Gulf Shores, Ala. — (OBA) —  Wine Tastings with Winston are returning to Tacky Jacks for a seven-month series in Orange Beach and Gulf Shores. Each event will feature four wines paired with four small plates, and guests will learn about each selection. The tastings will be held in an outdoor waterfront setting.

The season begins Tuesday, Sept. 22, at Tacky Jacks Orange Beach and Thursday, Sept. 24, at Tacky Jacks Gulf Shores. Both tastings run from 6 to 8 p.m. and will feature wines from the South of France.

Winston McQuitery of Alabama Crown Distributing leads the wine tastings hosted by Alabama Crown. The series introduces guests to the flavor profiles, origins, and stories behind different wines, pairing each selection with food.

September's South of France theme features wines from Languedoc, Provence, and the Rhône Valley. The four-course menu pairs seafood, beef, and dessert with wines selected to complement each dish.

The first course is sesame-seared Ahi tuna. Thin slices of tuna will be served over a crisp Asian slaw with a soy-lime glaze, pickled ginger, and black sesame seeds. Pair the tuna with Le Jade Picpoul de Pinet from Languedoc, France. The wine features notes of citrus blossom, lemon zest, and green apple, with crisp acidity and Mediterranean minerality.

The second course is a mini stuffed crab shell. The crab stuffing will be baked until golden and served with lemon-herb beurre blanc and a shaved fennel-and-orange salad. Domaine de la Sanglière “Juliette” Rosé from Provence will accompany the crab. The dry rosé features wild strawberry, white peach, citrus, and Provençal herbs and was selected to complement the sweetness of the Gulf crab.

The third course is a red-wine-braised short rib. The slow-braised beef will be served over creamy Parmesan polenta with sautéed wild mushrooms and a thyme demi-glace. C'est La Vie! Pinot Noir • Syrah from Vin de Pays d'Oc, France, will be paired with the short rib. The wine features bright cherry and raspberry flavors, layered with subtle pepper, herbs, and silky tannins.

The final course is a dark-chocolate cherry tart. Bittersweet chocolate ganache will be served in a crisp pastry shell with cherry compote, orange mascarpone, and candied pistachios. Domaine La Terre de Lune Côtes du Rhône from the Rhône Valley will accompany dessert. It features blackberry, plum, black pepper, and warm spice, with a velvety finish that complements the dark chocolate and cherries.

September marks the beginning of the series. Each month, a different wine region will be featured as the tastings continue through March in Orange Beach and Gulf Shores.

Wine Tastings With Winston Schedule

• Sept. 22, 2026 — Tacky Jacks Orange Beach — South of France — 6 to 8 p.m.
• Sept. 24, 2026 — Tacky Jacks Gulf Shores — South of France — 6 to 8 p.m.
• Oct. 13, 2026 — Tacky Jacks Orange Beach — Pacific Northwest — 6 to 8 p.m.
• Oct. 15, 2026 — Tacky Jacks Gulf Shores — Pacific Northwest — 6 to 8 p.m.
• Nov. 17, 2026 — Tacky Jacks Orange Beach — Tuscany — 6 to 8 p.m.
• Nov. 20, 2026 — Tacky Jacks Gulf Shores — Tuscany — 6 to 8 p.m.
• Dec. 8, 2026 — Tacky Jacks Orange Beach — South Africa — 6 to 8 p.m.
• Dec. 11, 2026 — Tacky Jacks Gulf Shores — South Africa — 6 to 8 p.m.
• Jan. 5, 2027 — Tacky Jacks Orange Beach — Coastal California — 6 to 8 p.m.
• Jan. 8, 2027 — Tacky Jacks Gulf Shores — Coastal California — 6 to 8 p.m.
• Feb. 2, 2027 — Tacky Jacks Orange Beach — Iberian Coast — 6 to 8 p.m.
• Feb. 5, 2027 — Tacky Jacks Gulf Shores — Iberian Coast — 6 to 8 p.m.
• March 2, 2027 — Tacky Jacks Orange Beach — Northern Italy — 6 to 8 p.m.
• March 5, 2027 — Tacky Jacks Gulf Shores — Northern Italy — 6 to 8 p.m.

Menus for the upcoming tastings have not been announced yet. The format features four wines paired with four small plates as guests move through different wine-producing regions throughout the season.

The tastings cost $45 per person. A $5 reservation fee is required to hold a seat, and it is applied to the $45 tasting cost. Seating is limited, and RSVPs are required.

Reservation refunds are available with at least 24 hours' notice. The events are for guests 21 and older.

The tastings are scheduled for outdoor waterfront seating areas. Guests attending the Gulf Shores events are advised to prepare for outdoor weather and dress appropriately.

Tacky Jacks Orange Beach is located at 27206 Safe Harbor Drive. Tacky Jacks Gulf Shores is located at 240 E. 24th Ave.

The monthly themes will move from the South of France to the Pacific Northwest, Tuscany, South Africa, Coastal California, and the Iberian Coast, then finish in Northern Italy in March.