Imagine a five-day epicurean celebration that transforms the historic streets of Charleston and the charming coastal sea islands into a culinary wonderland! The annual Charleston Wine + Food Festival is a vibrant showcase of the Lowcountry’s diverse culinary flavors, vibrant wine scene, and warm southern hospitality all rolled into one epic event!
DATE: MARCH 6th – 10th, 2024
Founded in 2005 by a group of visionary community leaders, the festival’s mission is “to celebrate, educate, enrich, and promote the Lowcountry’s diverse culinary + hospitality community through world-class experiences.” The Charleston Wine + Food Festival has placed the greater Charleston area on the map as a top culinary destination. This highly-anticipated event features over 100 unique experiences in a destination where food, culture, and fun converge.
The events and experiences at the Charleston Wine + Food Festival aren’t just about food and beverages, they’re an invitation to experience the culinary and cultural heritage and traditions of the Lowcountry in some of Charleston’s most celebrated bars and eating establishments. * Please check the Charleston Wine + Food Festive Schedule of Events for current availability. Some events may be SOLD OUT!
KIAWAH & SEABROOK ISLAND: WINE + FOOD FESTIVAL EVENTS
What we love most about the Charleston Wine + Food Festival is the world-class events and experiences it brings to our guests on Kiawah Island and Seabrook Island. While the festival itself is a culinary treat, there’s an added layer of luxury and relaxation when you retreat to your private vacation home on Kiawah-Seabrook Island. From lavish beachfront villas to marsh-view mansions and modern condos, you’ll find a soulful sanctuary to complement your Lowcountry soul food with Kiawah-Seabrook Exclusives.
Rioja Rumble @ FortyEight | FRIDAY 4:30 PM – 6 PM | $75
Venue: FortyEight Wine Bar & Kitchen, Freshfields Village
The bar takeover at FortyEight Wine Bar and Kitchen in Freshfields Village features wines from the Rioja and Cigales regions of Spain. Join wine importer, Rich Scelfo, and certified sommelier, Matt Williams, for an evening of fine wines, light bites, and good conversation only a short drive or scenic bike ride from your Kiawah Island – Seabrook Island vacation home.
A Five Star Lineup | FRIDAY 7 PM – 10 PM | $1,375
Venue: The Ocean Room at The Sanctuary, Kiawah Island
Be prepared for an unforgettable evening as the Charleston Wine + Food Festival showcases the Five Star Lineup, the ultra-luxe dinner collaboration of the 2024 festival. This exclusive event at the award-winning Ocean Room at The Sanctuary features two Forbes Five-Star chefs, wines from the Sanctuary’s exclusive Wine Library, and delicacies from the Ocean Room’s Executive Pastry Chef. You can walk home to your ocean view villa in Kiawah Island’s East Beach Village!
HISTORIC CHARLESTON
Historic Charleston is only 25 miles from Kiawah Island and definitely demands a top spot on your list of things to do on Kiawah Island. Whether you’re a history buff, romantic or family with kids, you’ll find plenty of ways to play in Charleston. Walk the cobblestone streets, take a fun segway tour of Charleston’s historic attractions, or rent an electric bike on Charleston’s bike sharing program and adventure at your own pace.
The Angel Oak Tree
The ancient Angel Oak Tree in Angel Oak Park is worth the stop on your way to Charleston. The ancient live oak is rumored to be over 400-500 years old and is the largest live oak east of the Mississippi. Over 400,000 people visit the Angel Oak each year to picnic in the shade of this magnificent Lowcountry treasure measuring 65-ft tall, 25.5-ft wide and providing over 17,000 sq ft of shade.
South Carolina Aquarium
The South Carolina Aquarium is located in Charleston’s Liberty Square on the Cooper River waterfront and features 9 galleries with over 100 exhibits and over 6,000 aquatic animals! Exhibits include the Piedmont Region of South Carolina, a Mountain Forest, Coastal Plains, a Saltmarsh Aviary, an interactive Touch Tank, and North America’s deepest tank, the Great Ocean Tank.
The South Carolina Aquarium is also home to the Sea Turtle Care Center with a hospital and learning center for visitors to discover the journey of the loggerhead sea turtle from rescue, rehab and recovery to release back into the Atlantic Ocean.
Fort Sumter
Located next to the aquarium is the Fort Sumter Visitor Center with interpretive and visual exhibits, and a regular ferry service for history buffs to visit one of the guardians of Charleston Harbor and the site where the American Civil War began, the Fort Sumter National Monument. The Fort Sumter National Monument is set on an island in Charleston Harbor and is only accessible by boat.
Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry
If you’re planning a family vacation to Kiawah Island, add the Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry to your fun activities in Charleston. The museum is designed to encourage family time and stimulate the curiosity and imagination of young minds with interactive zones, organic gardens, pirate ships, and so much more!
CHARLESTON: WINE + FOOD FESTIVAL EVENTS
Why not experience the best of both worlds – the cultural and culinary festival experiences in Downtown Charleston, and the charm of a coastal home and beach walks before you start to explore the Charleston Wine + Food Festival?
Downtown Charleston is located roughly 23 miles from the crossroads to Kiawah and Seabrook Island. Sit back and relax with black car service to Charleston by local company, Island Transportation Services, or designate a driver! If you’re driving, we highly recommend carpooling as parking availability is limited in Charleston. There are several parking lots and garages near the Charleston Visitor Center & Bus Shed shuttle location, and metered parking is available on King, Calhoun, and Meeting Streets.
FREE STREET FEST
City of Charleston Wine + Food Street Fest | THURSDAY 6 PM – 8 PM | FREE
One of the highlights of the Charleston Wine + Food Festival is the free, family-friendly block party on King Street. King Street is one of the most iconic streets in Charleston! This historic street is lined with upscale shops, top-notch restaurants, bustling bars, and all the charm of Charleston! With Lowcountry specials, food trucks, live music, family activities, and a festive Beer + Wine Garden, the Charleston Wine + Food Festival is the best time of year to experience Charleston’s King Street.
* Please note that all other Charleston Wine + Food Festival events are 21+, and a valid ID is required.
CULINARY VILLAGE
Culinary Village | FRIDAY – SUNDAY 1 PM – 5 PM | $169-$295
The heart and soul of the Charleston Wine + Food Festival lies within the Culinary Village at Riverfront Park in North Charleston. With a fantastic line-up of Lowcountry cooking demos, wine, beer, and spirit sampling, meet and greets with culinary experts, immersive experiences, live music, and so much more, this weekend-long event is the ultimate sampling experience of wine + food + fun in Charleston. Tickets are available for individual days or enjoy the ultimate experience with the Weekender Pass starting at $750.
Culinary Village Shuttle: The Culinary Village Shuttle operates daily from 11 AM – 6 PM between the Charleston Visitor Center in downtown Charleston to Riverfront Park in North Charleston. Shuttles to Riverfront Park depart every 30 minutes starting at the top of the hour. Return shuttles are scheduled every 30 minutes following the event start time. A daily round-trip ticket costs $35 and tickets must be purchased in advance. Book soon – early bird pricing ends January 31st!
SIGNATURE EVENTS
Opening Night | WEDNESDAY 7 PM – 9:30 PM | $185-$275
Downtown Venue: Cistern Yard at the College of Charleston
Catch of the Day | THURSDAY 2 PM – 4:30 PM | $155
Folly Island Venue: Bowens Island Restaurant
The Lowcountry High Life | THURSDAY 4 PM – 6:30 PM | $145
West Ashley Venue: Founders Hall at Charles Towne Landing
iSabor: A Taste of Spain! | SATURDAY 2 PM – 4:30 PM | $155
Mount Pleasant Venue: The Lawn at Embassy Suites
The Day Party | SUNDAY 11 AM – 1:30 PM | $145
Mount Pleasant Venue: The Lawn at Embassy Suites
The Finale | SUNDAY 6 PM – 8:30 PM | $145-$225
Downtown Venue: Cistern Yard at the College of Charleston
BRUNCHES + LUNCHES
Baguette Magic(al) Pastry Brunch | THURSDAY 10 AM – 12 PM | $145
James Island Venue: Baguette Magic
Welton’s + Raf’s Spring Brunch | THURSDAY 10 AM – 12 PM | $145
Downtown Venue: Welton’s Tiny Bakeshop
Basic Kitchen Wellness Brunch | THURSDAY 11 AM – 1 PM | $145
Downtown Venue: Basic Kitchen
