Milestone Anniversary Is Testament To Festivals Impact & Legacy On Greater Charleston Area

Jeff Walker,  Entertainment Writer / Food & Beverage Writer

Founded in 2005 by a group of passionate community leaders, the annual Charleston Wine + Food festival was established to promote and elevate Charleston’s culinary brand, and in 2026 is about to celebrate its 20th year. 

What began as a vision to position Charleston as a premier culinary destination has evolved into a dynamic organization that not only showcases the region’s rich food culture but also actively contributes to its growth and sustainability.

In 2026, Charleston Wine + Food will celebrate two decades of showcasing the vibrant and diverse food and beverage culture of the greater Charleston area. This milestone represents the incredible journey we’ve had in uniting chefs, beverage makers, and hospitality professionals to create a national platform for the food and drink industry of Charleston.

"This anniversary is more than a milestone. It's a moment to reflect on the people, flavors, and stories that have shaped Charleston Wine + Food into what it is today," said Alyssa Maute Smith, Executive Director of Charleston Wine + Food. "Our 20th festival is curated to honor that legacy while also looking ahead, with programming that brings back faces who helped build this community, reimagines throwback events from the early years, and showcases the incredible talent driving Charleston forward."

Each March, they host a five-day festival that brings together top chefs, winemakers, authors, storytellers, artisans, experts, and food enthusiasts from around the globe. This event infuses homegrown flavor with international flair, creating an immersive experience that celebrates the Lowcountry’s unique culinary heritage.

While gathering together to enjoy great wine and food, the Charleston Wine + Food's 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. Additionally they hope to mentor the next generation coming up in the food & beverage industry.

"Over the past two decades, Charleston Wine + Food has been a platform for connection—for chefs and beverage professionals, for neighbors and visitors, for all who believe in the power of gathering around the table," added Maute Smith. "In 2026, we're celebrating not only how far we've come, but the lasting impact our community will continue to make."

Among the new experiences in 2026 include Island Time, a Caribbean-inspired celebration of food, drink, and music overlooking Charleston Harbor, spotlighting the deep cultural connections between the Lowcountry and the Islands.

The Charleston Wine + Food festival is one of the biggest events on a yearly basis in Charleston SC, with private events and festivities selling out well ahead of the March 4th opening night. The list of participants in the food & beverage industry is overwhelming for the 20th celebration. See here https://chswf.org/participants-page/

Join in and help make the 20th anniversary the biggest and brightest festival ever. The well trafficked and well received Culinary Village will once again return to Johnson Hagood Stadium over the three day (Fri-Sun) weekend. For a full list of events and happenings at the 2026 Charleston Wine + Food festival running March 4th - 8th visit https://chswf.org/  and if you'd welcome becoming a volunteer check out https://chswf.org/support/volunteer/