THE SOUTHERN BREEZE WINE + CULINARY FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES NEW VENUE

by Karen Kirkland Ochoa
(Gulf Coast Alabama)

The Southern Breeze Wine + Culinary Festival to partner with The Wharf for its festival in Orange Beach.

Gulf Shores, Ala. March 11, 2008— The Southern Breeze Wine + Culinary Festival, presented by DCS by Fisher & Paykel, is honored to announce its partnership with the A.I.G. Baker Development The Wharf in Orange Beach, Ala. for the upcoming festival May 2-4, 2008. The Wharf will serve as the featured location for all events during the weekend-long gourmet food and wine experience. This three-day event travels across the Gulf Coast states educating and entertaining guests with Wine Dinners, a Grand Wine Tasting, culinary competitions, seminars, and a Walkabout Brunch.

The Wharf, located on the Intracoastal Waterway, is a 220-acre mixed use development serving residents and visitors with world-class accommodations, retail, dining, entertainment, and marina facilities. The Gulf Coast’s premier resort and entertainment attraction, The Wharf features a 112-foot-tall Ferris Wheel, Main Street shopping and dining, a full-service 208-slip marina, a 10,000 seat amphitheater, Rave Motion Pictures, and a boardwalk with open air cafes and restaurants.

The Wharf hosts numerous events throughout the year ranging from New Year’s celebrations to concerts by top national acts.; however the Southern Breeze Wine + Culinary Festival is the first event of its kind to be held at The Wharf. “We couldn’t be more thrilled that we’re partnering with our friends at The Wharf for the Alabama leg of the 2008 Southern Breeze Wine + Culinary Festival,” said Mark A. Newman, Editor, Southern Breeze.

The weekend-long event brings travelers from all over the U.S. as well as locals to Alabama’s Gulf Coast to celebrate food, wine, and Gulf Coast culture. On Friday evening, guests can experience the ultimate pairing during one of the Wine Dinners. Restaurants at The Wharf will host these five-course gourmet affairs, as local chefs pair their unique cuisine with boutique wines from noted vineyards. Saturday at the Grand Wine Tasting held on the scenic grounds of The Wharf overlooking the Intracoastal Waterway, approximately 150 wines will be available to sample. Wine seminars will be presented by Michael Bryan, executive director of Atlanta Wine School, and culinary seminars by Chef Tim Creehan of Beach Walk Crystal Beach and Creehan’s Copper Grill in Destin, Fla. give guests the opportunity to heighten the Grand Wine Tasting experience. Sunday’s Walkabout Brunch brings a close to the weekend as 10-12 local restaurants serve their signature dishes, each paired with a sparkling wine or champagne.

“We are committed to bringing the good life to the Gulf Coast. This festival is a chance for the community to showcase their talents and the richness of the area,” said Newman.

The Southern Breeze Wine + Culinary Festival is a three day event that blends premium wines, food, and Gulf Coast culture into an entertaining, educational, and exciting weekend-long event. This year marks the fifth season of the Festival with stops in Biloxi, Mississippi; Baton Rouge, Louisiana; Orange Beach, Alabama; and Beaches of South Walton, Florida. For more information, visit www.southernbreeze.com/winefest or contact Karen Kirkland Ochoa at or kareno@compassbiz.com.