Destin Charity Wine Auction Turns 21 and Goes Wild for Kids April 24-25
Patron packages to go on sale January 12 online at dcwaf.org/tickets
The 21st Annual Destin Charity Wine Auction presented by the Jumonville Family is set for April 24–25, 2026. Proceeds from the annual auction benefit children in need across Northwest Florida through Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation’s (DCWAF) 16 partner children’s charities. In 2025, the foundation donated $3.1 million following one of its most successful auctions to date.
A limited number of patron packages can be purchased starting Jan. 12 at dcwaf.org/tickets. Sponsorship opportunities are also available by contacting DCWAF at info@dcwaf.org.
The 2026 auction will feature an impressive lineup of celebrity chefs and internationally renowned vintners. Confirmed vintners include owners and winemakers from Allegrini, Cardinale and Lokoya, Domaine de la Clos Chapelle, Dossier, Doubleback, Forman, Jarvis Estate, Phifer Pavitt, Aaron Pott Wines, Revana Wine Portfolio, Thompson 31Fifty, VGS Chateau Potelle and more.
The weekend begins Friday, April 24, with the signature patron dinner experience, hosted in private homes and premier restaurants across the Emerald Coast. Each dinner pairs a nationally recognized chef with world-class vintners.
The main event, the Destin Charity Wine Auction, begins at 1 p.m. Saturday, April 25, with the Reserve Tasting and Live Auction held under an air-conditioned tent at Grand Boulevard Sandestin Town Center. Guests will enjoy exceptional wines paired with cuisine from top local restaurants before a high-energy live auction featuring rare wines, luxury trips and one-of-a-kind items.
The Destin Charity Wine Auction is held in conjunction with the South Walton Beaches Wine and Food Festival, also taking place at Grand Boulevard the same weekend. The festival showcases hundreds of premium wines, spirits and culinary offerings, with proceeds benefiting DCWAF. More participating chefs and vintners will be announced in the coming months. Full details are available at dcwaf.org.
ECTC Presents Agatha Christie’s “Murder on The Orient Express” Jan. 15 – Feb. 1
Mystery and suspense take center stage as Emerald Coast Theatre Company (ECTC) presents Ken Ludwig’s adaptation of Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express, running Jan. 15 through Feb. 1 at its theatre at Grand Boulevard in Miramar Beach.
Set aboard the famed Orient Express, the story unfolds after a shocking murder halts a lavish European train journey. With the train stranded by snow, legendary detective Hercule Poirot must solve the crime before the killer strikes again. Featuring Christie’s signature twists, sharp dialogue and a cast of memorable characters, the production invites audiences to play detective until the final reveal. “Murder on the Orient Express is the perfect way to kick off the new year at ECTC,” said Producing Artistic Director Nathanael Fisher. “It is suspenseful, atmospheric and a richly layered experience that invites the audience to play detective alongside fan favorite Bruce Collier as Poirot.”
The production is directed by Scott Hayes with a creative team that includes Managing Director Trenton Bainbridge, Scenic Designer Rebeca Lake, Lighting Designer Matteo Morris, Costume Designer Taylor Walker and Sound Engineer Gavin Young, among others.
The cast features Bruce Collier as Hercule Poirot and Darla Briganti as Princess Dragomiroff, joined by Jason Hedden, Hayes Mercure, Kindra Steenerson, Karly Johnson, Cara Chesney, Tommy Bergeron, Charlie Meeks and Rebeca Lake.
Performances take place at ECTC, 560 Grand Blvd., Suite 200, Miramar Beach. For tickets and information, call (850) 684-0323 or visit emeraldcoasttheatre.org.
DCWAF Annual Galentine’s Fundraiser Feb. 7
DCWAF’s Galentine’s Day Fundraiser is turning five, and we’re going all out to honor the queens in our community that come together to give back! Hosted in Destin at the home of Candis Wilson, Galentine’s brings influential women in the community together to support one another while raising money for programs designed to empower young girls through DCWAF’s 16 partner children’s charities and beyond. All individuals and businesses affiliated with the production of this event are female owned and operated. The cards have been dealt, and every Queen deserves her moment during this fun day of giving.
More info/tickets: https://www.dcwaf.org/events/5th-annual-galentines-day-fundraiser
8th annual Hard Hats & High Heels luncheon, Friday Feb. 13
This event is more than a fundraiser — it’s a celebration of the power of women supporting women. This year’s luncheon is sponsored in loving memory of longtime Habitat volunteer Barbara Carver, honoring her lifelong dedication to lifting up others.
The event begins at 11 a.m. at the Hilton Sandestin and features a signature welcome drink, plated lunch, games, raffles, swag bags and a wine pull. This year’s keynote speaker is Catherine Brannon, who will share a powerful message about how communities thrive when women support one another. Tickets are $75, with an early bird rate of $65 available through Jan. 16, 2026. The luncheon also marks the launch of the Spring 2026 Women Build season, offering women the opportunity to gain hands-on construction experience on a job site or through construction skills workshops. Special thanks are extended to the Women Build sponsors who make this program possible.
More information and tickets are available at waltoncountyhabitat.org/8th-annual-hard-hats-high-heels/.
