DESTIN, FL, July 10, 2013 -- Leading Event Donates More than $50,000 to Local Charities

DESTIN, FL, July 10, 2013 /PRNewswire/ - The Sandestin Wine Festival, one of the top wine festivals in the country, is donating more than $50,000 to local charities and philanthropic causes.

The news was announced at a press event today at the Village of Baytowne Wharf in Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort.

Village Special Event Manager Lanier Motes presented a $33,000 check to Kim Henderson, Executive Director Fisher House of the Emerald Coast; and a $21,000 check to Sara Becnel, board member of the Sandestin Foundation for Kids.

According to Ms. Henderson, the funds from the Sandestin Wine Festival donated to the Fisher House will be used for worthwhile efforts to assist military families with a member undergoing local medical treatment.

On behalf of the Sandestin Foundation for Kids, Ms. Becnel reported the funds will support the organization's mission to make a meaningful and positive difference in children's lives, including health and economic issues.

The Sandestin Wine Festival is known as the "Kentucky Derby of Wine Festivals" because of its grandeur, southern appeal, white tents, and the tasting of hundreds of wines, With a 27 year history, the Sandestin Wine Festival is the most established and continuously running wine festival on the Coast.

In addition to its philanthropic contributions to local charities, the Sandestin Wine Festival (www.sandestinwinefestival.com) is estimated to generate hundreds of thousands of dollars in economic impact to the area including accommodations, food and beverage and shopping and other travel spending.

"This year was a record year and we appreciate the support of the community, leading wine distributors and other valued partners," said Ms. Motes.

About Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort is the #1 resort on Florida's Emerald Coast for all ages and all seasons. The resort invites guests to a world of 30 charming neighborhoods with more than 1,200 villas, town homes and the best in Destin hotel accommodations. As a member of Visit South Walton and Visit Florida, the resort features more than seven miles of beaches and pristine bay front, four championship golf courses, 15 world-class tennis courts, 19 swimming pools, a 113-slip marina, a fitness center and spa, meeting space and The Village of Baytowne Wharf, the charming pedestrian village with shopping, dining, activities and events.  Guests can visit www.sandestin.com or follow Sandestin on Facebook and Twitter for the latest information and events.

SOURCE Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort