G&G Party Pics

SEWE: Cocktails & Conservation 2026

As part of the Southeastern Wildlife Exposition, G&G hosted guests at 21 Magazine for two conversations on Southern ecology and stewardship, accompanied by craft cocktails from High Wire Distilling Co. On Saturday, G&G editor in chief David DiBenedetto spoke with musician, fly-fishing guide, and conservationist Woody Platt about the intersection of music, the outdoors, and regional conservation efforts. The following day,G&G contributing editor T. Edward Nickens joined veteran guide and conservation advocate Benny Blanco for a discussion on life on the water and the importance of protecting the South’s storied fisheries and wild places.

Thank you to our partners:

Southeastern Wildlife Exposition
Turtlebox Audio
High Wire Distilling Co.

February 24, 2026

In Partnership with

Southeastern Wildlife Exposition

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Guests are welcomed to G&G at 21 Magazine for the eighth year of Cocktails & Conservation.

Photo: Ryan Belk

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From left: Aynsley Finlay; Rebecca Darwin, G&G president and CEO; Ann Marshall, High Wire Distilling Co. co-founder; and Lily Darwin.

Photo: Ryan Belk

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Native Waters and The Back Eddy cocktails, featuring spirits from High Wire Distilling Co., alongside the zero-proof Salt
Marsh Spritz.

Photo: Ryan Belk

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Page and Julian Tisdale.

Photo: Ryan Belk

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DiBenedetto and Platt trade fly-fishing tales.

Photo: Ryan Belk

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Platt surprises guests with an impromptu performance.

Photo: Ryan Belk

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The G&G Signature Collection for sale at the Fieldshop by G&G pop-up.

Photo: Ryan Belk

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T. Edward Nickens and Benny Blanco.

Photo: Ryan Belk

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Catherine Sparre and Jenna VanHoy.

Photo: Ryan Belk

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Sarah Machesko, Cody Rubner, and Scotty Davis.

Photo: Ryan Belk

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Wildlife artist Hampton Watts live paints a rainbow trout at
the event entrance.

Photo: Ryan Belk

A cover with Nate Bargatze

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