360 Blue Celebrates Nine Years of Sponsorship for a Vital Cause

The Nineth Annual Harvest Wine & Food Festival returned to WaterColor Oct. 16-19, offering four days of fine wine and culinary delights—along with a great deal of assistance for local children’s charities. This year’s sold-out event featured wine dinners, the renowned Grand Tasting, Harvest After Dark, and a thoughtfully curated line-up of wine and cocktails—all to raise money for a great cause.

“The Harvest Wine & Food Festival is near and dear to our hearts,” says Jake McClendon, Executive Vice President of Operations & Business Development for Natural Retreats. “It’s key to the well-being of so many children in the area. And that’s why we’ve been so deeply involved as a sponsor for the past nine years.”

The Impact on Lives

Proceeds from the festival benefit the Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation's (DCWAF) mission to help children in Northwest Florida who are in need. The DCWAF is celebrating its twentieth year and currently supports 17 area children's charities. Founded in 2005, the organization has donated more than $35 million to the local community through the production of luxury wine and culinary events. The funds have impacted the lives of over 100,000 youths, including those afflicted by medical issues and abuse. So far in 2025, the DCWAF has raised $3.55 million.

Unique Involvement of 360 Blue

“It’s hard to overstate the impact these events have had on the most vulnerable in our area,” says Alexander Curry, Director of Business Development for 360 Blue. “360 Blue is in a unique position to be able to provide lodging for most of the supporting staff, chefs, and sommeliers—and we are only too happy to help.”

The DCWAF has been recognized as one of the ‘Top 10 Charity Wine Auctions in the U.S.’ by Wine Spectator Magazine for more than a decade. For more information, check out the website for the Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation.