Coast to Coast Wine News: Oregon Trail Leads to Destin, Florida

Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation Names Top Oregon Winemaker 2011 Honorary Event Chair and Unveils Event Details and List of Participating Wineries

DESTIN, FL, Dec. 29 /CNW/ - Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation (DCWAF) today announced 2011 Honorary Chairs, prestigious Oregon vintners Ken and Grace Evenstad of Domaine Serene, for the area's largest fundraising event, "Wine and Dine in Paradise," to be held on Florida's Emerald Coast on April 29 and 30.

"The Evenstads were named this year's Honorary Chairs because of their leadership and excellence in the wine industry combined with their dedication to helping children in need," said Todd Vucovich, executive director of the Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation.

Wine and Dine in Paradise promises the weekend of a lifetime, drawing wine aficionados, award-winning chefs and celebrity vintners from around the world to enjoy world-class wines in the picture-perfect setting of the Destin, Florida.  Funds raised through this weekend benefit local children's charities, making a strong impact in lives of kids in need.

Honorary Chairs:

When Ken and Grace Evenstad bought land in the Dundee Hills of Oregon in 1989, it was generally believed that only Burgundy, France could produce exceptional Pinot Noir. But the Evenstads had a dream to change things.

"The Evenstads are truly inspirational people," says John Russell, DCWAF President and President of Sandestin Investments (SDI), parent company of Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort. "They had a heartfelt dream to craft this wine, and made it happen."

Their mission was simple: to produce a consistently exquisite Pinot Noir in Oregon. They believe if the wine is world class quality it will sell anywhere. To that end, the Evenstads were successful in establishing a national and international market for ultra premium American Pinot Noir.

"We look forward to contributing to the Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation every year and we are thrilled to be the 2011 honorary chairs," says Grace Evenstad, owner of Domaine Serene. "To be able to help so many wonderful children's charities and to share our wines with such caring and dedicated people is tremendously rewarding for us."

Wine and Dine in Paradise:
On April 29, some of the Emerald Coast's most exquisite homes set the stage for the 2011 Patron Dinners, a unique segment of "Wine and Dine in Paradise." Each Patron Dinner will feature a nationally recognized chef paired with a world-class celebrity vintner. The dinners provide a unique opportunity to interact with fellow wine enthusiasts while enjoying innovative cuisine and the world's finest wines.  Guests will experience dining in an intimate setting with a wine celebrity while enjoying their special library wines. A guest chef will create a delightful dinner to complement these special library wines.

On April 30th, this year's exciting Walkabout and Auction will be held at the world-renowned Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort. It will feature distinctive wines from internationally acclaimed vintners, poured and paired with fine cuisine created by a selection of the area's top chefs. While wining and dining, attendees will enjoy a silent auction, culinary demonstrations, and live music. The day will culminate with a high-energy and entertaining live auction that will include rare and distinctive wines, spectacular trips and other incredible one-of-a-kind items.

DCWAF's 2011 Platinum Sponsor is Caduceus Society, an organization of physicians on the Medical Staff at Sacred Heart who provide financial support for underserved patients of all ages, including children in need. It is comprised of physicians who give time, talents, and devotion to the betterment of our community.

2011 Event Participating Wineries:
Arista Winery, Bethel Heights Vineyard, Brochelle Vineyards, Castello Banfi, Clos Pissarra & Miura Vineyards, DeLille Cellars, Domaine Serene, Duckhorn Wine Company, Husic Vineyards, Jarvis Winery, Justin Vineyards & Winery, Kosta Browne Winery, Leal Vineyards, Maison Champy, Merry Edwards Winery, Paul Hobbs Wines, Penner-Ash Wine Cellars, Pride Mountain, Revana Family Vineyard, Silver Oak Cellars, Willamette Valley Vineyards: all will be participating.

To complete a registration form for the event or for pricing information, please visit www.DCWAF.org or call 850.650.3732.

About Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation:
Since 2005, the Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation has worked to incorporate the best elements of the Emerald Coast's culture into raising money for children in need through superb wine and food events.  After only five years of fundraising, the organization has raised nearly $4 million, thus positively impacting the lives of countless children and solidifying its place on the map as one of the most successful non-profit organizations in the Southeast. For more information, visit www.DCWAF.org

Media Contact:
Lauren Magli
Events Coordinator
Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation
850-650-3732
[email protected]