SC native, Food Network star Tyler Florence to headline inaugural Charleston food and wine event

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Some heavyweights of the national culinary industry will make appearances at an inaugural food and wine event in Charleston.

Food & Wine, Southern Living, and Travel + Leisure have announced that tickets are on sale for the inaugural Food & Wine Classic in Charleston. Presented by Explore Charleston, the event will take place from Sept. 27-29, according to a news release.

The weekend will feature more than 40 celebrity chef cooking demonstrations and wine and cocktail seminars with world-class talent including Tyler Florence, Maneet Chauhan, CJ McCollum, Wanda Mann, Amanda McCrossin and Andrew Zimmern as well as local favorites Mike Lata, Miles White, Femi Oyediran, Vivian Howard, and more to be announced, the release stated.

The main events will take place at the Charleston Visitors Center, with additional programming taking place throughout the city of Charleston.

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“Charleston’s unparalleled combination of culinary traditions, foodways, hospitality, architectural beauty, and culture makes it the ideal setting to build on our storied FOOD & WINE Classic event franchise,” said Food & Wine Editor in Chief Hunter Lewis. “Together with my friends at Southern Living and Travel + Leisure, we are excited to showcase the best of the Holy City and create a dynamic experience that tells meaningful stories about the area’s delicious food scene and brings together wine and food lovers from all over for a weekend of celebration, enrichment, and fun.”

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The Food & Wine Classic in Charleston is an extension of the iconic Food & Wine Classic in the Aspen franchise, bringing more than 40 years of expertise to spotlight this city’s culinary and cultural offerings, the release stated. The event will feature its signature mix of cooking demonstrations from world-class chefs and local talent, extensive wine and food tastings and spirits seminars.

The Grand Tasting Pavilion will be a cornerstone of the weekend, bringing together hundreds of winemakers, distillers, and culinary experts from around the globe, the release stated. Additional programming throughout the weekend will include local tours and experiences showcasing Charleston’s local gems and curated by Jacqui Gifford, Editor in Chief of Travel + Leisure.

“Year after year, Charleston has been voted the World’s Best City in the U.S. by Travel + Leisure readers, and it’s easy to see why,” Gifford said in the release. “From the cultural attractions and boutique shopping to the ever-evolving restaurant scene and unrivaled Southern hospitality, Charleston is truly one of a kind, and we are thrilled that we can bring this dynamism to life over a magical long weekend of events.”

Set against the backdrop of the Kiawah River, Southern Living will host the Southern Living Lowcountry Tailgate where attendees can experience the cherished Southern tradition featuring an oyster roast hosted by Matt and Ted Lee, BBQ by Erica Blaire and live music.

“We’re excited to celebrate the rich culture of Charleston and to highlight the people who bring it to life,” said Sid Evans, editor in chief of Southern Living. “We’re also thrilled to welcome attendees to our newest Idea House in Kiawah River, which opens in August 2024, as a venue for celebrating the food, traditions, and hospitality of the Lowcountry.”