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 Lowcountryâs diverse culinary flavors, vibrant wine scene, and warm southern hospitality all rolled into one epic event!Â
DATE: MARCH 4th - 8th, 2026
Founded in 2005 by a group of visionary community leaders, the festivalâs mission is âœto celebrate, educate, enrich, and promote the Lowcountryâs diverse culinary + hospitality community through world-class experiences.â� 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, theyâre an invitation to experience the culinary and cultural heritage and traditions of the Lowcountry in some of Charlestonâs 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, thereâs 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, youâll find a soulful sanctuary to complement your Lowcountry soul food with Kiawah-Seabrook Exclusives.
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.
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 Sanctuaryâs exclusive Wine Library, and delicacies from the Ocean Roomâs Executive Pastry Chef. You can walk home to your ocean view villa in Kiawah Islandâs 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 youâre a history buff, romantic or family with kids, youâll find plenty of ways to play in Charleston. Walk the cobblestone streets, take a fun segway tour of Charlestonâs historic attractions, or rent an electric bike on Charlestonâs 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 Charlestonâs 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 Americaâs 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.
Childrenâs Museum of the Lowcountry
If youâre planning a family vacation to Kiawah Island, add the Childrenâs 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 youâre 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.
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 Charlestonâs King Street.
* Please note that all other Charleston Wine + Food Festival events are 21+, and a valid ID is required.
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!
Whether youâre 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 Charlestonâs culinary excellence.
Browse our collection of luxury vacation rentals on Kiawah-Seabrook Island or call our team at (843) 768-0808 â" weâre always happy to assist in the vacation planning process!
