Posted on 4/15/2016
Wine coinsures and casual sippers agree – a great pairing results in an experience greater than sum of its parts. In the classic case, wine will bring out flavors you may not have known existed in your favorite dish and can transform an ordinary moment into something truly extraordinary. As great wine goes hand-in-hand with fine food, your beach vacation paired with the right bottle makes for an elevated experience.Â
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We've paired some of your favorite wines with some of our favorite Destin beach communities. Although enjoying a nice glass overlooking our sandy shore in any of these communities will make for an epic moment, these fun pairings will provide you a deeper insight into which destination is right for you.
Downtown Destin – Sauvignon Blanc
Destin was founded on fishing. Today the largest charter fishing fleet on the Gulf of Mexico is docked on the Harbor in Downtown Destin. So naturally, when thinking of which wine pairs best with this "fishing village" - seafood comes to mind. Although there are many species of abundant fish reeled in from the gulf, the most notable are flaky, firm, and thick. The best wine to pair is Sauvignon Blanc, which is produced from a grape that thrives in a sunny climate - not unlike Destin.
Holiday Isle – Red Burgundy
Not all wine ages well. In fact many are best enjoyed within a few years of production. There are four traits that make a wine age worthy and Burgundy has most of them. Red Burgundy is among the most sought-after wines, and rightly so. Holiday Isle is a favorite among seasoned visitors to Destin. Like Red Burgundy, Holiday Isle has aged well and it too has several traits that elevate the appreciation of this community. This includes a prime location on a peninsula in the heart of Destin. Also like Red Burgundy, Holiday Isle is highly sought after.
Crystal Beach – Chardonnay
Chardonnay is the number one selling wine varietal in the United States. In the wine world Chardonnay is seen as a rite of passage and is an easy entry point for newbies. It's full flavored and pairs well with a diverse selection of white meats and fish. Crystal Beach is one of Destin's most loved communities. Like Chardonnay, it is a fantastic and easily-accessible choice, loved by all.
Destiny – Champagne
Initially associated with nobility and royalty, Champagne is most well known as the celebratory drink of choice. Sparkling wines are similar, however there is no substitute for the original. Like champagne, Destiny is the original luxury community of the Emerald Coast. It's been imitated, but there's nothing quite like the real deal. Also like champagne, a vacation in Destiny is a reason to celebrate.
Frangista Beach – Barbera
A very unusual Italian Red Wine, Barbera has very little tannin. Tannin makes wine taste dry. The lack of tannin makes Barbera pleasantly refreshing. Like Barbera, Frangista Beach is a rare find that lacks dryness – as many of the vacation homes here are beachfront and feature their own private pool. If you're searching for these types of accommodations, finding Frangista Beach can definitely be refreshing.
Miramar Beach – Merlot
Merlot wine pairs with a wide variety of foods because of its positioning on the middle of the red wine spectrum. It's easy to drink and crowd pleasing. This is part of the reason why Merlot is one of the most popular red wines in America. Miramar Beach is definitely crowd pleasing, as it is becoming one of the most popular destinations along the Emerald Coast. Like Merlot, Miramar Beach is perfectly positioned, between the heart of bustling Destin and neighboring, pastoral South Walton.
Sandestin Resort – Cabernet Sauvignon
Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon taste very similar. They originated from the same region of France. However there are subtle differences that really set them apart. Cabernet Sauvignon is a little bolder, a tad more savory, and often more expensive. The Sandestin Resort is actually in Miramar Beach, so it shares the same choice location. Like Cabernet Sauvignon, Sandestin is bolder than it's Miramar Beach (Merlot) counterpart. The resort is jammed packed with excitement, including choice eateries, a vibrant nightlife, and loads of entertainment options.
South Walton – Meritage
The word meritage is a blend of the words merit and heritage. Although many wines are comprised of several grapes creating a choice blend, only a select few can be titled Meritage. There are strict guidelines in place to ensure the quality associated with this particular blend. Like Meritage, South Walton is a mix of key ingredients. There is a total of 16 distinct communities throughout South Walton. Each is amazing on its own but when they come together you get something truly special. Also like Meritage, South Walton has strict guidelines in place to protect its integrity. South Walton hosts breathtaking nature and 40% off all land is dedicated to preservation.
Allow Ocean Reef to be your rental sommelier and help you select a memorable beach pairing here in Destin. Begin your search now on our website or give us a call at 800.782.8736. Cheers!