The 20th Annual Destin Charity Wine Auction presented by the Jumonville Family, raised a record-breaking $3.55 million—a $350,000 increase over last year—to support 17 children’s charities across Northwest Florida. Held April 25–26, the sold-out event welcomed more than 600 guests to celebrate two decades of giving back through exceptional wine, food and generosity.
“This year’s Destin Charity Wine Auction was unforgettable. Together, we raised $3.55 million to change lives — a milestone made even more meaningful as we celebrated 20 years of impact and honored the founders who made it all possible.,” DCWAF President Karah Fridley-Young said. “I am overwhelmed with gratitude and pride for this community, and for the visionaries whose hearts started it all.”
The weekend kicked off with 12 exclusive patron dinners from Destin to Rosemary Beach, raising $978,600 in a single evening. Each dinner featured expertly paired wines with gourmet menus from acclaimed chefs.
Saturday’s live auction was equally impressive. The Magnum Force lot raised $60,500 alone, while a 7-night trip to Barbados sold for $120,000. Additional standout lots included:
- A trip to the South of France – $105,000
- A custom Paul Sutton Bourbon barrel + distillery experience – $100,000 (sold twice)
- Champagne and Alsace tour – $105,000 (sold three times)
- Record-breaking $260,000 Paddle Raise
Local favorite restaurants added to the celebration of flavor with exquisite tastings perfectly matched to the vintners’ selections. World-class wines were thoughtfully paired with gourmet tastings by top regional chefs:
- Bijoux Restaurant & Spirits
Wine: Red Blend
Pairing: Bold, savory bites designed to enhance the richness of the blend
“We’ve participated for 20 years—this pairing is a guest favorite.”
- Marrow Private Chefs
Wine: Sauvignon Blanc
Pairing: Light, elegant dishes to complement the wine’s crisp acidity
- Seagar’s Prime Steaks & Seafood
Wine: Cabernet Sauvignon
Pairing: Aged steak cuts and hearty flavors
- O-Ku
Wine: High-acid whites & sake
Pairing: Sushi and Asian fusion with fresh, bright notes
- Wild Olives
Wine: Chardonnay
Pairing: Creamy cheeses, seafood and savory pastries
- Browne Trading Co.
Wine: Assorted varietals
Pairing: Premium smoked seafood and caviar
- Wine Chips
Wine: Versatile reds and whites
Pairing: Gourmet snack chips crafted to balance tannins and sweetness
These carefully crafted pairings elevated the auction’s culinary experience and honored the vintners who make DCWAF’s mission possible.
Featured Chefs and Restaurants included Chef Nikhil Abuvala of Roux 30a, Chef Matthew Basford of Canoe, Chef Ignacio Bernal of Vin’tij Food + Wine, Chef Fleetwood Covington, III of Seagar’s Prime Steaks and Seafood, Tim Creehan of Cuvee 30A, Chef Mark Eichin of Restaurant Paradis, Chef Will Farrington of M&P Farrington Foods, Chef Jason Goodenough of The New Culinarian, Chef Emeril Lagasse of Emeril’s, Chef Francisco Lopez, Jr. of Ambrosia 30A Prime Seafood and Steaks, Chef Jack McGuckin of Bijoux Restaurant and Spirits, Chef Tom Stafford of Roy Estate, and Chef Dan Vargo of Fine Coastal Cuisine.
In total, 48 Live Lots, 33 Cellar Lots, 18 Super Silent Lots, and 143 Silent Lots were auctioned, featuring rare wines, luxury travel and once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
Proceeds from the 2025 Destin Charity Wine Auction benefit 17 local nonprofits serving children in Northwest Florida:
Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast, Boys & Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast, Caring & Sharing of South Walton, Children’s Home Society of Florida, Children in Crisis, Inc., Children’s Volunteer Health Network, Ellison McCraney Ingram Foundation, Emerald Coast Autism Center, Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center, Habitat for Humanity of Walton County, Mental Health Association of Okaloosa & Walton Counties, Opportunity, Inc., Point Washington Medical Clinic, Shelter House Domestic Violence Center, The Arc of the Emerald Coast, Westonwood Ranch and Youth Village.
Together, these organizations serve thousands of children in our area providing hope, healing and opportunity—made possible by DCWAF supporters. Funds will be distributed in August to 17 local nonprofit partners during a private check presentation at the Hilton Sandestin.
DCWAF’s Impact? Since its founding in 2005, DCWAF has donated more than $35 million, impacting over 100,000 children affected by health challenges, abuse, poverty, and more.
Save the date: The 21st Annual Destin Charity Wine Auction is scheduled for April 24–26, 2025. Learn more at DCWAF.org or follow @DCWAF on Facebook.
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