Sandestin Wine Festival Promises Wine, Food, and Fun in the Sun

Uncork Some “Wine, Food & Fun in the Sun”

The Sandestin Wine Festival brings together the perfect triad for an unforgettable long weekend—great wine from around the globe, delicious local food, and coastal vibes! For three decades, the festival has truly embodied its theme of “Wine, Food & Fun in the Sun” earning it a reputation as a must-experience event on the Emerald Coast. This year’s four-day festival on April 16-19, 2026, will no doubt exceed all expectations, so clear your calendar and get ready to uncork some “Wine, Food & Fun!”

Now in its 39th year, the festival treats attendees to tastings of wine from across the globe and so much more! It’s truly a celebration of all things Gulf Coast with wine dinners with celebrity chefs, live music, yoga, culinary tents and interactive experiences. Whether you’re a wine aficionado or a grape novice looking to learn more, the come-as-you are ambiance of the festival permeates all the events where having fun is the ultimate goal! Here’s a quick look at the events featured at this year’s festival:

• Winemaker Dinner—Thursday, April 16
• Grand Wine Tasting—Friday, April 17, and Saturday, April 18
• Beachside Yoga—Saturday, April 18
• Farewell Brunch—Sunday, April 19

The venue for the wine festival is Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort’s quaint Village of Baytowne Wharf. Located within the resort property, Baytowne Wharf is nestled alongside picturesque Choctawhatchee Bay allowing easy access to myriad amenities central to the resort’s popularity.

Festival Kick-off – Winemaker Dinner

Always a fan favorite, the Winemaker Dinner on Thursday, April 16, at 6 pm is an unforgettable way to kick off the weekend! Hosted by AJ Tusa at Poppy’s Seafood Factory, guests will enjoy an exclusive, intimate dining experience featuring a four-course menu crafted by Executive Chef Scott Cribbs and thoughtfully paired with iconic wines from The Prisoner Wine Company. Seating is limited, and tickets include five generous 5-oz wine pours expertly matched with the curated multi-course dinner. Guests will also enjoy special bottle pricing available that night only, and anyone who purchases a bottle will be entered to win a large-format bottle.

The Main Events – Grand Wine Tastings

This year’s main events – the Grand Wine Tastings – are scheduled for Friday night, April 17, from 5 to 8 pm, and Saturday afternoon, April 18, from 1 to 4 pm. The depth and grandeur of the Grand Wine Tastings with its showcase of more than 500+ domestic and international wines is why the Sandestin Wine Festival has been named the “Best Annual Event” by Destin Magazine. Festival attendees can sip wines from premier vineyards and talk to vineyard owners and wine makers about their favorite appellations. To accentuate the wine tasting, local chefs will be on hand presenting perfectly paired gourmet bites at the Savor South Walton tents sprinkled throughout the festival. The Bubbly and Boozy tent will once again be set up during the Grand Wine Tastings serving up bubbles and spirits accompanied by live music played by local and regional bands.

Seas The Day – Yoga On The Beach

Festival-goers will enjoy a relaxing and fun start to the second day with yoga and mimosas on the beaches of South Walton with the peaceful turquoise Gulf waters as the backdrop. Serenity by the Sea — Spa at Hilton Sandestin presents the Seas the Day event set for 9 am Saturday, April 18. Yoga Instructor Denise Cavallaro will lead yogis of all skill levels through a session that will rejuvenate your body and mind. Come as you are wearing comfortable workout clothes to the Beach at Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa for the ultimate Yoga on the Beach class, paired with mimosas and refreshing “Long Drinks,” sparkling canned cocktails. (This is a ticketed event that starts promptly at 9 am with yoga mats provided.)

Weekend Wrap – Farewell Brunch

Brunch is always a good idea, and in this case, the Farewell Brunch is the perfect way to toast to an unforgettable festival experience. Hosted at Ovide inside Hotel Effie, the brunch will be Sunday, April 19, from 11 am to 2 pm. Your brunch ticket includes bottomless Bloody Marys and choice of one entrée from a curated brunch menu with delicious offerings ranging from Challah French Toast to Gulf Shrimp and Grits. The relaxed, celebratory atmosphere of the brunch is the perfect “cheers” to the weekend.

More About This Popular Festival

The Sandestin Wine Festival is the longest continuously running wine festival on the Emerald Coast. Tickets start at $90 each and are going fast. Click here to order tickets. And don’t worry about the weather. The festival is scheduled to take place rain or shine!

Places To Stay, Other Things To Do During Sandestin Wine Festival

To find Destin Florida vacation rentals or Highway 30A vacation rentals, places to eat in Destin, places to eat on Highway 30A, and fun things to do in Destin while you’re in town for the wine festival, there’s no better place to start than on BeachGuide. Most of the individual rentals can be booked online directly from our site. Or, call one of BeachGuide’s friendly vacation planners seven days a week – including many evenings at 888-698-1488.

Find your dream accommodations now before they book up. And plan on a vacation for the memory books!

This article was originally written by S. Lynne and updated in 2026 by Darcie.