on Seaside’s Lyceum Lawn. Admission is $200 and a limited number of reservations are available.

Saturday, Nov. 7, 1 to 4 p.m. – The Grand Tasting. The main event and features more than 250 wines for tasting. Spend the afternoon strolling Seaside’s Central Square sipping an extensive array of highly sought after wines from around the world, while enjoying live music, light bites from South Walton’s leading local restaurants, and the opportunity to purchase wine on-site. General admission is $150. Available for the first time this year are VIP tickets for $300, which include early admission at 11:30 a.m. as well as access to the VIP amenity tent with a private tasting of rare and premium wines.

Sunday, Nov. 8, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. A Celebration of Bubbles, from Great Southern Café in Seaside, followed by the Fall Wine Walkabout & Charity Auction, from 2 – 5 p.m. at the Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa in Miramar Beach.

The Celebration of Bubbles features sparkling wines, including Champagne, Cava, and Prosecco, among others, which will be complemented by delectable brunch items and live music. Admission is $60.

From 2-5 p.m., the Fall Walkabout and Charity Auction will feature wines, cocktails, live music and food stations from more of South Walton’s top local restaurants. The event is enhanced by the gorgeous beachside setting on the Hilton’s Sunset Deck, overlooking the shimmering waters of the Gulf of Mexico, and includes a silent auction, featuring wines, vacation packages, and artwork.

Free parking and shuttle service will be provided from the Publix at WaterColor Crossings on County Road 395.