The Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation is pleased to announce that the 21st annual Destin Charity Wine Auction, presented by the Jumonville family, raised a record-breaking $4 million for children in need in northwest Florida. The amount raised is a $550,000 increase over the previous year and the most ever raised at an auction in DCWAF history. 

Hosted April 24 and 25 to a sold-out crowd of more than 600 guests, proceeds from the auction benefit DCWAF’s 16 partner children’s charities in northwest Florida. This year’s auction marks 21 years of giving to children in need in northwest Florida. 

“This historic year for Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation is a powerful reflection of what happens when generosity and purpose come together. Surpassing $4 million is more than a record; it represents real, life-changing impact for children across Northwest Florida,” said DCWAF President Karah Young. “The energy in the room was undeniable, highlighted by our highest-ever single lot sale at an unprecedented $400,000 — an extraordinary moment that speaks to the passion, generosity, and unwavering commitment of our supporters. We are incredibly grateful to our patrons, vintners, sponsors, and partners who continue to make this mission possible year after year.”

The auction weekend began Friday, April 25, with 11 patron dinners hosted in private homes and restaurants from Pensacola to Alys Beach, collectively raising an astounding $860,000. The live auction kicked off on Saturday, April 25, with DCWAF’s flagship Magnum Force lot, featuring 50 magnums from vintners past and present, raising $55,000. The highest-selling single lot of the night was a nine-night, fully guided trip to Italy, generously donated by Marilisa Allegrini, which sold for an unprecedented $400,000. 

Two other auction lots sold for over $100,000, marking the first time in DCWAF history that three, single-selling lots sold for six figures. An all-inclusive, four-night, chartered yacht excursion in the BVIs with private air passage sold for $150,000, and a seven-night stay in Virgin Gorda sold for $100,000. 

DCWAF celebrated longtime friend and supporter Jean-Noël Fourmeaux of VGS Chateau Potelle as the 21^st annual auction’s Honorary Vintner. Fourmeaux generously donated two live lots, an immersive stay in Napa Valley guided by Napa’s most famous French wine families, and the only full piano of 2019 Piece de Resistance Cabernet Sauvignon in existence, which sold for a total of $98,000.  

The funds raised at the 21^st Annual Destin Charity Wine Auction presented by the Jumonville family will be distributed to 16 local non-profit organizations for specific projects and programs that benefit children. DCWAF’s charity partners for 2026 are Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast, Boys and Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast, Caring & Sharing of South Walton, Children’s Home Society of Florida, Children in Crisis Inc., Children’s Volunteer Health Network, Ellison McCraney Ingram Foundation, Emerald Coast Autism Center, Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center, Habitat for Humanity of Walton County, Mental Health Association of Okaloosa and Walton Counties, Northwest Florida Guardian ad Litem, Opportunity Inc., Point Washington Medical Clinic, Westonwood Ranch, and Youth Village.

This year’s auction comprised 47 live lots, 17 cellar lots, 25 super silent lots, and 110 silent lots featuring rare wines, luxury travel experiences, and many other one-of-a-kind items. The money raised at this year’s auction will be presented to DCWAF’s charity partners during a private check presentation ceremony scheduled for August at the Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort and Spa. 

The date for next year’s 22^nd annual Destin Charity Wine Auction weekend is April 23-24, 2027.