The winners are announced in the realm of wine

Before the area's largest wine tasting event is held at Sandestin in April, the wines that will be offered must be judged.

That judging took place Jan. 9. The team of 28 judges was a diverse group consisting of local restaurant owners as well as nationally-recognized wine experts. The group was divided into seven panels, which began tasting the myriad of wines early in the morning. Each panel tasted 60 different wines and awarded prizes in 70 categories.

At day's end, Best of Show went to Andre Lurton's Bordeaux White Chateau Bonnet Blanc 2007 and Leal Carnaval Meritage Red 2005. Those two will be among the hundreds featured at the wine festival in April.

The community was offered a first sampling of the winning wines that evening at a "Tasting of Champions" held at Baytowne Wharf's Magnolia Ballroom. Approximately 100 locals attended.

Admission to the affair brought in close to $6,000 for Destin Charity Wine Auction, which in turn, distributes the money to eight charitable organizations throughout the community.

This year's charities include Emerald Coast Children's Advocacy Center, Children in Crisis, Sacred Heart Hospital Emerald Coast, Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Youth Village, Children's Volunteer Health Network, and Brilliant Minds.

"When interviewing organizations, we try to find the most severe need that each charity is working to accommodate and we ensure that their funds are allocated to satisfy that particular need," said DCWAF's Executive Director Todd Vucovich.

Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation's fundraising efforts have already distributed more than $2 million within the last three years. Even in this slow economy, Vucovich and his team are expecting greater turnouts for 2009.

DCWA's largest fundraiser, "Wine & Dine in Paradise" will be April 23 - 25. This is part of the three-day slate of events that make up Sandestin's Wine Fest.

The festival draws national and international wine enthusiasts, recognized and acclaimed vintners, celebrity chefs, and food aficionados.

Expected to make an appearance this year are Bill Phelps of Joseph Phelps vineyards, Tom Johnson of Silver Oak, Janet Myers of Mt. Veeder, Ben Frick of Meeryvale, and Jac Cole of Spring Mountain. "Wine & Dine in Paradise" consists of 15-20 patron dinners hosted locally in private homes and featuring award winning chefs and their culinary delights.

The culinary event culminates with a grand auction and garden party at Sandestin's Linkside Center. Last year, the auction raised more than $500,000.

Contact Todd Vucovich at (850) 650-3732 or go to www.DWCAF.org for more information.