Columbia Is Cooking Up Something Special: The Food & Wine Festival Returns!
Hey, Columbia foodies! Are you ready to eat, drink, and be merry? Mark your calendars because the Columbia Food & Wine Festival is back and better than ever for its eighth fabulous year! This culinary bonanza is set to unfold from April 22 to April 27, 2025, and you won’t want to miss it!
Get Ready for the Grand Tasting!
For those of you who live and breathe food, the grand finale of the festival—the Grand Tasting—is where the magic really happens. Picture this: over 100 top chefs, restaurants, brewers, and mixologists coming together to showcase their best bites and brews. The Grand Tasting will be held on Sunday, April 27, from 1 to 4 p.m., with VIP early access starting at noon. If you have an adventurous palate, you’ll definitely want a taste of what Columbia’s culinary scene has to offer.
Limited Pre-Sale Tickets – Don’t Snooze!
Excited? You should be! To celebrate this milestone of the festival’s eighth year, pre-sale tickets for the Grand Tasting will be available for just eight days from December 4 to December 11, 2024. That’s right—only eight days to grab your tickets at columbiafoodandwinefestival.com before they sell out! Think of it as an early holiday gift to yourself or fellow food lovers in your life.
A Six-Day Culinary Celebration
This isn’t just any festival; it’s a six-day culinary extravaganza. Expect to see some familiar faces along with exciting newcomers that will tickle your taste buds. Because let’s be honest, who doesn’t love discovering new flavors? Chase Heatherly, the Co-founder of the festival, said, “Every year, this festival brings a unique energy to Columbia… It’s an opportunity to celebrate the artistry and passion of our culinary community.” Sounds inspiring, right?
Location, Location, Location!
The festival isn’t just about the food; it’s also about the gorgeous settings. This year’s festivities will take place across the stunning Robert Mills House & Gardens and Hampton-Preston Mansion & Gardens. Imagine savoring delectable bites while soaking in the beautiful surroundings. Are you feeling the excitement yet?
Supporting Our Local Culinary Community
Since its inception in 2018, the festival hasn’t just celebrated food; it’s also been a major player in giving back. With more than 12,500 attendees and over 300 culinary partners involved, they’ve managed to pump almost $200,000 back into local restaurants and over $50,000 into local charities. Talk about community spirit!
Spotlight on Lula Drake
Guess what else? The James Beard Award-winning restaurant Lula Drake will be featured this year! If you’ve ever tried their food or wines, you know how fantastic they are. Proprietor Tim Gardner will be leading an intimate event with a curated wine selection. If his wine descriptions don’t charm you, the flavors definitely will!
Why You Need to Be There!
If you love food, drink, great company, and a vibrant atmosphere, the Columbia Food & Wine Festival is your ticket to culinary bliss. With incredible bites, delightful drinks, chef demonstrations, artisan pop-ups, and live music, it’s an experience that tickles all the senses. So, whether you’re a local or just passing through, make sure you’re part of this incredible celebration of culinary excellence!
Final Call!
In summary, mark your calendars for the pre-sale dates of December 4 to December 11, 2024, and get ready for a fun-filled week of deliciousness in 2025. Head over to columbiafoodandwinefestival.com for more details and to secure your spot at the table for what promises to be the highlight of Columbia’s culinary calendar!
