The Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation connects wine enthusiasts across the Emerald Coast. Its goal is simple: raise money for children in need throughout Northwest Florida. Since 2005, the foundation has donated more than $38 million to local charities. Those funds have touched more than 100,000 youth, including children who face health issues and abuse. Wine Spectator has named its flagship auction one of the nation’s top charity wine auctions. It has held that ranking for more than a decade. What began as one weekend has grown into a full calendar of wine, food, and giving-focused events.
Quick facts
- What it is: a nonprofit that raises money for children in need across Northwest Florida through wine and food events
- Raised: more than $38 million for local charities since 2005
- Reach: more than 100,000 young people
- Recognition: Wine Spectator has named its flagship auction one of the nation’s top charity wine auctions
A Legacy Built Since 2005
Special Trustee and founder Chan Cox launched the Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation in 2005. His goal was simple: bring wine lovers together to help children closer to home. The foundation has published an annual report every year since 2011. These reports document steady growth in both dollars raised and lives touched. Justin Phelps chairs the foundation’s Board of Directors. Dozens of trustees also volunteer their time. They help plan events, recruit vintners, and secure auction lots. President Karah Fridley-Young leads a small staff that manages day-to-day operations. The team handles procurement, charity relations, finance, and event logistics.
The Destin Charity Wine Auction Weekend
The Jumonville Family presents the foundation’s biggest weekend, the Destin Charity Wine Auction. The 22nd Annual Auction runs Friday, April 23 through Sunday, April 25, 2027. Patron Dinners open the weekend on Friday night. Private homes and restaurants along the coast host these dinners. Each dinner benefits one specific DCWAF charity. Saturday brings the Reserve Tasting at 1 PM. Guests sample wines from internationally acclaimed vintners. Local restaurants pair each wine with a dish. The Live Auction follows at 3 PM.
The Live Auction features rare wines, spectacular trips, and other one-of-a-kind items. A silent auction runs alongside it, offering large-format autographed bottles and original art. Guests can also bid virtually in the Silent, Super Silent, and Cellar auctions. Virtual bidding opens Friday morning and closes Sunday at noon. The Auction weekend overlaps with the South Walton Beaches Wine & Food Festival. Ticket holders can also attend Sunday’s Grand Tasting at Grand Boulevard. Attire for the weekend is resort casual.
The Harvest Wine & Food Festival
In October, the foundation hosts the Harvest Wine & Food Festival in WaterColor. The 10th Annual Harvest runs October 15 through 18, 2026. It includes wine dinners, a cocktail brunch, and the festival’s well-known Grand Tasting. Chefs and vintners travel from across the country to attend. As a result, Harvest ranks among the top food and wine festivals in the Southeast. This fundraiser recently marked its sixth year. It gives supporters another way to contribute outside the two larger festival weekends.
Who Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation Supports
Proceeds from every event go directly to Northwest Florida nonprofits. These charities focus on children’s health, safety, and welfare. The foundation currently supports 16 beneficiary charities. They include Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast and Boys & Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast. Other partners are Caring and Sharing of South Walton and Children’s Home Society. The list also includes Children In Crisis and Children’s Volunteer Health Network. Additional charities are the Ellison McCraney Ingram Foundation and Emerald Coast Autism Center. DCWAF also supports the Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center and Habitat for Humanity of Walton County. Other beneficiaries include the Mental Health Association of Okaloosa & Walton Counties and Northwest Florida Guardian ad Litem. The foundation also funds Opportunity Place and Point Washington Medical Clinic. Rounding out the list are Westonwood Ranch and Youth Village.
Each Patron Dinner during Auction weekend also supports one specific charity. This lets guests see firsthand where their contribution lands. Many attendees return year after year to support the same cause.
How to Get Involved
Tickets for the 22nd Annual Auction go on sale each January. Harvest Wine & Food Festival tickets are already available for the October event. Visitors can also join the Legacy Society. This planned-giving program supports DCWAF’s charities for years to come. The foundation also accepts direct donations year-round through its website. DCWAF holds 501(c)(3) status, so all contributions are tax-deductible. Local businesses can get involved as event sponsors. Sponsorships help cover overhead costs. As a result, more ticket and auction revenue reaches the charities directly.
Plan Your Visit
New supporters can start with any event on the calendar. Options include the Galentine’s Day Fundraiser each winter. Other choices are the Destin Charity Wine Auction each April and the Harvest Wine & Food Festival each October. All three events combine well-known chefs and respected vintners. They also share one purpose: supporting Northwest Florida’s children. Guests leave with a memorable weekend and a direct hand in giving back. For ticketing, sponsorships, or questions about DCWAF’s charities, contact the team at info@dcwaf.org.
Destin Charity Wine Auction FAQ
What is the Destin Charity Wine Auction? A foundation that hosts wine and food events on the Emerald Coast to raise money for children’s charities in Northwest Florida.
How much has the Destin Charity Wine Auction raised? More than $38 million since 2005.
Who does the foundation support? Children’s charities across Northwest Florida, including groups serving kids who face health issues and abuse.
Plan the rest of your visit with our Destin area guide, our events calendar and the best restaurants in Destin.