Destin Charity Wine Auction 2024: A $3.3 Million Boost for Children’s Charities

The annual fundraising event continues to draw enthusiastic wine lovers to bid on big bottles, one-of-a-kind travel and more

The Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation (DCWAF) had another strong showing at its annual auction in support of northwest Florida children in need. On April 27, the event gathered over 600 wine lovers at Grand Boulevard Sandestin Town Center in Miramar Beach and raised more than $3.3 million for 17 children’s charities. The auction, which began in 2005, has established itself as one of the largest in the country. Since returning to a live auction format in 2022, it has raised over $3 million dollars each year.

“Seeing our generous community come together to make an impact on the next generation is hugely rewarding,” Kate MacMillan, DCWAF director of marketing and communications, told Wine Spectator. “The vintners, chefs, volunteers and patrons that walk into the auction tent year after year continue to keep our mission of helping children in need in northwest Florida front of mind.”

The live auction raised over $2.3 million and featured 52 lots, 25 of which included wine. In a Destin tradition, the opening lot, Magnum Force, featured 50 magnums from past and present featured vintners, including Caymus, Joseph Phelps, Paul Hobbs and Spottswoode. The one-of-a-kind collection of big bottles sold for $55,000.

The most expensive item auctioned was a five-night vacation to Anguilla, which was sold for $100,000. This was closely followed by a Rolling Stones concert package that included private airfare, going for $65,000. Other noteworthy auction items included a one-week South African safari and wine tasting experience for two pairs of individuals (generously given by Betz Family Winery and auctioned off for $60,000) as well as an offering for four pairs of people to attend the 2025 Cayman Cookout, hosted by chef Eric Ripert at the Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman. The latter was sold twice for $130,000.

The evening prior to the main auction, 12 special dinners took place at various restaurants and private households across the larger Destin vicinity. The total funds generated from these dinners surpassed $550,000.

Proceeds from this event will be used to back 17 charitable organizations, an increase from the 16 supported in years past. Even though the specific initiatives funded change annually, these charities strive to meet a variety of crucial needs, such as health care, education, homelessness, and abuse prevention. Last year’s event helped fund a GED program for vulnerable students, dental care for children lacking sufficient insurance, housing for homeless minors and their families, among other schemes. The funds collected this year are planned to be given to the partner charities on August 29th at the Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort and Spa.

Since its inauguration in 2005, the Destin Charity Wine Auction has succeeded in raising over $35 million to support charities in northwest Florida, positively affecting the lives of more than 100,000 children. The 20th auction event is planned for April 25–27 next year.

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About the Author: Chris Lehoux

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