#baytowne

The 31st Annual Sandestin Wine Festival, the most established and continuously running wine festival in the Florida Panhandle, announced today the organization donated $65,920 to two deserving local charities. The proceeds are from the four-day event, held this past spring at The Village of Baytowne Wharf at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort.

Due to the success of this year’s festival and sold out grand tasting events on Friday and Saturday, both the Fisher House of the Emerald Coast and Sandestin Foundation for Kids were presented with checks totaling $32,960 each.

“This event continues to bring a wide range of experiences for guests, wine experts from across the globe, and hard to find selections of wine. But we want the Sandestin Wine Festival’s focus to remain on the local community,” commented Alan Meyers, The Village of Baytowne Wharf executive director. “With the help of sponsorships, community partners, and the continued support of our festival from the locals and visitors alike, we were able increase our giving from last year. We hope to continue to ultimately benefit our local non-profits in need,” concluded Meyers.

Michaela Trawick, intern for Fisher House of the Emerald Coast; Alan Myers, executive director of the Village of Baytowne Wharf; Carolyn Espinoza, Fisher House community ambassador; Troy Sjostrom, operations manager at the Village of Baytowne Wharf; Julie Stuckey, events manager of the Village of Baytowne Wharf; John Stephens, Master Sargent and interim house staff; Gordy Fornell, Vice President of Fisher House board; Teresa Halverson, President of Fisher House board; Mia Hughes, administrative director of Fisher House; Shirley Pigott, past president of Fisher House board; Sheila Williams, community ambassador; Suzanne Baltar, 513 EWS 2nd lt and Wine Festival volunteer; Leleia Hsia, 513 EWS, 1st lt, Wine Fest Volunteer captain.

“We are blessed with community partners and volunteers with big hearts who believe like we do that family is the best medicine,” said Teresa Halverson, president of Fisher House of the Emerald Coast, Inc. “A team effort, combined with the popularity of this annual world-class event and the generosity of our supporters contributing their time and resources helps us keep military families together when facing a medical crisis, furthering the legacy began by Zachary and Elizabeth Fisher."

Caroline Garrison, Kristin Cloud, Andy Manganiello, Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort; Julie Stuckey, events manager, the Village of Baytowne Wharf; Alan Myers, executive director, the Village of Baytowne Wharf; Troy Sjostrom, operations manager, the Village of Baytowne Wharf.

Sara Becnel, Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort executive director and co-trustee of the Sandestin Foundation for Kids, said, “Since our founding in 2011 our goal has been to make a meaningful and positive difference one child at a time.  I want to thank our community, the volunteers and everyone associated with the Sandestin Wine Festival for providing these proceeds to support the Sandestin Foundation for Kids. Through your generosity, the Foundation will continue to make an immediate and direct impact in the lives of children and their families suffering from a variety of tragedies including health and economic issues throughout the Emerald Coast and abroad. We are grateful and humbled.”

Do you love grilled cheese sandwiches? You are in luck with our newest merchant - Baytowne Provisions.

This brand new enterprise is run by Jim Shirley - named the 2016 Perfect in South Walton Grand Champion Executive Chef and a 2016 Wine Spectator Award of Excellence.  

With his “modern southern cuisine” Jim has perfected the art of a grilled cheese sandwich - and given consumers some thing new to crave with all kinds of twists on this comfort food. And when you sample the popular Smokin’ Turkey sandwich - featuring turkey, avocado, pepper jack cheese, bacon and his signature Albuquerque sauce  - you’ll know he’s got a taste for kids of all ages.

And in addition to his well-known creations, he’s adding breakfast, lunch, and dinner to the Baytowne Wharf family. Baytowne Provisions has casual and family friendly setting, opening in the former Graffiti’s and Funky Blues Shack location. Their renovations of this spot have also now opened up an upstairs bar area and outdoor decks with beautiful views of the bay. And, later this summer, they are opening a general store for fresh goodies and food to go!  

The restaurant is open 10-4p for lunch, and serves dinner 6-9p.  They also have accommodations for private events. 

With a unique blend fashion accessories, apparel, jewelry from well-known designers, this week’s Merchant Monday feature really does have has something for everyone. Uniquely Chic is located on Adventure Lane in The Village of Baytowne and a must see boutique for added memories of your vacation and shopping adventures.

Featured designs include: Mariana handcrafted Jewelry, exquisite Swarovski & Gemstone jewelry collection, Lenny & Eva handmade jewelry with inspirational sentiments made from salvaged metals, Gemesis Expressions unique leather & freshwater pearl jewelry infused with semi-precious gemstones, Tyler Candles, Seagrass 100% Soy Candles made locally, Home Accents & Decor, Unique Homeware, holiday mementos, unique gifts such as our Gurgle Pot pitchers, Soap Rocks, Face Plant, souvenirs and more. 

Uniquely Chic is proud to support made in America products and in addition supports 12 of our local small entrepreneurs and artists. Our knowledgeable and friendly staff awaits your visit and looks forward to serving you! 

Celebrate the Luck of the Irish at The Village of a Baytowne Wharf this St. Patrick's Day on Friday, March 17 from 6-9p. The night will begin with live jazz and blues music from The Blenders at 6p. Then at 7p, The Drake School of Irish Dance will perform several group and solo dances. 

 And, guests can enjoy merchant specials all night long!       

Another Broken Egg | Green tomatillo bloody mary, featuring our house-made infused bell pepper vodka, Bloody Mary Mix, cucumbers, jalapenos, and Worchestershire all for a special $4.99 this St. Patrick’s Day.  

Acme Oyster House |  St. Patrick’s Day featured menu item: Boiled Crawfish 

MooLaLa | Try a Grasshopper Milkshake --  mint ice cream mixed with thin mint cookies, whip cream and chocolate drizzle.

Hammerheads | $2 off all green labeled shots and $5 house margaritas

Waterfront Gifts & Fine Art | Receive 25% off all items in the store when you wear green.

Blush | Enjoy 10% off any item when you wear your green from 6-9pm.

Candymaker | With any $25 purchase get a taste of the pot of gold, with special gold chocolate coins.

Baytowne Melt | Enjoy a Pesto Fried Green Tomato Melt -- made to order fried green tomatoes topped with fresh pesto, layered with strips of bacon and finished with melted mozzarella cheese.

Tony Laure’s | Enjoy a sour green apple snoball when you’re sporting your green.

Fat Tuesdays | $5 small, $7 large St. Patrick’s Day Green Pina Coladas plus $3 fireball shots.

Roberto’s | $3.50 Draft Beer and $5 Drink of the Day

Find something green and come spend Friday, March 17th at The Village of Baytowne Wharf at Sandestin!