Beautiful South Baijiu Lunch | THURSDAY 11 AM – 1 PM | $145
Downtown Venue: Beautiful South
The Darling Oyster Bar Beer Lunch | THURSDAY 11 AM – 1 PM | $145
Downtown Venue: The Darling Oyster Bar
Mex 1 Tacos + Tequila | THURSDAY 2 PM – 4 PM | $145
West Ashley Venue: Mex 1 Coastal Cantina
Burwell’s Wine Lunch | FRIDAY 11 AM – 1 PM | $145
Downtown Venue: Burwell’s Stone Fire Grill
Cleats, Cocktail Lunch | FRIDAY 11 AM – 1 PM | $145
Downtown Venue: Cleats at The Refinery
The Longboard Cocktail Brunch | FRIDAY 11 AM – 1 PM | $145
Sullivan’s Island Venue: The Longboard
Rappahannock Oyster Bar Wine Lunch FRIDAY 12 AM – 2 PM | $145
Downtown Venue: Rappahannock Oyster Bar
Post House Ham + Eggs Bubbly Brunch | SUNDAY 11 AM – 1 PM | $175
Mount Pleasant Venue: The Post House
SIGNATURE DINNERS & UNIQUE MEALS
Vern’s + Friends Signature Dinner | THURSDAY 5:30 PM – 9 PM | $350
Downtown Venue: Vern’s
Gabrielle Signature Dinner | THURSDAY 6 PM – 8:30 PM | $225
Downtown Venue: Gabrielle
HERD Provisions Signature Dinner | THURSDAY 6 PM – 8:30 PM | $195
Downtown Venue: HERD Provisions
Kultura Signature Dinner | THURSDAY 6 PM – 8:30 PM | $225
North Charleston Venue: Paradiso
Maya Signature Dinner | THURSDAY 6 PM – 8:30 PM | $195
Downtown Venue: Maya
Millers All Day Signature Dinner | THURSDAY 6 PM – 8:30 PM | $195
Downtown Venue: Millers All Day
Pink Bellies Signature Dinner | THURSDAY 6 PM – 8:30 PM | $195
Downtown Venue: Pink Bellies
Palmira Barbeque Signature Dinner | THURSDAY 7 PM – 9:30 PM | $195
West Ashley Venue: Palmira Barbeque
The Grocery Signature Dinner | THURSDAY 6 PM – 8:30 PM | $195
Downtown Venue: The Grocery
Unique Meal: The Root of it All | THURSDAY 6 PM – 9 PM | $275
Secret Venue: Address privately announced to guest
A Five Star Lineup | FRIDAY 7 PM – 10 PM | $1,375
Kiawah Island Venue: The Ocean Room at The Sanctuary
BEVERAGE WORKSHOPS & BAR TAKEOVERS
The Vinyl Party Bar Takeovers | WEDNESDAY 9 PM – 12 AM | $85
Downtown Venue: Coterie
Chemical Attractions | THURSDAY 11 AM – 12:15 PM | $115
Downtown Venue: Iron Rose at The Mills House
Soak in Sonoma | THURSDAY 11 AM – 12:15 PM | $125
Downtown Venue: Iron Rose at The Mills House
Basque In It | THURSDAY 4 PM – 5:15 PM | $115
Downtown Venue: Iron Rose at The Mills House
The Next Wave of Craft Whiskey | THURSDAY 4 PM – 5:15 PM | $125
Downtown Venue: Iron Rose at The Mills House
The Vermouth Hour with Eric Asimov | THURSDAY 5 PM – 6:30 PM | $75
North Charleston Venue: Stems & Skins
Spanish Wine Vanguard | FRIDAY 11 AM – 12:15 PM | $175
Downtown Venue: Iron Rose at The Mills House
Rioja Rumble @ FortyEight | FRIDAY 4:30 PM – 6 PM | $75
Kiawah Island Venue: FortyEight Wine Bar & Kitchen, Freshfields Village
Discover the Art of Blending | SATURDAY 11 AM – 12:15 PM | $125
Downtown Venue: Iron Rose at The Mills House
The New Face of American Wine | SATURDAY 11 AM – 12:15 PM | $125
Downtown Venue: Iron Rose at The Mills House
Oysters + Champagne | SUNDAY 2 PM – 3:15 PM | $250
Downtown Venue: Rappahannock Oyster Bar
CHARLESTON WINE + FOOD EXCURSIONS
Rooted: Indigenous Foodways Excursion | THURSDAY 9 AM – 3 PM | $425
Back to the Dock with Backman Seafood | FRIDAY 2 PM – 8 PM | $575
A “Mess of Fish” | SATURDAY 9 AM – 3 PM | $575 Field to Fork | SUNDAY 9 AM – 3 PM | $425
STAY WITH KIAWAH EXCLUSIVES
Whether you’re a seasoned foodie, a wine aficionado, or just eager to explore the dynamic culinary and cultural scene of the Lowcountry, the Charleston Wine + Food Festival promises a week of unforgettable experiences. The big bonus! With easy transportation from the coastal beaches of Kiawah Island and Seabrook Island, you can seamlessly balance relaxation on the South Carolina coastline with indulgence in Charleston’s culinary excellence.
Browse our collection of luxury vacation rentals on Kiawah-Seabrook Island or call our team at (843) 768-0808 – we’re always happy to assist in the vacation planning process!
