Featuring Chef Kelsey Barnard Clark and Sommelier Michael Green
February 27, 2025 (PANAMA CITY BEACH, FL) — Visit Panama City Beach is pleased to announce the return of its signature spring culinary festival, UNwineD presented 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 Living and 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 a limited 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 tothe 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.
About Panama City Beach
Panama City Beach is situated on 27 miles of sugar-white sand beaches bordering clear, emerald-green waters where the Gulf of Mexico and St. Andrew Bay converge. With 320 days of sunshine annually and attractions such as St. Andrews State Park and Pier Park, the region has long been favored by travelers seeking an affordable beach vacation with year-round offerings for families, couples, groups and adventure-seekers. These include championship golf courses, spas, sporting events, award-winning dining and diverse recreational activities. In addition, Panama City Beach’s Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport offers non-stop flights on Delta Airlines, Southwest Airlines and United Airlines. For more information, call 850-233-5070 or visit the official website of the Panama City Beach Convention and Visitors Bureau at www.visitpanamacitybeach.com. Stay connected with Panama City Beach on Twitter (@Visit_PCB), Instagram (@Visit_PCB) and Facebook (@VisitPanamaCityBeach).
About Visit Panama City Beach
Visit Panama City Beach is the official destination marketing organization for Panama City Beach, Florida. The award-winning organization has earned industry accreditation (DMAP) from Destinations International, the world’s leading authority in destination marketing, and exists to drive economic opportunity, job creation, community sustainability and quality of life for its residents through marketing, promotion and stewardship of the destination’s Real.Fun.Beach. brand and attributes, tourism development, special event production, and managing beach re-nourishment and maintenance programs.
