Discover the rich and varied flavors of South Carolina at the Columbia Food & Wine Festival this month! Beginning in 2018 as a one-day event sponsored by the Free Times and Five Points District, this acclaimed festival now spans the course of five days. Each item on the schedule aims to highlight the vast food landscape of the Midlands, celebrate the culinary talents of our region, and support our hard-working local businesses. Word has spread about this unmissable occasion, which now draws an estimated 7,000 guests, hosts 26 events, and involves 150 culinary partners.
The list below highlights some of the festival events, but be sure to take a look at the Columbia Food & Wine Festival website to see just how much it has to offer.
Kick-Off Dinner
When: Apr 24, 2024 6pm-8pm
Where: Private Property in Lexington
The Kick-off Dinner sponsored by Certified SC will be a delicious, intimate affair hosted in a Lexington favorite restaurant—Private Property. Expect nothing short of genius as the chef line-up is impeccable. Trip Chalk of Private Property is known for innovative, locally-sourced dishes. Chris Williams of Roy’s Grill is associated with Southern-inspired flavors. Last but not least, Mike Ellis is the creative manpower behind Midlands favorite restaurants such as Smoked, The Grand on Main, The Main Course, and more.
Iconic Dishes of Columbia: Main Street Edition
When: Apr 24, 2024 6pm-8pm
Where: Arcade Building on Main Street
The festival starts strong with this tasting event hosted in Columbia’s beautiful, historic Arcade Building on Main Street. This dinner features iconic dishes from a variety of favorite local restaurants and will not disappoint. Local brews and cocktails will be served by the noteworthy spirits provider, Diageo.
Collaborative Kitchens
There are multiple Collaborative Kitchens events that feature the combined work of various culinary forces in the area, including chefs, local farms, and sommeliers. Here are the groups teaming up this year:
Hampton Street Vineyard, Farmers Xchange, Tom’s Creek Family Farm
When: Apr 24, 2024 6pm-8pm
Where: Hampton Street Vineyard
Bodhi Thai, Ratio
When: Apr 25, 2024 6pm-8pm
Where: Bodhi Thai
Steel Hands Brewery, Los Chicanos
When: Apr 25, 2024 6pm-8pm
Where: Steel Shed at Steel Hands Brewing
Grand Tasting
When: Apr 28, 2024 1pm-4pm
Where: Robert Mills Estate and Hampton Preston Mansion
Join the grand finale as over 60 local restaurants, breweries, mixologists, and culinary experts provide an array of unique and mouth-watering samples! The atmosphere enhances the fun, set at iconic, historic sites and featuring live music, chef demonstrations, and creative pop-up shops.
If you’re a foodie, this is an opportunity you don’t want to pass on! Make plans to attend the Columbia Food & Wine Festival—and be sure to invite a friend!
Written by Rebecca Jenkins
Pictures by Rebecca Butcher