30A Coastal Dunes Chardonnay debuts
By Deborah Wheeler
Updated Apr 15, 2015 at 3:45 PM
Three friends who enjoy wine have come together to bring a new wine to 30A.
Charles Modica, George Barnes, and Pete Seghesio have joined forces to bring everyone a taste of 30A with their introduction of 30A Coastal Dunes Chardonnay.
The trio debuted the wine last week at Modica's Market in Seaside, where the wine is sold.
Barnes, who is a chef, wine aficionado and restaurateur, has known wine-maker Seghesio for 20 years and visited him at his San Lorenzo micro winery, where he produces small batches of wine in the Russian River Valley of Sonoma County.
Seghesio has been visiting South Walton since 1995.
"This is a wonderful place to visit and fun," he said. "George taught my kids to fish. And Seaside is where my kids first got a little bit of freedom. You want to sell your wine to your friends."
In talking, the men decided to join forces in a new venture. Modica was asked to join them and he agreed.
The result is a chardonnay that is not too oaky or buttery, but with notes of red apple and tropical fruit.
"I wanted a food wine," said Barnes. "It goes great with food and is good by itself. It's great with seafood -- a great spring and summer wine."
The name for the wine came from Barnes and Modica wanting to tip their hats to what's special about the place they call home.
"It's about identity," said Barnes. "And what's special to us here."
Barnes commissioned local artist Allison Wickey to create the artwork for the wine's label. She was Walton County's Artist of the Year for 2011.
The 30A Coastal Dunes Chardonnay is distributed by McNeese Distributing and available at Modica Market, and Emerald Coast Wine & Spirits.
For those who drink only red wine, it's coming, said Modica.