There’s a party in Charleston, S.C., that you don’t want to miss. Charleston Wine + Food will be welcoming the top echelon of food and drink innovators from around the world, and you can join the ranks of attendees who love it. This five-day festival runs March 5–9, and tickets are on sale now. Pro tip: Don’t think on it too long.
The festival was the brainchild of Charleston’s local community leaders. Wanting to highlight and elevate an already vibrant food, drink, and hospitality scene, they turned a casual conversation into a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that put Charleston on the map as a culinary destination, and one that does a lot of good for the community
“Charleston Wine + Food has helped build a culinary brand for Charleston. Over the past 19 years, Charleston Wine + Food has welcomed over 411,000 guests to Charleston and created an economic impact of over $170,000,” said Alyssa Maute Smith, the festival’s executive director. Raising over $400,000 for culinary scholarships and other local charities, the reputation of the festival has enticed even more food and drink professionals to make Charleston home to their businesses. Nearly 93 cents of every dollar spent has a measurable impact on the city’s economy, which is more than quadruple the organization’s annual budget. As a year-round 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, ticket sales go directly to the production of the festival.
Participation in the festival by featured chefs, winemakers, authors, artisans, and mixologists has helped them bring a bit of Charleston back to their home cities. “Chefs and beverage professionals from all over love to participate in this event,” Smith said. “I was recently in New Orleans for a personal trip and went to dine at DAKAR, as Chef Serigne has come to Charleston to participate in the festival before. He had no idea I would be in his restaurant, and he came out to the dining room in a Charleston Wine + Food apron! It was really special to see that little piece of Charleston in New Orleans.”
The festival focuses on connection. By connecting participants to the food and culture of greater Charleston and the surrounding communities, the expected celebration of Southern hospitality gains an even fresher perspective. “Charleston Wine + Food is so unique compared to other large-scale food events, because each year our programming is unique while always authentically telling the stories of the foodways of Charleston and the South,” Smith said.
OK, I’m Going! What Can I Expect?
The city-wide festival is packed with location brunches, lunches, and dinners, cooking classes, beverage workshops, themed events, competitions, meet and greets, education, and, outside the established venues, a penultimate sampling experience called The Culinary Village. Constructed especially for the festival each year, this tented village is where you’ll find chefs, winemakers, mixologists, and more with tastes of their creations. This year, the village is being held at Johnson Hagood Stadium. VIP pass options are available, but this is a world-class experience all the participants can appreciate.
“As Charleston Wine + Food’s reputation has grown, its name and brand has become recognized all over the country. One of my most favorite things about this festival is the camaraderie, collaboration, and far-reaching impact that it has on the food and beverage community,” Smith said. She adds a pro tip: “Also, when you’re at the festival, pace yourself, stay caffeinated, and drink lots of water!”
Festival organizers aim to find the best talent in the world that fits with their mission. Prior to working for the festival, Beverage Manager Aneel de Albuquerque ran restaurants in Charleston and knows what an exciting time this is for the whole city. “Every year we change up our programming. We love exposing our community to amazing talent from around the world, but more so , we love showing those people what Charleston is all about,” de Albuquerque said.
Who’s Coming?
As you scroll through the festival’s website with so many top-notch choices, it’s easy to see why Charleston Wine + Food Festival is a favorite of visitors and vendors.
Due South is a unique beverage and dining experience that exemplifies the fest’s innovation. It features an all-star lineup including Master Mixologist Shannon Mustipher and Chefs Amethyst Ganaway, Janae Coaxum, and Tia Clark. Due South tells the stories of the Sea Islands through a specially curated food and beverage experience featuring ingredients and cooking techniques influenced through the African diaspora, mingling flavors that are distinct to the Sea Islands. Ever been to a backyard gathering filled with fried seafood, Frogmore stew, fried shark, or a crab crack? Well, this is your chance to experience those cuisines and more through the lens of this stellar group of talent.
How about a hands-on cooking class? In The Kitchen With Michele Weaver is hosted by one of Charleston’s most beloved culinary leaders, Chef Michelle Weaver. Learn about the importance of sourcing your ingredients, her local purveyors, and how to prepare Chef Weaver’s specialty of elegant, soulful dishes. Plus, you get to do all that downtown in the kitchen of the esteemed Culinary Institute of Charleston.
Charleston Wine + Food has provided scholarships and funding to support Culinary Institute of Charleston, donating over $400,000 to culinary and hospitality scholarships since 2006.
Have fun with Fast Food + Fast Wine workshop! In case you didn’t already know, food doesn’t have to be on a “gourmet” level to pair with wine. Hosted by our very own VinePair Co-Founder Adam Teeter and Tastings Director Keith Beavers, fries and Champagne are about to become your new favorite comfort food.
Chill Out (With Red Wine) provides the background to understand this hot trend in cool reds. Learn all the basics and more for serving a classic glass of red wine in an unexpected temperature.
The Good Vines Only walk-around tasting will introduce you to a wide variety of producers and winegrowers showcasing small and high-end wineries. Paired with small bites from restaurants with elite wine programs, introduce your taste buds to some new friends.
The Let’s Negroni interactive seminar will put you at the bar with VinePair’s Managing Editor and esteemed host of popular podcast “Cocktail College,” Tim McKirdy. Learn everything about the history of this beloved cocktail and how to perfectly mix its three magical ingredients.
And so much more! Go to Charleston Wine + Food for full details.
This article is sponsored by Charleston Wine + Food.
