Charter One Realty Blog

The 33rd annual Hilton Head Wine & Food Festival sponsored by Publix kicks off on Monday, March 5th and runs through Sunday, March 11th, 2018. The wine and food festival not only features a week of extraordinary specialty events, it also provides scholarships for local college students looking to pursue careers in the food and beverage and hospitality industries.

After its humble beginnings when a group of close-knit hospitality professionals began the event in a parking lot, Hilton Head’s premier wine event now serves as a major draw to the island. A large percentage of visitors travel from outside of the area, with many citing the wonderful selection of wines, Southern hospitality, the charm of The Sea Pines Resort, and variety of events offered as major reasons why they return year after year.  

The Festival kicks off with wine dinners at various restaurants throughout the island.  On Thursday, March 8th, three events will be featured: a Lowcountry Seafood Cooking Class and Lunch with Executive Chef of The Sea Pines Resort, Matthew Roher, A Comparison Of “Burgundies” From France and Oregon with Scott Cohen, President of Grapevine for North Carolina and South Carolina, and a Sip & Stroll throughout beautiful Harbour Town. The week continues with Blends Around The World with Tom Hines of Trinchero Family Estates, and the Grand Tasting event on Friday, March 9th. Visitors can round out their experiences with the Public Tasting on Saturday, March 10th and the celebratory Southern Fried Chicken Brunch on Sunday, March 11th.  

As a direct result of funds raised by the Hilton Head Wine & Food Festival’s John & Valerie Curry Educational Scholarship Fund, more than $54,000 in scholarships has been made available in the past five years. The annual festival sponsored by Publix has proven to be a huge benefit for the next generation of professionals in the Lowcountry while remaining a must-attend event kicking off the spring season on Hilton Head Island.  

With ticket availability limited, most events sell out in advance of the events. Large groups (20 or more) are encouraged to contact the festival through its website page. To purchase tickets and for more information on this year’s festival and all the Hilton Head Island Wine & Food Festival wine competition winners from the past three years, visit www.hiltonheadwineandfood.com

Photo Credit Hopkins Studios

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The Hilton Head Food & Wine Festival began 33 years ago as a simple 3-hour wine tasting event in a parking lot on Hilton Head Island. It is now one of South Carolina’s most prestigious destinations for wine enthusiasts around the country steeped in history and enhanced by the surrounding beauty of beaches and majestic live oak trees. This success has extended the festival’s ability to make a difference in the local hospitality community. The Hilton Head Food & Wine Festival is dedicated to assisting students in their educational needs, having donated over $54,000 in scholarships since 2013.