Charleston Wine + Food is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that exists to celebrate the diverse food and beverage community of the greater Charleston area on a national stage. Through purpose-driven programs, we aim to build a sustainable, vibrant, and connected culinary and hospitality community.
Founded in 2005 by a group of passionate community leaders, Charleston Wine + Food was established to promote and elevate Charleston’s culinary brand. What began as a vision to position Charleston as a premier culinary destination has evolved into a dynamic organization that not only showcases the region’s rich food culture but also actively contributes to its growth and sustainability. Each March, we host a five-day festival that brings together top chefs, winemakers, authors, storytellers, artisans, experts, and food enthusiasts from around the globe. This event infuses homegrown flavor with international flair, creating an immersive experience that celebrates the Lowcountry’s unique culinary heritage.
Charleston Wine + Food is deeply rooted in building a sustainable, vibrant, and connected culinary and hospitality community. Through workforce development initiatives, industry education, community programming, and philanthropic efforts, we strive to build a sustainable, vibrant, and inclusive future for our region.
Our programming supports:
Since its inception, Charleston Wine + Food has welcomed over 420,000 attendees and generated more than $190 million in economic impact for the Charleston region. Our efforts have brought national and regional attention to Charleston’s food scene, sustaining both our organization and the broader culinary and hospitality community. Through strategic partnerships and hands-on learning opportunities, we aim to regenerate and empower the local hospitality workforce.
Notable programs include:
Combines high school coursework with work-based and experiential learning, allowing students to gain experience in the culinary and hospitality industry during the festival.
Students from the College of Charleston and the Culinary Institute of Charleston gain career-shaping insights in strategic communications, event planning, and hands-on culinary support through fellowship and internship opportunities.
In partnership with the College of Charleston, we offer scholarships to incoming freshmen and rising seniors pursuing degrees in Hospitality and Tourism Management. These scholarships provide financial support and encourage students to engage in internships and fellowships with Charleston Wine + Food, gaining hands-on experience in event planning, logistics, marketing, and culinary support.
Charleston Wine + Food (CHSWF) is dedicated to nurturing the future of the culinary and hospitality industries in the Lowcountry. We achieve this by providing financial assistance, fostering education, and offering mentorship through programs within local school districts and partnerships with institutions like the Culinary Institute of Charleston and the College of Charleston. Our aim is to build a resilient and inspired community of professionals ready to lead with innovation and compassion.
Established in 2025, the CHSWF Culinary + Hospitality Foundation serves as the supporting foundation for Charleston Wine + Food, created to further our impact in the community and to develop programs that strengthen and sustain Charleston’s vibrant culinary and hospitality community. The Foundation invests in the people and programs that fuel one of our region’s most vital industries.
Through workforce development, education, financial assistance, and community-building initiatives, the Foundation addresses critical challenges—like employee retention, workforce readiness, and economic insecurity—to create long-term, systemic impact. From high school mentorships and scholarships to emergency relief and festival stipends, we are committed to cultivating a future where culinary and hospitality professionals can thrive, innovate, and lead with passion.
As we approach our 20th anniversary in 2026, Charleston Wine + Food remains devoted to honoring Charleston’s culinary heritage while shaping its future. Our mission is to celebrate where we’ve been, amplify who we are, and create space for what’s to come—one plate, one pour, and one unforgettable experience at a time.
