Wine Spectator Ranks Destin Charity Wine Auction #3 Charity Wine Auction in US
Local wine auction remains among top 10 charity wine auctions for the sixth consecutive year
Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation (DCWAF) proudly announces that the 12th Annual Auction in 2017 ranked third among the nation’s top charity wine auctions by Wine Spectator Magazine. DCWAF has earned a spot in the top 10 for the last six consecutive years, and since its inception, has donated more than $15 million to support children in need in Northwest Florida. In 2017, DCWAF donated $2.7 million to 15 local charities serving children in need in Northwest Florida.
“We are ecstatic about our ranking as the number three ‘Top Charity Wine Auction in the US’ by Wine Spectator Magazine,” said Destin Charity Wine Auction President, John Russell. “This incredible recognition is a true testament to the impact we hope to continue to have on the children in our community. When we can tell their stories to people, they raise their paddles. That’s why it’s so amazing to do this and see the growth each year. We are beyond grateful for the support we have received from our local community and our friends in the wine industry.”
Wine Spectator reported that the top five highest grossing wine auctions of 2017 were Naples Winter Wine Festival, Auction Napa Valley, Destin Charity Wine Auction, Sonoma Harvest Wine Auction, and Auction of Washington Wines.
During the past several years, DCWAF has experienced exponential growth in name recognition, attendance, and revenue. As a result, the organization has been able to attract some of the most influential vintners in the world to participate in the event. The weekend also draws celebrity chefs from across the country who are paired with premier vintners for 12 patron dinners, each supporting a different benefiting charity.
In 2018, Destin Charity Wine Auction will feature more than 300 silent and live offerings, and will welcome hundreds of auction attendees who look forward to the ability to secure rare and highly sought after wines, wine-oriented excursions and other exclusive opportunities. In 2018, DCWAF is proud to offer a selection of 50 live auction lots that include trips to South Africa, Australia, Italy, Napa Valley, Argentina, Amsterdam, and so much more. In addition to the multitude of trips offered, the 2018 Auction will also feature a rare 2008 Tesla Roadster donated by the St. Joe Community Foundation. This year’s auction will also offer a powerhouse line-up of wines including Screaming Eagle, Harlan Estate, Scarecrow and several highly allocated cult wines and well-respected Old and New World brands from around the globe.
The 13th Annual Destin Charity Wine Auction will be held on Saturday, April 28 at Grand Boulevard at Sandestin. The 2018 Honorary Vintner is Betz Family Winery and owner Steve Griessel will be attending the auction in April. In addition, DCWAF has named Cindy Hutson as their inaugural Honorary Chef.
The weekend kicks off with 12 intimate Patron Dinners held on Friday evening, April 27, allowing patrons to experience exclusive wine and food pairings and get a closer look at one of the 15 charities this mission-driven event benefits. For more information on DCWAF and the Auction, visit www.dcwaf.org. To view the 2017 financials and annual report, visit dcwaf.org/annualreport2017/.
Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation’s mission is to connect wine enthusiasts to raise money to benefit children in need in Northwest Florida. Founded in 2005, DCWAF has donated more than $15 million to Northwest Florida charities through hosting world class wine and culinary events. These funds have impacted the lives of over 90,000 youth, including those afflicted by health issues and abuse. The funds raised are distributed to 15 local non-profit organizations for specific projects and programs that benefit children. Charity partners for 2018 include Children in Crisis, Children’s Volunteer Health Network, Emerald Coast Autism Center, the Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center, Food for Thought, Habitat for Humanity of Walton County, The Arc of the Emerald Coast, Opportunity Place, Pathways for Change, Sacred Heart Hospital on the Emerald Coast, Shelter House of Northwest Florida, AMIKids Emerald Coast, Boys and Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast, Mental Health Association of Okaloosa and Walton Counties, and Youth Village. Learn more at DCWAF.org or facebook.com/DCWAF.