Posted on 11/6/2015By the Ocean Reef Editorial Team

Many of our Ocean Reef Resorts guests already know where to go on their quest for fine wine in Destin and so should you. Three top rated places to go for such a savory treat are Vin'tij Wine Boutique and Bistro, The Wine Bar and Tim Creehan's Cuvee Destin formerly known as Cuvee Bistro.

Vin'tij Wine Boutique and Bistro is located just east of Destin in Miramar Beach off Emerald Coast Parkway and across from Silver Sands Premium Outlets. This unique bistro has a progressive wine program combined with an eclectic cuisine at their restaurant, a multi-winner of Florida Trend's prestigious Golden Spoon Award. Their extensive library of special boutique wines allows you to choose a bottle to enjoy with lunch, dinner or for an afternoon delight. Unique menus include tasty tapas and creative chef selections that will satisfy even the most sophisticated palate.  However it is wine connoisseurs who have made this chic artsy place a hot spot for many. Their experienced Sommeliers on staff and fine wine selection have made this a favorite rendezvous destination in Miramar Beach for many years. Fortunately enough, you may also purchase wine by the bottle or the case so you may enjoy a glass overlooking the glorious gulf back at your rented Ocean Reef Resorts beach "home away from home." Vin'tij is open seven days a week from 11am till 3pm for lunch and 5pm till 9pm during dinner. Reservations are recommended during the summer, on weekends and holidays by calling 850.650.9820.

The Wine Bar is virtually an institution in Destin since its owner Chan Cox has created a quite a following with his "Wine World" for years. The original Wine Bar is located in Destin at the Paradise Key Shopping Center across from Destin Commons.  Its popularity has birthed two more locations at Grand Boulevard in Sandestin and at Watercolor on Scenic 30A. TripAdvisor just awarded The Wine Bar a Certificate of Excellence for 2015. Wine World is now the most successful influential retailer of fine wine, spirits and beer on the entire Florida Panhandle.  This "world" has an amazing selection of premium wine from all over the globe as well as beer, liquor, gourmet food items and cheeses.  The bistro setting provides a unique dining experience coupled with award winning wine selections. The Wine Bar is open for lunch and dinner with a "Happy Hour" special from 11am till 6pm which includes a full carafe at the price of a single glass of wine.  Daily Specials include things like Discounted Wine and Food Pairings, Prime Rib, Steak, Farm to Table Entrees and Champagne. Chan recently opened The Craft Bar to join his Wine Bar which includes thirty rare craft beers on tap, chef inspired cuisine to go with it and expertly made creative cocktails. This brings Destin its very first "gastropub", a term first coined in London back in 1991. A gastropub is a restaurant that serves hand crafted beer, wine and specialty cocktails accompanied by fresh usually locally grown food with artisan ingredients. More information is available at chanswineworld.com.

Destin & 30A Wine Festivals

The following is a look at the six captivating Annual Wine Festivals to be hosted along the Emerald Coast, presented chronologically by date.

Cuvee Destin not only features an outstanding selection of wines it also has a double distinction as the purveyor of a delightful gourmet dining experience in Destin. It is owned by Proprietor and Executive Chef Tim Creehan who is a nationally famed, award winning gourmet cook as well as the author of three published cook books. His award winning recipes and story have been featured on Emeril Lagasse's TV show, Bon Apetite Magazine as well as Florida Living publications to name a few.  The gourmet pairings that go with the fine wine include classic Italian, French, New Orleans and Asian inspired delectable delicacies. In addition, Cuvee Destin's wine list by Sommelier Pamela Wellborn has received the coveted Award of Excellence by Wine Spectator every year since 2010. Their Happy Hour is a favorite hangout for locals and Ocean Reef Resorts guests who have been lucky enough to hear about it.   These Happy Hour(s) are nightly from 5:00 till 9:00pm which feature wine at $5 per glass, discounted beer and $5 Select Martinis. They also come with a special discounted Bar Menu which includes Half Pound Gourmet Burgers, Flat Bread Pizzas, Escargot, Spring Rolls, Beef or Grouper Quarter Sliders, Cuvee Spicy Garlic Fries, Pork Bellies, Fried Green Tomatoes with Sautéed Crawfish Tails, and Salads. Live entertainment is provided by Beachcomber Magazine's Music Award Winner "Space Junkie" and other popular local artists on Wednesday thru Saturday nights.

The popularity of Cuvee Destin has led to a fraternal twin creation called Cuvee 30A.  This lovely second location just opened up at the gorgeous new 30Avenue Center off Highway 98 at Rosemary Beach. Here Creehan is featuring the same excellent wines, award winning gourmet dinners and sought after Happy Hour specials. They will also be hosting an all inclusive Sunday Brunch. Hours at both the Destin Cuvees and Cuvee 30A are 5:00 till 9:30 pm Mondays thru Thursdays but serving dinner until 10:00 pm seasonally on Fridays and Saturdays. Their Sunday Brunch is from 11:30am till 3:00pm. Dinner or Brunch reservations are suggested. More information is available at cuveedestin.com and Cuvee30A.com.

Don't forget to pick out your favorite balcony or beachfront view to enjoy a glass of wine at one of our distinctive Destin vacation rental properties.

The Ocean Reef Editorial Team leads the market in vacation rental, real estate, and coastal lifestyle content, with decades of Destin & 30A expertise behind every story. As the area's largest locally owned and longest continually operating vacation rental company, we welcome over 200,000 guests each year and reach millions who dream of the beach. Our guides serve travelers, homeowners, and locals alike, sharing authentic knowledge you can trust-because this coast isn't just where we work, it's where our story began, and where we'll continue to welcome generations to come.