DESTIN, FL, Dec. 22, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -  For people searching for a great last minute gift of "good taste" for the holidays, look no further. The Sandestin Wine Festival, one of the most treasured traditions in the South, makes it easy and convenient to give a memorable gift by purchasing tickets online to this special event this April 18-21.

Held in the charming Village of Baytowne Wharf, the Sandestin Wine Festival has affectionately been called the "Kentucky Derby of Wine Festivals" because of its popularity and grandeur. It was also recently named the "Best Annual Event" by Destin Magazine.

This year, internationally known food personality, author and restaurateur Paula Deen, will be featured at the Sandestin Wine Festival. From Paula's Home Cooking to Top Chef, Paula Deen has been a popular personality on the Food Network for more than a decade. She has sold nearly 10 million books focused on her life of Southern cooking, and has her own magazine, Cooking with Paula Deen. Paula has been an inspiration to thousands with her good natured approach, her ability to overcome adversity and positive attitude.

"Paula's southern charm, positive and engaging personality, cooking expertise and wine festival involvement is a perfect match for our guests and for the treasured tradition of the Sandestin Wine Festival," said Lanier Motes, special events manager at the Village of Baytowne Wharf. "The Sandestin Wine Festival and our ticket holders are thrilled to have Paula as a celebrity chef and featured guest."

As part of her involvement at the Sandestin Wine Festival, Paula will be a featured chef on the Coastal Living Cooking Stage on Saturday, April 20.

Tickets to the Grand Wine Tasting and a special VIP lunch event, can be conveniently purchased and printed from www.sandestinwinefestival.com.  All people need to do is click, pay and print, and put this special gift under the tree. Packages combining discounted accommodations and tickets are also available by calling 1.866.91.BEACH.

About the Sandestin Wine Festival

Now in its 27^th year, the Sandestin Wine Festival is the original and most established and continuously running wine festival on the Coast, and features one-of-a-kind seminars, wine dinners, grand wine tastings and culinary experiences. There is no substitute for this magnificent tradition of the pouring of more than 700 wines, comfortable, and great events in a scenic, charming and family friendly setting.

New this year is a Friday evening Grand Wine Tasting on April 19 combined with the Grand Wine Tasting on Saturday, April 20. Also new this year is an expansion of the wine festival in the Village of Baytowne Wharf and at the Baytowne Marina. Coastal Living Magazine, the premier magazine for people who love the coast, is a presenting sponsor, and other notable organizations including The Atlanta Wine School, are supporting sponsors. Proceeds of the Sandestin Wine Festival will go to the Fisher House, a home-away-from-home for the Military families of seriously ill or injured patients.

About Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort

Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort was named the #1 resort on Florida's Emerald Coast. The resort invites guests to a world of 2,400 acres and 30 charming neighborhoods featuring 1,300 Destin vacation rentals, condominiums, villas, town homes and the best in Destin hotel accommodations. As a member of 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, a pedestrian village with shopping, dining and nightlife.

Guests and prospective guests are invited to download Sandestin's APP for iPhone and Android devices, or become a Facebook Fan or Twitter follower for the latest events and news.

SOURCE Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort