Food & Wine Classic in Charleston 2025: Dates, Chefs, Tickets

The Food & Wine Classic in Charleston is set to captivate food enthusiasts once again with its second edition, scheduled for November 14-16, 2025. This premier event, presented by Explore Charleston and backed by Food & Wine, Southern Living, and Travel + Leisure, promises an unparalleled fusion of international culinary expertise and the Lowcountry’s rich gastronomic heritage.

Why Charleston is the Perfect Host for This Epicurean Gathering

Charleston’s historic streets, vibrant food scene, and Southern hospitality make it an ideal backdrop for a festival of this caliber. Recognized as the #1 Best New Festival by USA Today’s 10Best following its 2024 debut, the event transforms the Holy City into a mecca for chefs, sommeliers, and epicureans. Attendees can wander through cobblestone alleys between sessions, immersing themselves in a city where Gullah Geechee influences meet modern innovation in kitchens across neighborhoods like French Quarter and South of Broad.

The festival’s location amplifies its appeal, with venues showcasing Charleston’s architectural gems repurposed for tastings and demos. This synergy elevates the experience beyond mere eating, turning it into a celebration of culture, history, and flavor.

Star-Studded Culinary Lineup: Chefs and Experts to Watch

This year’s roster boasts a powerhouse of talent, blending household names with rising stars. Leading the charge are Emeril Lagasse and his son EJ Lagasse, known for their dynamic father-son demonstrations infused with Creole flair and family stories. Gail Simmons, beloved from Top Chef, will share insights on competitive cooking and bold flavor profiles, while Kwame Onwuachi brings West African and Caribbean influences from his acclaimed Tatiana by Kwame.

• Emeril and EJ Lagasse: Live cooking demos with high-energy techniques and seafood specials.
• Gail Simmons: Seminars on pairing and judging techniques from her TV expertise.
• Kwame Onwuachi: Innovative dishes highlighting global diaspora flavors.
• Tyler Florence: Casual California vibes meets Southern staples.
• Maneet Chauhan: Indian-inspired twists on American classics.

Andrew Zimmern returns with adventurous tales from his travels, Claudette Zepeda adds Mexican fire, and Melissa King showcases Asian fusion. Local heroes like Rodney Scott (whole hog BBQ maestro), Mike Lata (Fig fame), Carrie Morey (Callie’s Biscuits), Hector Garate, James London, Femi Oyediran, and Miles White ground the event in Charleston’s soulful traditions.

Celebrity additions include Academy Award winner Regina King, Grammy winner Ciara, CBS Mornings’ Tony Dokoupil, Trisha Yearwood, Phil Rosenthal, and Sean Brock, expanding the festival’s entertainment scope.

Signature Events and Experiences

The weekend unfolds across three days packed with interactive sessions. Cooking demonstrations feature live prep of seasonal dishes, from Lowcountry boils to upscale riffs on shrimp and grits. Wine and cocktail seminars, led by experts like Anthony Giglio, Ray Isle, Wanda Mann, and Amanda McCrossin, cover pairings, rare vintages, and mixology trends.

The undisputed highlight is the Grand Tasting, a sprawling showcase of over 100 winemakers, distillers, and regional restaurants. Expect sips from boutique vineyards, craft spirits, and bites from Charleston’s top spots, creating a sensory overload in one venue.

Dine Around Charleston: Intimate Chef Collaborations

Kicking off early with pre-festival events from November 13-16, Dine Around Charleston offers exclusive pop-ups at iconic eateries. These one-night-only menus pair national stars with local talents at spots like Bintü Atelier, By The Way, Kultura, Merci, Palmira Barbecue, Sorelle, and Zero George.

Imagine a chef’s table with rare wines or late-night parties fusing cultures—tickets are open to the public via the official site, promising sold-out intimacy.

New for 2025: Style Stroll programming weaves fashion and food, with celebrity guests enhancing the lifestyle angle.

Ticket Information and Packages

General admission and VIP tickets go on sale May 15 at 12 p.m. ET at foodandwineclassicincharleston.com. Options include single-day passes, full-weekend access, and premium packages with front-row seating, private lounges, and Dine Around perks. Early purchase is advised, as 2024’s debut saw rapid sell-outs.

Planning Your Trip: Logistics and Tips

Charleston International Airport (CHS) offers direct flights from major hubs. Stay in downtown for walkability—options range from luxury like Wentworth Mansion to boutique inns. November weather is mild (60-70°F), perfect for outdoor elements.

• Book lodging early via Explore Charleston partners.
• Arrange rideshares or shuttles for post-tasting travel.
• Combine with city sights: plantations, markets, ghost tours.

Health, Safety, and Sustainability Focus

Organizers prioritize safety with ample spacing, sanitation stations, and optional masking. Sustainability shines through local sourcing, zero-waste initiatives, and partnerships with eco-friendly vendors, aligning with modern festival standards.

Comparing 2024 vs. 2025: What’s New and Improved

FAQs: Everything You Need to Know

Why Attend: The Lasting Impact

Beyond indulgence, the Classic fosters connections among pros and fans, inspires home cooks, and boosts Charleston’s economy. It’s a pilgrimage for anyone passionate about food’s power to unite.