Global wine visionary to headline milestone 20th anniversary Vintner Dinners
DESTIN, FLA. — International wine luminary Jean-Charles Boisset, proprietor of JCB by Jean-Charles Boisset and one of the most influential figures in the global wine world, will serve as the featured special guest winemaker for Sinfonia Gulf Coast’s Crescendo! 2026.
Born into the world of wine in Vougeot, Burgundy, France, Boisset grew up above the cellars and within view of the centuries-old vineyards of Château du Clos de Vougeot, the epicenter and birthplace of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Today, he leads the Boisset Collection, whose wineries span Burgundy, the South of France, Napa Valley and Sonoma’s Russian River Valley, collectively representing more than 20 centuries of combined winemaking heritage.
Boisset is internationally recognized for his visionary leadership, pioneering organic and Biodynamic farming practices across estate vineyards in both Burgundy and California, and for reimagining historic properties including Raymond Vineyards and Buena Vista Winery. A consistent presence on Decanter magazine’s “Power List” and named Wine Enthusiast’s 2024 “Person of the Year,” Boisset is celebrated for blending heritage, innovation, luxury and storytelling into unforgettable wine experiences.
Boisset will personally headline the Elizabeth & Jared Boswell-hosted dinner at The Alice in Destin on Friday, Feb. 27, at 6 p.m., pairing JCB wines with an elevated culinary experience by Chef David Cunningham, founder, Cinders & Salt Chefs.
The Crescendo! 2026 Vintner Dinners launch Sinfonia Gulf Coast’s signature fundraising weekend and anchor the organization’s 20th anniversary celebration. These exclusive, invitation-only style dinners unfold in elegant private homes, acclaimed restaurants and elevated venues throughout the Emerald Coast, pairing celebrated chefs with some of the country’s most sought-after wineries for curated evenings of exceptional food, wine and meaningful community connection.
“Jean-Charles embodies the artistry, passion and sense of occasion that define Crescendo!,” says Sinfonia Gulf Coast Music & Artistic Director Demetrius Fuller. “His global perspective and commitment to excellence elevate this milestone year as we celebrate two decades of redefining the symphony experience and our long-standing relationships with some of the wine world’s most celebrated vintners”
Additional Crescendo! 2026 Vintner Dinner Pairings include:
Candis & Jack Wilson, hosts — Private Residence, Destin Vintner: Opus One Winery | Christopher Barefoot, Winery Representative Chef: Jack McGuckin, Executive Chef/Owner, Bijoux Restaurant + Spirits
Roy & Wendy Sembera, hosts — Churchill Oaks Clubhouse, Santa Rosa Beach Vintner: Promontory Wines | David Milarezi, Promontory Ambassador Chef: Dan Vargo, Chef/Proprietor, Coastal Cuisine
Elizabeth & Jared Boswell, hosts — The Alice, Destin Vintner: JCB by Jean-Charles Boisset | Jean-Charles Boisset, Proprietor Chef: David Cunningham, Founder, Cinders & Salt Chefs
Yana Morgan & Justin Shane, hosts — Seagar’s Prime Steaks & Seafood Vintner: AXR Winery | Adriana Chinsky, Winery Representative Chef: Fleetwood Covington, Executive Chef, Seagar’s Prime Steaks & Seafood
Susan Kiley & Wayne Paul, hosts — Private Residence, Sandestin Vintner: Aloft & Dark Matter | Alycia Mondavi, Proprietor Chef: Jude Tauzin, Executive Chef, Tony Chachere
Glen Stegemann & Jennifer Cerulli, hosts — Ovide at Hotel Effie Vintner: Reynold’s Family Winery | Steve Reynolds, Proprietor, and Traci Stanier, General Manager Chef: John Engle, Chef, Ovide
Heather & Jeff Jourdan, hosts — Bijoux Restaurant + Spirits Vintner: Tournesol | Kina Kreer, General Manager Chef: Hollie Janitor, Chef de Cuisine, Bijoux Restaurant + Spirits
Dinners are from $500 to $1,000 per person and are all inclusive of food, wine and gratuities.
Crescendo! continues with the Main Event on Sunday, March 1, at 3 p.m. at The Grand Sandestin in Miramar Beach, featuring an all-inclusive afternoon of music, cuisine, world-class vintners and a live performance by Pink Martini with the full Sinfonia Gulf Coast orchestra as part of the organization’s 20th anniversary celebration.
Proceeds from Crescendo! benefit Sinfonia Gulf Coast’s music education and community engagement initiatives throughout Northwest Florida, including musicians and guest artists in schools, free orchestra concerts, student transportation, the Sinfonia Youth Orchestra, Link Up concerts in partnership with Carnegie Hall, Paint the Music (with Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation), Arts in Medicine with Sacred Heart Hospital and more.
