Featuring Top Chef alum Kenny Gilbert and acclaimed sommelier Anthony Giglio at one of the Gulf Coast’s signature spring festivals
The Panama City Beach Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) is pleased to announce the return of its signature spring culinary festival, UNwineD, presented by Publix and Southern Living. Now in its 10th year, the two-day celebration on April 3–4, has proven to be a draw for visitors and locals alike—with nearly 40% of attendees traveling from outside the destination last year—driving visitation and economic impact for the region.
Designed as a weekend where guests come for the cuisine and stay for the sunsets, UNwineD brings together leading Southern chefs, global wine and spirits, craft beer, live entertainment, cooking demonstrations and more. Award-winning Top Chef Season 7 contestant Kenny Gilbert will join the festival as guest chef, showcasing his globally inspired approach to Southern cuisine. Celebrated wine and spirits writer, educator and storyteller Anthony Giglio will serve as the festival’s featured sommelier, bringing his inclusive and approachable perspective on wine and spirits to the weekend’s programming.
“Over the past decade, UNwineD has grown into a festival that draws guests from across the map, creating lasting impressions for first-time visitors while continuing to be a beloved tradition for our local community,” said Jayna Leach, Senior Vice President and CMO of Visit Panama City Beach. “Beyond the experience itself, the festival delivers meaningful economic impact for our destination, and as we celebrate our 10th year, we’re thrilled to mark the milestone alongside the incredible talent of Chef Kenny Gilbert and sommelier Anthony Giglio.”
Friday, April 3 | Kickoff Party
UNwineD weekend begins at 6 p.m. with an exclusive kickoff party hosted by Visit Panama City Beach and Southern Living. Limited to 250 tickets, the preview party is $195 per person and includes early entry to Saturday’s event and a VIP gift bag with commemorative UNwineD tasting glasses. Guests must be 21 or older to attend.
Saturday, April 4 | Grand Afternoon Tasting
Beginning at 1 p.m., festivalgoers can sample craft beers, wines and spirits from around the world, along with bites from leading Northwest Florida chefs. Wine seminars, cooking demonstrations, live music and Art & Vendor Row—featuring local artwork and one-of-a-kind finds from nearby shops and boutiques—will bring Aaron Bessant Park alive throughout the afternoon. The Cigar and Bourbon Lounge offers a sophisticated, breezy setting to unwind with hand-selected bourbons and premium cigars, while the Publix tent serves bites worth seconds. General admission tickets are $85 and include entry to the Grand Afternoon Tasting and a gift bag with commemorative UNwineD tasting glasses. Guests must be 21 or older; children younger than 12 are admitted at no cost when accompanied by an adult. Early-entry tickets are also available for $115 and are limited to 300 guests. These tickets include admission to the Grand Afternoon Tasting one hour early and access to a “Meet with Mimosas” experience to mix and mingle with the guest chef and sommelier.
Festival seating is available, and guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets. A portion of all ticket sales will benefit Make-A-Wish Foundation, Heartland Animal Rescue and Beach Care Services.
To purchase tickets, visit: https://www.visitpanamacitybeach.com/unwined/
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