Charleston Wine + Food Festival

Charleston Wine + Food Festival is an annual multi-day culinary celebration held in Charleston, South Carolina. Founded in 2006, it has grown into a premier event showcasing the Lowcountry's distinct foodways alongside global wine and spirits. The festival features hundreds of events across the city, including tastings, demonstrations, and dinners hosted by acclaimed chefs, winemakers, and culinary personalities. It is a significant driver of tourism and economic activity for the region, while also supporting local charitable initiatives.

History

The festival was conceived in 2005 by local entrepreneurs Angel Postell and Carrie Morey, who sought to create a major culinary event during Charleston's shoulder season. The inaugural event in 2006 was produced in partnership with the College of Charleston's School of Business and Hospitality & Tourism Management program. Early festivals were centered in Marion Square and quickly garnered attention for highlighting the city's burgeoning food scene. Key figures in its development have included culinary director Bob Waggoner in its formative years and subsequent executive directors like Gillian Zettler. The event's growth mirrored the national rise of food tourism and solidified Charleston's reputation as a Southern gastronomic capital, earning features in publications like The New York Times and Food & Wine.

Events and programming

The festival schedule encompasses over 100 events across five days, utilizing iconic venues throughout historic Charleston. Signature events include the opening night's **Sip + Savor** grand tasting, the **Culinary Village** in Marion Square, and the **BBQ & Brews** event. Programming is diverse, featuring hands-on classes at the **Zero George Street** hotel, intimate chef-led dinners at restaurants like FIG and Husk, and large-scale parties such as **Rosé All Day**. The festival consistently attracts a roster of notable participants, including celebrity chefs like Andrew Zimmern, Mashama Bailey, and Michael Symon, as well as renowned winemakers from regions like Napa Valley and Burgundy.

Economic and cultural impact

The festival generates substantial economic impact for South Carolina, with an estimated direct spending of over $20 million annually and filling thousands of hotel room nights across properties like The Dewberry Charleston and The Spectator Hotel. It serves as a critical platform for local purveyors, farmers, and beverage producers, integrating companies like Charleston Tea Garden and High Wire Distilling into its events. Culturally, it acts as a living showcase of Gullah traditions and contemporary Southern cuisine, fostering dialogue on food sustainability and equity. The festival's charitable arm supports community partners, including the Lowcountry Food Bank and local scholarship funds, embedding it as a civic institution.

Organization and leadership

The festival is operated by the 501(c)(3) nonprofit **Charleston Wine + Food Festival, Inc.**, governed by a board of directors comprising local business leaders and culinary professionals. Day-to-day operations are managed by an executive director and a full-time staff, with strategic culinary direction provided by a festival director. The event relies on hundreds of volunteers and partnerships with major sponsors, which have included BMW, American Express, and Food Network. Key leadership has evolved from its founders to professionals like executive director **Alyssa Maute Smith**, who oversee festival expansion, guest curation, and community engagement initiatives.

Awards and recognition

The festival has received numerous accolades from national media and industry organizations. It has been repeatedly named one of the "**Top 10 Food Festivals in the U.S.**" by publications such as Forbes and USA Today. In 2019, it received the **"Event of the Year"** award from the **International Festivals & Events Association**. The festival's innovative programming and economic contribution have also been recognized by the South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism and the Charleston Area Convention and Visitors Bureau. These honors reflect its status as a benchmark for culinary festivals nationwide.

Category:Festivals in South Carolina Category:Food and drink festivals in the United States Category:Wine festivals in the United States Category:Recurring events established in 2006 Category:March events in the United States