Charleston Wine + Food releases schedule for its 20th festival. Here's how to get tickets.

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  Food and Wine on Mon, Oct 20th, 2025 by Post and Courier

Charleston’s Wine & Food Festival 2026: A Taste of the Lowcountry’s Best

The highly anticipated Charleston Wine & Food Festival is set to return in 2026, bringing together the city’s celebrated culinary talent, world‑class vintners, and a host of cultural attractions. The event, traditionally held over a weekend in early September, is slated to run from Friday, September 7th to Sunday, September 9th, at the historic Charleston Convention Center and the surrounding downtown venues.

A Return to the Classic Format

The festival’s core concept remains the same: a curated, day‑by‑day itinerary that blends wine tastings, chef‑curated dinners, live entertainment, and interactive workshops. In 2026, organizers have announced a refreshed schedule that will include a “Lowcountry Pairing Showcase” where local producers will demonstrate how to match Charleston’s signature dishes with select wines. Attendees can look forward to a “Farm‑to‑Table” evening featuring the city’s most beloved restaurants, as well as a “Global Gastronomy” night spotlighting international flavors that complement Southern cuisine.

Highlights and New Features

• Chef’s Table Experience – A limited‑seat, 10‑course dinner prepared by a panel of Charleston’s top chefs. Participants will receive a personalized wine pairing from one of the festival’s featured sommeliers. The event will be available in both a “Chef’s Table” setting for 12 guests and a “Chef’s Table” experience for up to 20 guests, each priced differently to accommodate various budgets.

• Live Music & Entertainment – The festival’s entertainment lineup includes local musicians, a tribute band to a famed Southern artist, and a surprise guest appearance from a national touring act. The nightly “Music & Mimosas” session will feature a string quartet and a cocktail bar that offers a rotating selection of brunch‑style drinks.

• Kids’ Corner – A dedicated area for families, offering cooking classes, wine‑free tastings, and a “Junior Sommelier” workshop that introduces young palates to the world of wine.

• Sustainability Initiatives – In line with Charleston’s environmental goals, the festival has pledged to reduce waste by partnering with local composters, offering reusable glassware to guests, and providing a “Zero‑Waste” day with guided tours of the city’s recycling and compost programs.

• Wine Tasting and Marketplace – Over 80 wine exhibitors from across the United States, Europe, and the Caribbean will showcase their collections, and guests can enjoy a “Wine of the Day” promotion at selected tastings. The marketplace will also feature artisanal foods, including smoked fish, charcuterie, and Southern-style desserts.

Ticketing and Packages

Tickets for the 2026 festival can be purchased online starting March 15th. The festival offers a range of options: a single‑day ticket, a weekend pass, and a “VIP Pass” that grants access to all chef dinners, live performances, and a private backstage tour of the wine exhibitors. Early‑bird pricing ends on April 30th, after which standard rates will apply. Packages can be purchased for groups of up to 10 people at a discounted rate, making it ideal for corporate events or family celebrations.

Venue and Logistics

The primary venue remains the Charleston Convention Center, with ancillary events spread across the historic downtown area, including the waterfront, the Battery promenade, and several rooftop bars. Transportation options have been expanded for the festival, featuring a dedicated shuttle service between the convention center, downtown hotspots, and the nearby McLeod’s Beach. Visitors are encouraged to use public transportation or the new “Festival Express” bike‑share system to minimize traffic congestion.

Community Impact

Beyond the culinary delights, the festival aims to provide a boost to local businesses and the regional tourism economy. Over 200 local restaurants, farms, and vineyards participate each year, and the 2026 event is projected to generate an additional $10 million in economic activity for Charleston and the surrounding Lowcountry region. The festival will also host a charity auction benefiting the Charleston Food Bank and the Lowcountry Culinary School.

How to Get Involved

For those interested in sponsorship or vendor participation, the festival’s organizing committee is accepting proposals from 2024 through the end of 2025. Prospective partners can submit an application via the festival’s website, detailing the type of partnership (e.g., food, beverage, entertainment) and the desired visibility level.

Conclusion

Charleston Wine & Food Festival 2026 promises to be an unforgettable celebration of the city’s culinary heritage and modern gastronomy. Whether you’re a wine enthusiast, a foodie looking for new experiences, or a family seeking a weekend of entertainment, the festival offers a curated lineup that showcases the best of Charleston’s Lowcountry flavors. Mark your calendars for September 7‑9, and prepare to indulge in a festival that brings together community, culture, and an extraordinary array of food and wine.