DCWAF Announces 2023 Honorary Vintner and Chef

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Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation (DCWAF) is pleased to announce Paul Hobbs as the Honorary Vintner and Scotty Schwartz as the Honorary Chef for the 18th Annual Destin Charity Wine Auction presented by the Jumonville Family, hosted April 28-29 in Grand Boulevard.

The sold-out 18th annual auction weekend will kick off on Friday, April 28 with 11 patron dinners, hosted in some of the most stunning homes and restaurants along the Emerald Coast, and is followed by a reserve wine tasting and live auction on Saturday afternoon. Paul Hobbs will be headlining a dinner hosted by Ben and Tiffany Edwards with Jeanne Dailey and Jay Nettles in Burnt Pine with Chef David Bancroft supporting Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast. Chef Scotty Schwartz will be headlining a dinner hosted by George and Stephanie Brannon, Jr., Jeff and Cindy Garrard, and Robért and Shelly Hinojosa with Somnium and Fayard Wines supporting Westonwood Ranch. The weekend will conclude the next day with a reserve tasting and high energy live auction. This year’s auction will feature over 150 silent, super silent, and cellar lots available for virtual bidding and 47 impressive live lots comprised of rare wine, luxury travel experiences, and much more.

“I am honored and humbled to be the 2023 Honorary Vintner, and I hope this year will prove to be another record-breaking auction,” said Paul Hobbs, “It is a great inspiration to witness the collective efforts of so many people coming together to help improve the lives of children in need.”

Executive chef at the Surf Club in Wrightsville Beach, NC and owner of El Jefe in Jacksonville, FL, Scotty Schwartz has been participating in the Destin Charity Wine Auction weekend for many years; headlining patron dinners, generously donated auction lots, and assisted in the recruitment of other talented chefs throughout the Southeast.

“We are thrilled to honor Paul Hobbs and Chef Scotty Schwartz at this year’s auction,” said Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation President Karah Fridley-Young. “Both have provided immeasurable support to DCWAF over the years and have made a positive impact to our ability to help children in need in Northwest Florida.”

Currently ranked fifth on the list of "Top Charity Wine Auctions in the U.S." by Wine Spectator Magazine, the Destin Charity Wine Auction connects wine enthusiasts with preeminent winemakers and chefs to help children in need in Northwest Florida.