Proceeds from these philanthropic dinners to benefit Sinfonia and its music education community engagement outreach initiatives
DESTIN, FLA. — (February 6, 2025) Sinfonia Gulf Coast, the region’s only fully professional symphony orchestra, is pleased to announce more delicious details for Crescendo! 2025, its highly anticipated annual fundraiser and cultural and culinary extravaganza.
On Friday, Feb. 28 at 6 p.m. Crescendo! weekend will begin with a series of carefully curated vintner dinners hosted in elegant homes, hotels and halls. throughout the Emerald Coast. Each dinner pairs the talents of local and national “celebrity” chefs with some of the country’s most acclaimed vineyards for a delicious evening of food and wine. As the Vintner Dinner lineup indicates, several proprietors and winemakers will attend to introduce and personally pour and their wines.
This year, Marisol & Tony Gullo will open their stunning home in Churchill Oaks to host Post Parade represented by Emily Andrews, in addition to a special champagne selection courtesy of Maureen Fiacco of Imperial Importers alongside the culinary talents of chef Dan Vargo, proprietor of Fine Coastal Cuisine.
At The Henderson Beach Resort, Elizabeth & Jared Boswell will welcome guests for an elegant pairing featuring Caldwell Vineyard, with John Caldwell, proprietor, and Mario Moreno, estate manager, presenting their acclaimed wines. The evening’s gourmet experience will be helmed by executive chef Tyler Simmons of The Henderson Beach Resort.
For a luxurious dining experience at Seagar’s Prime Steaks & Seafood, hosts Yana Morgan & Justin Shane will present a spectacular collaboration with Perchance Estates, as Katherine & Dean Papadakis, proprietors, introduce their exceptional vintages. executive chef Fleetwood Covington will craft a perfectly curated menu for this sophisticated evening.
A novel culinary and wine pairing will take place aboard the Solaris yacht, where owners Rhonda & James Murray will host an intimate evening featuring Oakville Ranch Winery. Guests will enjoy the exceptional wines presented by Shelia Gentry, general manager, alongside a masterfully prepared dinner by executive chef Aaron Harris.
At Hotel Effie, Jennifer Lombard-Knight & William Mitchell will welcome guests to a lavish pairing featuring Tournesol, presented by general manager Kina Kreer, with an exquisite menu curated by Chef John Engle of Ovide at Hotel Effie Sandestin.
Each Vintner Dinner will showcase an unforgettable fusion of culinary excellence and fine wine, with many of the vintners and winemakers personally pouring their wines for guests. Tickets are $500 per person, inclusive of all food, wine, and gratuities.
Proceeds from Crescendo! 2025 will benefit Sinfonia and its music education community engagement outreach programs, which include musicians/guest artists in schools, free orchestra concerts, bus transportation for students, Sinfonia Youth Orchestra program, Arts in Medicine initiative with Sacred Heart Hospital and Link Up concerts for third through fifth graders in partnership with Carnegie Hall and more.
“We are thrilled to present this year’s incredible lineup of Vintner Dinners, bringing together award-winning chefs, exceptional wines, and stunning venues—all in support of Sinfonia’s mission to inspire, educate, and engage our community through music,” says Sinfonia Music & Artistic Director Demetrius Fuller.
The Crescendo! weekend continues with the signature Main Event on Sunday, March 2, 2025, at 11:30 a.m. at the Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa. This high-energy celebration will feature “electrifying” music by Violectric and a pop-up gallery by guest artist Bradley Copeland, an elegant, seated lunch, world-class vintners, spirit purveyors, and live and silent auctions—all benefiting Sinfonia Gulf Coast’s music education and community outreach programs.
Crescendo! is made possible by the generous support of local and national businesses including the following co-presenting sponsors Silver Sands Premium Outlets, Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa, Visit South Walton, JP Boswell Consulting and Not Too Shabby by Marisol Gullo.
For more information, to purchase tickets, and to inquire about sponsorship opportunities, visit SinfoniaGulfCoast.org, call (850) 460-8800, or email [email protected].
