10th Annual BB&T Charleston Wine & Food Festival – Charleston, SC – March 4-8, 2015

Charleston, South Carolina, named the “Best City in the World to Visit” by Condé Nast Traveler’s 2014 Readers’ Choice Awards, will soon be host to the 10^th Annual BB&T Charleston Wine & Food Festival.  This five-day festival, which kicks off with an Opening Night Gala on Wednesday, March 4^th, will keep culinary enthusiasts hopping (and eating and drinking) all weekend long until the festival’s closing event Sunday evening, Toasted: A Festival Finale.

* PROOF Bourbon Event with Julian Van Winkle, III

* Wine Seminar

The nationally acclaimed festival celebrates the rich food traditions of the Lowcountry and features award-winning chefs, winemakers, spirits and food artisans, pitmasters, musicians, brewmasters, and authors.  With events and classes scheduled from sun up to sun down, festival goers will find it hard to choose between all of the weekend’s offerings. This non-profit group supports The Green Heart Project, a Farm to School program that builds and maintains urban gardens and teaches students about healthy foods. In addition they provide hospitality and culinary scholarships to The Culinary Institute of Charleston and other local universities.

* Dish prepared by Chef Mike Lata of Fig and The Ordinary

* Oyster Roast

Favorite events of the festival include the Signature Dinners hosted by various restaurants around the city featuring guest chefs and well-known winemakers which pair together for unforgettable dining experiences.   Another event not to be missed is the entertaining Waffle House Smackdown in its 10^th year, and of course, all of the cooking classes, wine tastings, the Culinary Village, and excursions around town and the Lowcountry such as the classic South of Broad Southern Sip & See. With this tour guests can visit some of Charleston’s most elegant private residences for an intimate afternoon of wine tasting along with cheese, charcuterie, and canapés prepared by local caterers.

* Chefs of the 2014 Waffle House Smackdown

* Another festival favorite – The Gospel Brunch

Xiao Bao Dinner (Photo courtesy of Adam Chandler & CW&FF)

New additions to this year’s festival include:

• Interactive chef demos in the new Third Space presented by Summers Corner
• A Hands-On Kitchen presented by SCE&G
• An Artisan Market presented by Rewined
• The Grand Tasting Tent presented by Baker Motor Company
• A Cocktail Pop-Up presented by Bulleit Bourbon and company
• The popular Biergarten presented by Bay Street Biergarten
• The Rose & Grilling Area presented by Chateau d’Esclans
• A Wine Retail Shop presented by Bottles
• A Cookbook Retail Shop presented by Williams-Sonoma
• A brand new music stage

With so many wonderful options to choose from in the vibrant culinary scene in Charleston and the weekend’s lineup of festivities, you can see why this festival has become one of the most popular food and wine events in the country for both festival goers and guest chefs who participate in the weekend. Check out the online schedule, reserve your tickets, and make plans to attend the 10^th Annual BB&T Charleston Wine & Food Festival this March!

We hope to see you there!

* Charleston at night

Here are some of our favorite accommodations in the city that are also pet friendly. After all, Beamer likes to visit Charleston, too.

Belmond Charleston Place – A large and elegant hotel that is centrally located in the historic district, Belmond Charleston Place has always been our first choices for accommodations. Be sure to make a reservation one evening to experience Chef Michelle Weaver’s innovative and outstanding cuisine and General Manager Mickey Bakst’s engaging personality and hospitality at the Charleston Grill.

Indigo Inn – Located in the heart of the historic district, this 40-room inn is a Trip Advisor favorite and has been the recipient of the AAA’s prestigious Four Diamond Award since it opened in 1979. Each morning, enjoy the property’s complimentary breakfast buffet and in the warmer months, the afternoon wine and cheese reception is a relaxing respite from sightseeing when guests can sit outdoors in the charming courtyard.

Wentworth Mansion – A luxurious 5-star inn that has been named the #4 Small, City Hotel in the U.S. by Travel & Leisure readers, this beautiful 21-room property was once a private home. Enjoy complimentary breakfast and afternoon wine and hors d’oeuvres during your stay.  Make dinner plans one evening to dine at the hotel’s restaurant, Circa 1886.  Chef Mark Collin’s menu will impress and delight culinary enthusiasts.

If you’d like other hotel options, here are the hotel partners for this year’s BB&T Charleston Wine & Food Festival.

* All images are courtesy of the BB&T Charleston Wine & Food Festival and photographer Andrew Cebulka, unless otherwise noted.