Visit Panama City Beach is pleased to announce the return of its signature spring culinary festival, UNwineDpresented by Publix, taking place March 28-29 at Aaron Bessant Park. Now in its ninth year, this highly anticipated event will showcase an exceptional lineup of craft beer, wine, and spirits, complemented by outstanding cuisine from the South’s leading chefs. This year’s festival welcomes James Beard semifinalist and “Top Chef” Season 16 winner Kelsey Barnard Clark as the guest chef, alongside acclaimed food and wine expert Michael Green as the sommelier.
“We are thrilled to welcome visitors and residents to the ninth annual UNwineD presented by Publix,” says Visit Panama City Beach President and CEO Dan Rowe. “With Chef Kelsey Barnard Clark and Michael Green leading this year’s festivities, we look forward to an unforgettable weekend celebrating our region’s thriving culinary scene and the vibrant, welcoming spirit of Panama City Beach.”
UNwineD weekend kicks off with an exclusive wine dinner at the renowned Capt. Anderson’s Restaurant and Waterfront Market on Thursday, March 27, at 6:30 p.m. A new highlight of this year’s event, the elegant evening will feature the extraordinary wines of Rombauer Vineyards, thoughtfully paired with gourmet dishes crafted to complement each selection. Limited to just 40 guests, this intimate gathering offers the perfect opportunity to connect with fellow wine enthusiasts while enjoying a world-class dining experience at one of Panama City Beach’s most iconic restaurants. Tickets for the Rombauer Dinner are $250 per person and will first be offered to those who have already purchased a weekend ticket. After 10 days, remaining tickets will be available to the public as part of a $335 package that includes the Rombauer Dinner and UNwineD Early Entry.
The festivities continue Friday, March 28 at 6 p.m. with an exclusive preview party hosted by Southern Livingand Visit Panama City Beach. This VIP evening offers guests the chance to mix and mingle with the chef and sommelier beneath the festival’s signature white tent while savoring a Southern-inspired menu crafted by Chef Kelsey Barnard Clark, expertly paired with wines selected by Sommelier Michael Green. On sale now at alimited supply, tickets to the preview party are $195 per person and include early entry into Saturday’s event, plus a VIP gift bag with commemorative UNwineD glasses. Ticket holders for the Southern Living kickoff party must be 21 and older.
On Saturday, March 29, UNwineD officially gets underway with the Grand Afternoon Tasting, beginning at 1 p.m. Guests can purchase early-entry tickets for exclusive access starting at noon, providing even more time to savor samplings from over 50 premium purveyors and the opportunity to “Meet with Mimosas" with the guest chef and sommelier. The Grand Afternoon Tasting invites attendees to sample a global selection of craft beer, spirits, and wines, along with delicious bites from Panama City Beach’s renowned restaurants.
Throughout the afternoon, guests will have the opportunity to enjoy engaging wine seminars, cooking demonstrations, and performances by talented local musicians. A new highlight of this year’s festival, the Cigar and Bourbon Lounge, offers a sophisticated setting to unwind with hand-selected bourbons and premium cigars. As guests sip and savor, they can browse unique treasures and artwork from local boutiques at the Art and Vendor Row, stop by the Visit Panama City Beach retail tent, indulge in bites and beverages from the Publix tent, and much more.
Tickets to the Grand Afternoon Tasting are $85 per person and ticket holders must be 21 and older. Kids 12 and under are permitted at no charge but must be accompanied by an adult. A portion of all ticket sales will benefit the Make-A-Wish, Heartland Animal Rescue and Beach Care Services charities.
For more information about UNwineD and to purchase tickets, please visit www.visitpanamacitybeach.com/unwined.
For images of this event, visit https://bit.ly/4hIosl1. For images of Kelsey Barnard Clark and Michael Green, visit https://bit.ly/3X6eRMQ.