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Charleston Returns with 2025 Food & Wine Classic: Bigger, Bolder, Richer

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  Published in Food and Wine on Saturday, November 15th 2025 at 15:07 GMT by Food & Wine

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Charleston Welcomes Back the 2025 Food & Wine Classic – Bigger, Bolder, and Richer in Flavor

The South‑East’s most celebrated culinary showcase is returning to its historic roots in Charleston, South Carolina, and promises to be the most expansive edition yet. According to a live report from MSN Food & Drink, the 2025 Food & Wine Classic is set to run from May 29–31 in the city’s bustling waterfront district, drawing food lovers, wine aficionados, and the culinary elite to the same venues that made the event a staple of the American festival calendar.

A Festival That Grows With the City

The 2025 edition marks a significant expansion in both scope and scale. The organizers announced that the Classic will now feature over 30 world‑renowned chefs, 15+ dedicated wine tastings, and a new “Chef’s Table” dinner that will showcase the city’s signature flavors. The event will occupy multiple historic Charleston locations— from the cobblestone streets of King Street to the waterfront at Bishop’s Garden—providing a picturesque backdrop for every tasting and demonstration.

“The return of the Food & Wine Classic to Charleston is a celebration of the city’s culinary heritage,” said Maria Gutierrez, Executive Director of the Food & Wine Classic. “We’ve taken the feedback from last year’s attendees and chefs and have built an even larger program that will highlight the diversity of our local ingredients and winemaking traditions.”

Highlights of the 2025 Program

The festival’s centerpiece, the “Chef’s Table” dinner, will be held in a specially renovated space in the historic Hampden Theatre. Here, guests will enjoy a multi‑course tasting menu that showcases the best of Charleston’s local produce—think heirloom tomatoes from St. Augustine Farms, oysters from the Santee River, and a finale of the city’s famed spicy pepper jam.

Wine, Food, and Community

A hallmark of the Food & Wine Classic has always been its charitable mission. The 2025 event is no exception, with the Food & Wine Classic Foundation pledging $250,000 to local food‑bank initiatives. The event’s “Taste for a Cause” auction will raise additional funds, with proceeds going to scholarships for culinary students at the Charleston Culinary Institute and to the Charleston Food Bank’s Fresh Food Drive.

The organizers are also introducing a “Community Table”—an open‑air kitchen where volunteers can prepare and share meals with people who might otherwise go hungry. The initiative is part of a larger partnership with the Charleston Food Bank, a nonprofit that has been serving the Lowcountry for over 35 years.

Partnerships and Sponsorships

The Classic’s growth is fueled by a broad coalition of sponsors. South Carolina Wine & Spirits Association has stepped in as the main title sponsor, while Bollinger Champagne and Keurig‑Kool are providing exclusive wine selections and hydration stations, respectively. In addition, the city of Charleston and the Charleston Tourism Board are co‑organizing marketing efforts to boost visitor influx.

“The partnership with South Carolina Wine & Spirits Association has given us the flexibility to curate an even more diverse wine program,” noted Gutierrez. “We’re excited to showcase the best of our local vineyards while also introducing international classics that resonate with our guests.”

Interactive and Immersive Experiences

The 2025 Food & Wine Classic is set to be the most interactive event in its history. Aside from the pop‑up restaurants, the festival will feature:

• “Chef Live” Cooking Shows: Live cooking demonstrations by participating chefs, streamed on the event’s mobile app and the Classic’s official website.
• Virtual Tastings: For those who can’t attend in person, a virtual tasting experience will be available, complete with a curated “tasting kit” sent to participants' homes.
• Culinary Competitions: A “Speed Cook-Off” where chefs must create a three‑course meal in under an hour.
• Music and Entertainment: Live performances from local jazz bands and folk artists, ensuring that the festival is not just about food and wine, but also about the South‑Eastern cultural tapestry.

Where to Learn More

For attendees and curious readers, the official Food & Wine Classic website (link provided in the MSN article) offers a full schedule, ticketing options, and a detailed list of chefs and wineries participating. The site also hosts a FAQ section, which is invaluable for planning travel, accommodation, and understanding the festival’s COVID‑19 safety protocols.

Additionally, the Charleston Tourism Board’s site (another link in the article) gives comprehensive travel information—how to reach Charleston, recommended hotels, and other attractions that will keep visitors engaged beyond the festival.

In Conclusion

The 2025 Food & Wine Classic is poised to redefine culinary tourism in the South‑East. With a robust lineup of chefs, an expanded wine program, and a deep commitment to community outreach, Charleston’s return to the Classic is not just a celebration of food and drink but a statement of resilience and innovation.

As the city’s skyline glows against the Gulf’s sunset, guests can look forward to an immersive experience that honors Charleston’s storied past while forging a bright, flavorful future. Whether you’re a seasoned foodie, a wine connoisseur, or simply someone who enjoys good company and great food, the 2025 Food & Wine Classic promises an unforgettable journey through taste, culture, and community.