Columbia Food & Wine Festival Kicks Off Eighth Year with Exclusive Grand Tasting Pre-Sale

Columbia Food & Wine Festival Celebrates Eight Years with Exclusive Grand Tasting Pre-Sale

Columbia, SC – Get your taste buds ready because the Columbia Food & Wine Festival is back for its eighth year, and it promises to be bigger and better than ever! Mark your calendars for April 22 to April 27, 2025, for what has become the city’s premier culinary celebration.

What’s Cooking for 2025?

As part of the excitement leading up to the festival, exclusive pre-sale tickets for the highly anticipated Grand Tasting event will be available for just eight days from December 4-11, 2024. This pre-sale is not just a neat way to mark the festival’s eighth anniversary but an awesome chance to snag your tickets before they sell out! You can grab them online at columbiafoodandwinefestival.com.

Grand Tasting – A Culinary Extravaganza

The Grand Tasting itself will take place on Sunday, April 27, from 1 to 4 p.m. Early birds with VIP tickets can enjoy an extra hour of delicious bites, beginning at noon. Trust us, you don’t want to miss out on this event, where over 100 top-notch chefs, restaurants, brewers, and mixologists will be showcasing their creative culinary talents. Expect an array of flavors from this charming little city and beyond!

Setting the Scene

This year’s festivities will be held across two beautiful Historic Columbia properties, the Robert Mills House & Gardens and the Hampton-Preston Mansion & Gardens. Bring your energy because there’ll be live music, chef demonstrations, and artisan pop-ups adorning the venue, making it an unforgettable feast for all the senses!

Giving Back is Always on the Menu

Since its inception in 2018, the Columbia Food & Wine Festival has welcomed over 12,500 foodies and hosted 46 events featuring more than 300 culinary partners! But it’s not only about the fun – the festival is dedicated to bolstering the local culinary community as well. They’ve pumped nearly $200,000 back to local restaurants and more than $50,000 to local nonprofits. Now that’s what we call a win-win!

Special Guests: Lula Drake Joins the Party

One of the highlights this year is the appearance of the famed Lula Drake, a James Beard Award-winning restaurant. Prepare for an intimate winetasting event led by proprietor and sommelier Tim Gardner. Known for his fun and engaging wine descriptions, Gardner makes each tasting feel personal. “We can’t wait to showcase some exciting bites and beverage pairings alongside so many talented peers,” he shared enthusiastically.

Support the Local Scene

Festival co-founder Chase Heatherly remarked, “Every year, this festival brings a unique energy to Columbia. We’re excited to spotlight the best of our local culinary scene while inviting guests from near and far to experience what makes our city so special.”

Grab Your Tickets!

If you’re looking for a perfect holiday gift or just want to treat yourself, consider snagging those Grand Tasting pre-sale tickets starting December 4! Remember, these limited-release tickets won’t last long. Head to columbiafoodandwinefestival.com to secure your spot at the table.

This festival is your chance to indulge in a culinary adventure and create lasting memories with friends, family, and fellow food lovers. Here’s to celebrating eight years of culinary excellence in Columbia!