Executive Director Alyssa Maute-Smith Admits It Literally Takes The Food & Beverage Community To Keep Festival Going

Jeff Walker,  Entertainment Writer / Restaurant Review

What began as an idea, leading to a conversation at noted Charleston chef Marc Collins' (Circa 1886) house has grown into a full-fledged passion, as the annual Charleston Wine + Food Festival is about to celebrate its 20th year. While the inaugural event lost $100K it fueled a passion that continues two decades later, with the annual five day event regularly attracting big name talent and 25K visitors, let alone pumping an estimated $10 to $15 million dollars into the local economy annually. 

With the 2026 Charleston Wine + Food Festival set to kick off Wednesday March 4th, the staff with the festival are eager to showcase all the local food & beverage community have to offer, as well as the numerous vendors who will be displaying their wares at the much trafficked Culinary Village.

Although the festival has weathered a few bumps along the way, including a one year hiatus during the pandemic, according to current Executive Director Alyssa Maute-Smith the festival strives to present itself new and exciting (essentially bigger & better) each and every year?

"It's essential. Food and beverage are living, breathing art forms and they evolve constantly. Our festival has to evolve too. While our foundation remains rooted in community and purpose, each year we challenge ourselves to introduce new voices, unexpected collaborations, and consistently search for the story that has not yet been told."

With the festival attracting thousands of visitors from out of town, including talent and vendors Maute-Smith admits that the local partnerships are vital in hosting the event every year. "We don't just host an event in Charleston, we build it with Charleston. Partnering with the community is essential in bringing to life a festival that is truly by the community and for the community."

She adds, it takes a broad spectrum of businesses in the food & beverage industry to play host to the annual festival. "Charleston's chefs, restaurateurs, farmers, fishermen, distillers, winemakers, hospitality professionals, and small business owners are the heart of this festival."

Maute-Smith admits to being honored and invigorated when it comes to marking an iconic number in the festival's run. "Overseeing the 20th anniversary of the Charleston Wine + Food is both humbling and deeply energizing. It feels less like planning a festival and more like stewarding a legacy."

Although she guides the festival, she understands it's been a collaborative effort since day one. "Twenty years represents thousands of chefs, beverage professionals, farmers, artisans, volunteers, sponsors, and supporters who have built this community moment by moment. This milestone isn't just about looking back, it's about honoring the impact we've made together while boldly stepping into what's next."

Behind the scenes is where the Charleston Wine + Food Festival best leaves an impression. According to their website, the overall mission is deeply rooted in building a sustainable, vibrant, and connected culinary and hospitality community. Through workforce development initiatives, industry education, community programming, and philanthropic efforts, they strive to build a sustainable, vibrant, and inclusive future for our region. Their impact reaches the local high school and college level with scholarships and internship programs.

What would Maute-Smith share with locals who have never taken part in one of Charleston's premier events. "The Charleston Wine + Food isn't just about tastings. It's about once-in-a-lifetime dinners, conversations with the people shaping the future of food, immersive cultural experiences, and moments that stay with you long after the last bite."

She breaks it down further. "Whether you're a passionate foodie, a wine enthusiast, or simply someone who loves gathering around a table, there is something here for you. And when you attend, you're not just experiencing a festival, you're supporting a community."

The greater Charleston food & beverage community, along with the dedicated staff with the festival invite locals to take part in the 20th anniversary event. While several of the individual events are sold out, some still have availability including the opening and closing ceremonies.

Without question the most trafficked event remains the Culinary Village which will take place again this year at the Citadel's Johnson Hagood Stadium. It's easily the festival’s largest and most vibrant tasting event. The 3.5-hour celebration invites you to sip, savor, and stroll through Charleston’s evolving food scene, all in one immersive afternoon. For more on the festival's schedule visit https://chswf.org/schedule/ and for more on the festival overall and how they are fueling the future visit https://chswf.org/