Seaside has new private-label wine

SEASIDE^® has announced a new, private-label collection of hand-selected wines from Kokomo Winery. The new family of wines, called the SEASIDE^® Wine Project, was hand-picked by SEASIDE^®founders Robert and Daryl Davis in response to the continual interest and demand from patrons and visitors for the best-tasting and highest-quality wines. After taste-testing numerous varieties from various wineries, the choice was made to form a partnership with Kokomo Winery in Sonoma, Calif.

Available by the glass or bottle exclusively from SEASIDE^® merchants, wine enthusiasts can choose from popular varieties including a sauvignon blanc, a crisp chardonnay, pinot noir, cuv¨¦e and a light, red zinfandel. Modica Market, The Shrimp Shack, Bud & Alley¡¯s, Great Southern Caf¨¦, Amavida Coffee & Tea and S¨®ng all carry the new SEASIDE^® Wine Project label and a portion of the proceeds from each bottle benefits The SEASIDE^® Institute.

Robert Davis said ¡°The partnership with Kokomo Winery is a perfect fit: The idea of SEASIDE^® began with the notion of reviving traditions deeply rooted in the history of the Florida Gulf Coast and further fulfilling the dream of a place that would maintain a high degree of quality and character seamlessly tied by a common sense of community. Similar in vision, Kokomo Winery is rediscovering and reviving traditional techniques of growing grapes locally and making wines that are deeply rooted in the terroir of  Sonoma, just as SEASIDE^®  has rediscovered and revived Gulf Coast architecture and community building.

Kokomo Winery owner and winemaker Erik Miller focuses the production of his single-vineyard wines on the special characteristics and qualities from the natural terrain and the climate of Sonoma County and its distinct appellations to offer flavorful, balanced, handcrafted wines. Miller says there are no shortcuts and Kokomo leaves its thumbprint off the wine in order to showcase the fruit and flavors that are born in the vineyard. Further, he believes small production techniques and relationships with growers allow the winery to produce and offer wines that are as individual and special as the vineyards from which they were born.

Named after Miller¡¯s hometown, Kokomo, Ind., Kokomo winery is perched on 120 acres of prime Dry Creek Valley known as Timber Crest Farms. This unique and scenic property possesses a rich history in Sonoma County dating back to the mid-1800s. With nearly 40 years of wine grape growing experience under his belt, Miller says Kokomo Winery continues to gain more 90+ ratings and gold medals with each anticipated release.

This fall, Miller will be a guest vintner at Bud & Alley¡¯s Vintner Dinner to kick off the Seeing Red Wine Festival, Nov. 6-9. The new Seaside Wine Project wines from the Kokomo Winery will also be featured during the 4-day festival being held in partnership with the Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation.

For more information about the SEASIDE^® Wine Project, please visit www.seasidefl.com/theseasidewineproject.

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