32nd Annual Sandestin Wine Festival.

New Update! 4-12-2018

It’s a rain or shine event. Ticket holders are not issued refunds so unless there is a weather advisory, guests will still attend and committed volunteers will be more important because if folks elect to cancel their volunteer assignments, those fewer numbers who do show up typically have to carry a heavier load. It affects the guest experience and the volunteer experience, as you can imagine. The weather forecast has improved and while I love to spoil those that help us, we made a commitment to produce happy, helpful hands (and a bunch of them – 300+), rain or shine. Please hope for good weather!

We are hosting a volunteer appreciation lunch next Thursday, April 19 11:00 – 1:00 p.m. at the Gates Building, 92 Sunset Lane – Air Force Enlisted Village. We have a musician playing an acoustic set, barbecue and prizes. We are ordering food based on RSVP so we are prepared.

Great fun was had at last year’s 31st annual Sandestin Wine Festival – results of this 4 day event, hosted 4,560 in attendance, by 395 volunteers who worked 1,538 hours of service, raising $32,960 for Fisher House.  Keith Brown and Lelelia Hsia led this effort with several hundred big hearts.  To sign up for 2018, click here.

In 2016, our friends at Baytowne Wharf Neighborhood Association presented us a check for $25,000, representing 225 volunteers who contributed 1,097 to the success of this event.  Special thanks to Keith Brown, our community ambassador who led the volunteer effort.

• To volunteer electronically, please click here.
• Volunteers are not allowed to drink before OR during their Volunteer shift as a professional courtesy.  Please do not wear your souvenir t-shirt when you are enjoying the festival on your own time.
• Volunteers are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis and Saturday pouring shifts will be filled ahead of Friday pouring shifts.  The earlier your information is received, the more successful this event on behalf of our Fisher House!  Shifts will be finalized early in April and confirmations of registration will be sent at that time.
• Please watch the required video to ensure we are keeping it safe and legal on behalf of our community partner.  Training guide is here.
• Please complete the Responsible Vendor Policy Acknowledgement End User 2018 on the last page of the training guide and mail to director@fisherhouseemeraldcoast.org.

Info for Volunteers:

• Once you have watched the video and read the guide, please sign the last page and return by email for greater convenience day of the event.
• The festival is at the Village of Baytowne Wharf in Sandestin. The address is 9100 Emerald Coast Parkway, West Miramar Beach, FL 32550.
• All volunteers must check in before their shift at Volunteer Check In. This is located inside the Village. As you enter the breezeway by Cafe Sienna, we will be located to the left near the grassy area.
• Dress is black or khaki shorts or pants for everyone, and comfortable shoes. You will be standing or walking in most cases. Everyone will be given a volunteer t-shirt to wear when they arrive. (Make sure to allow time to change.)
• We will also provide a Fisher House lanyard for you to wear that raises awareness of the great organization you are representing. Volunteer shirts are not to be worn when drinking. The shirt is yours to keep after the event as a souvenir of the great event! Please drop the lanyard off at the check in tent when leaving.
• Purses, keys, valuables, etc. should be securely stored prior to arrival. Lockers are not available and we want your items safe.
• Parking can be difficult during the event, particularly if you are volunteering on later shifts. Plan to allow at least 30 minutes to park. For those of you on the second shifts each day, you may want to allow more time.
• Motorcycles are not allowed in Sandestin. If you drive one, you will be asked to park at the lot near the gate and take the shuttle. Please allow extra time for this.
• As you enter Baytowne off of 98, please use both lanes to get through the guard gate. The sign states owners only in the right lane, but you can disregard for this event only.
• Each volunteer will be trained on what to do when they arrive at the event, so please plan to arrive on time.
• Volunteers are NOT permitted to drink Before OR During their Volunteer shift.
• Water will be available for volunteers at volunteer check in, along with peanuts and licorice. The red wagon flyer will also try to make deliveries out to shifts to keep you hydrated. Food lines can be long due to the popularity of this event. Please be patient and remember we are representing Fisher House.
• As a Wine Festival volunteer, you will receive one complimentary ticket to enjoy the festival for the day you are not volunteering. You can pick up your ticket at Volunteer Check in on the opposite day you are volunteering. This means if you volunteer Friday, you get a complimentary ticket for Saturday. If you volunteer Saturday, you get a complimentary ticket for Friday.
• Please be flexible as you are volunteering.  There may be times when you may be moved to various locations depending on where more help is needed each day. We want this to be a great experience for everyone…volunteers and patrons.
• Phone vite reminders will be sent the day of the event. If you need to reach us the weekend of the festival, please call or text 850-259-4956. Other volunteers may have access to this phone and may not respond timely. Please leave a message or text and your call will be returned as soon as possible.
• If you are pouring and would like to have a training session prior, please make a note on your registration. A faithful volunteer has offered to provide and we are exploring interest.
• Mark your calendar for Volunteer Appreciation Lunch April 19, 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at The Gates Building, Air Force Enlisted Village, 92 Sunset Lane, Shalimar, FL  32579