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.”
Top Lots Feature Rare Magnums and Exclusive Travel
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 top-selling lot was a five-night trip to Anguilla, which sold for $100,000, followed by a Rolling Stones concert experience complete with private air travel, which went for $65,000. Among the other notable lots were a seven-night South African safari and wine experience for two couples (donated by Betz Family Winery, it sold for $60,000) and a package for four couples to attend the 2025 Cayman Cookout, hosted by chef Eric Ripert, at the Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman (which sold twice for $130,000).
The night before the live auction, 12 patron dinners were held in restaurants and private homes throughout the greater Destin area. Those dinners raised over $550,000.
Supporting Northwest Florida Children in Need
This year, the event will support 17 charity partners, up from 16 in recent years. While the specific projects funded change from year to year, partner organizations work to address a range of critical needs, from health care to education to homelessness and abuse. Last year’s event supported a GED program for at-risk students, dental care for underinsured and uninsured children, housing for homeless children and their families, and many other initiatives. This year’s funds will be presented to partner charities on Aug. 29 at the Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort and Spa.
Since 2005, the Destin Charity Wine Auction has raised more than $35 million for northwest Florida charities and impacted the lives of over 100,000 children. The 20th event will be held next year from April 25–27.
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