The 39th Annual Sandestin Wine Festival will take place April 16th-19th, 2026. The Sandestin Wine Festival has been named the “Best Annual Event” by Destin Magazine and is known as the Best event in the Visit South Walton Beaches Wine and Food Festival area. The Sandestin Wine Festival is the most established and continuously running wine festival on the Emerald Coast. It has affectionately been called the “Kentucky Derby of Wine Festivals” because of its popularity and grandeur.
The main events, known as our Grand Wine Tastings, showcase more than 500+ domestic and international wines over two days. The Grand Tastings take place on Friday, April 17th & Saturday, April 18th. Guests can enjoy the opportunity to talk to vineyard owners and wine makers about their favorite appellations, or maybe try something new. During the Grand Wine Tastings, guests are also treated to a gourmet experience courtesy of some of the best chefs on the Emerald Coast. Savor South Walton tents are sprinkled within the festival to allow guests to pair delectable bite-sized appetizers with their current glass selection. Local and regional music also set the vibe for fun days of discovery.
All ranges of knowledge are encouraged to attend the festival – wine novices to aficionados alike. Festival goers can learn more about wines by tasting wines from a comprehensive selection from all major producing countries in all varieties, styles, and price ranges. Guests are invited to find a favorite or several. Ticket holders also receive a beautiful glass etched to commemorate each year’s event for their tastings.
Wine novices can learn more about wines and sample from a comprehensive selection in all varieties, styles, and price ranges. Wine aficionados enjoy meeting winemakers, asking detailed questions, and acquiring hard-to-get selections. Everyone gets to enjoy the live music, interactive experiences at the Culinary tents, and shops + dining of The Village of Baytowne Wharf. THIS EVENT IS RAIN OR SHINE!