Inaugural food and wine festival coming to northwest Florida
The first South Walton Beaches Food & Wine Festival takes place April 25-28 in Grand Boulevard at Sandestin, on South Walton's beaches in northwest Florida. More than 800 wines and a culinary village will comprise the event, proceeds from which benefit the Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation for children in need in northwest Florida. The run-up to the event began Feb. 1, with an international wine competition held at the Hilton Sandestin Beach, a founding partner of the event. As a founding partner, the hotel is offering two packages for the April event. The Grand Tasting Getaway packages features upgraded beach-view rooms and two tickets to the grand tasting April 27, with rates from $409 a night, using booking code "WF." The VIP Wine Lover's Weekend package includes beach-view rooms, two tickets to the exclusive Vibrant Rioja Reserva & Grand Reserva Tasting & Food Pairing event April 26, two upgraded VIP tickets to the grand tasting April 27, and two tickets to the after-party party April 27. Rates for this package start at $769 a night, using booking code "VP." Both packages require a minimum two-night stay. For more information about the deals, visit www.HiltonSandestinBeach.com. To check out the food and wine event, visit www.SoWalWine.com
- Anne Fitzgerald, Globe Travel Editor
- Paul Makishima, Globe Assistant Sunday Editor
- Eric Wilbur, Boston.com staff
- Kari Bodnarchuk writes about outdoor adventures, offbeat places, and New England.
- Patricia Borns, a frequent contributor to Globe Travel, writes and photographs travel, maritime, and historical narratives as well as blogs and books.
- Patricia Harris, a regular contributor to Globe Travel, is author or co-author of more than 20 books on travel, food, and popular culture.
- Paul E. Kandarian, a frequent contributor to Globe Travel, writes and photographs New England and Caribbean stories.
- Chris Klein is a regular contributor to Globe Travel. His latest book is "The Die-Hard Sports Fan's Guide to Boston."
- David Lyon, a regular contributor to Globe Travel, is author or co-author of more than 20 books on travel, food, and popular culture.
- Hilary Nangle is a regular contributor to Globe Travel. Her latest guidebook is Moon Maine (Avalon Travel, 2008)
- Joe Ray, a frequent contributor to Globe Travel, writes and photographs food and travel stories from Europe.
- Kimberly Sherman writes about unique happenings throughout New England.

