Press Release
The Charleston Wine + Food Festival (CHSWF) today announced the 2023 programming via the festival's app, giving guests and visitors the chance to preview the festivities ahead of the October 20th, 2022 on-sale date. When guests arrive at the 17th installment of the CHSWF, from March 1st to 5th, 2023, they'll find plenty of ways to enjoy the region's cuisine and culture through signature events, dinners, hands-on classes, excursions, and a reimagined Culinary Village.
“This festival is going to present a big, gorgeous array of food, drink, art, community and fun,” said Alyssa Maute Smith, Interim Executive Director. “We've retained a good bit of what has worked in the past, and folded in generous portions of new ideas and improvements on the model.”
In addition to programming improvements CHSWF is dedicated to ensuring that chefs and restaurants are not burdened by their participation. As a 501©3, the festival's mission is to give back to the community. In 2022, all chefs were provided access to free food and ingredients to off-set the cost of participating. New in 2023: all talent will receive stipends for their ingredients, allowing them to procure what they need from their preferred local vendors. In addition to giving more control and financial support to participating talent, the Festival is encouraging those purchases to be made with local farmers and purveyors furthering CHSWF dedication to local.
More than 100 events and 300-plus participating chefs will again define the multi-municipality festival. From foraging in the wild – to wild times at a late-night rave; hands-on cooking classes to hearing the stories of culinary originals, there's something to suit every palate.
Adds Maute Smith: “We had great feedback last year on our amped-up celebration of global cuisines,” Smith said. “As a port city, we can authentically celebrate the world's influences.”
This year's talent will include iconic locals, including BJ Dennis, Mike Lata, Charlotte Jenkins, Vivian Howard and KJ Kearney, among dozens of others. Visiting talent include: Paolo Velez (Bakers Against Racism), Barbara Lynch, Serigne Mbaye, André Hueston Mack, Eric Azimov, Alice Feiring, Martha Stoumen and others. And they'll be joined by emerging and established craftspeople from throughout the region and nation. New local venues joining the action include Bar Rollins, Vern's, Gingerline, The Last Saint and others.
For the second year, the signature Culinary Village returns to North Charleston's Riverfront Park. With multiple acres as its canvas, the village will feature numerous “neighborhoods” showcasing the diverse culinary scene of the Lowcountry. Activations and themes will also borrow from some of the most iconic events of years past: the demo stage featuring chefs and talent, silent disco, and musical programming. New additions will include a Podcast Coffee Shop where guests can sip and listen to interviews with beloved chefs.
Guests will enjoy heightened comfort, including more restroom facilities, shade and seating.
Organizers also note 2023 will feature more food for all guests. CV Pass holders will gain special access an hour before gates open, as well as additional food and drink offerings. A shuttle from downtown to Riverfront Park will be free for CV Pass holders, and general admission guests can purchase shuttle access.
“We heard the feedback and want our guests to know we listened. We think they'll feel that this year,” Smith said.
Tickets for all events can be purchased online, and wait lists will again be formed for sold-out events, allowing guests to sell or buy hot tickets on a third-party platform.
For more information please visit: www.
