Plan Your Trip To This Year's Charleston Wine + Food Festival

Around 5,500 people are expected to visit Charleston Wine + Food’s Culinary Village each day the world-renowned festival takes place, taking advantage of four distinct “neighborhoods,” each of them offering a taste of what the South Carolina coast is all about.

Charleston Wine + Food, a Charleston icon since 2005, begins its 2023 five-day run on March 1. The Culinary Village, situated on 8 acres at Riverfront Park in North Charleston, will continue many of the events that made it such a popular destination last year, but it also will feature new ways for visitors to immerse themselves in the Lowcountry lifestyle. In the words of Executive Director Alyssa Maute Smith it will be, “a love letter to Charleston.”

”We’ve re-imagined the Culinary Village to be reflective of the food, beverages and lifestyle in the Lowcountry,” she says.

Over in Shucktown, inspired by “Shucked,” one of Wine + Food’s signature events, visitors will enjoy a celebration of seafood, the waterways of the Lowcountry and, of course, oysters. The neighborhood also is home to the Wine Garden, where they’ll be able to sample wines from throughout the world.

Grillin’ and Chillin’ is a nod to the sights, sounds and aromas of outdoor cooking and the Lowcountry’s barbecue culture. If you’re interested in some hot-off-the-grill bites, this is your part of town. If you need something to wash it all down, the Beer Garden, where you’ll be able to sample local and regional beers, is in the neighborhood.

Street Eats celebrates the international influence on the Lowcountry lifestyle, featuring food trucks and a spirits section because, Smith says, “people often refer to Charleston as a tippling town due to its drinking culture because it’s a port city.”

Farm Fresh is where visitors will learn all about local farmers and purveyors and items that are grown and raised in the Lowcountry. The Farmers Market and Artisan Market are in this neighborhood, and live podcasting will emanate from the brand-new Pod Café. The neighborhood also includes a coffee shop, and you’ll be able to choose from an array of cookbooks – and have them autographed by some of your favorite chefs.

Another new feature of the Culinary Village is that in each neighborhood, experienced chefs will present demonstrations twice a day and – even better – you’ll be able to sample the result of their efforts.

In all four neighborhoods, samples are free with your entry fee, but you’ll have the opportunity to purchase more substantial meals. Throughout the Culinary Village, roving snack carts, powered by Lowes Foods, will be providing snacks and small bites.

”There will be more food than the Culinary Village has ever seen,” Smith says.

What else is new at Charleston Wine + Food? A shuttle will transport attendees from the Bus Barn in downtown Charleston to the Culinary Village. For the $28 round-trip fare, you’ll also receive expedited entrance to the Village.

For those wishing to enhance their Wine + Food experience, the CV Pass is available again this year, which includes the shuttle, access to VIP space that overlooks the Cooper River, private lounge space, catered food, an open bar and a commemorative festival bad + lanyard.

Prepare for your trip to Charleston Wine + Food by going online to their website to learn more about who will be in attendance, how to plan your trip and to find some tips to know before you go.

Tickets for all Wine + Food events are available online at charlestonwineandfood.com.