Columbia Food & Wine Festival announces 2025 dates and exclusive holiday pre-sale
December 4, 2024
To celebrate the festival’s eighth anniversary, Grand Tasting tickets on sale for eight days, Dec. 4-11
Columbia Food & Wine Festival, Columbia’s premier six-day culinary experience, is thrilled to announce its 2025 festival dates and an exclusive ticket opportunity. This year’s festival will run Tuesday, April 22-Sunday, April 27, 2025, offering a six-day culinary celebration to mark its eighth anniversary. Limited pre-sale tickets to the Grand Tasting will be available for just eight days — a special nod to the milestone — Dec. 4-11, 2024 (or until limited release tickets are sold out) online at columbiafoodandwinefestival.com.
“We’re excited to head into our eighth year with a strong vision for the festival’s growth,” says Chase Heatherly, Co-founder of the festival and Chief Revenue Officer of The Post and Courier + Evening Post Publishing. “Every year, this festival brings a unique energy to Columbia. It’s an opportunity to celebrate the artistry and passion of our culinary community while showcasing our region to visitors near and far. We’re excited to bring new flavors, experiences and surprises to this year’s festival lineup.”
Limited Eight Day Pre-Sale Available Dec. 4-11, 2024 for Grand Tasting
Celebrate the holiday season by gifting an unforgettable culinary experience. The pre-sale offers an exclusive opportunity to secure tickets to the highly sought after Grand Tasting. To mark the festival’s eighth year, a limited number of pre-sale tickets will be available for eight days only, Dec. 4-11, at columbiafoodandwinefestival.com.
The festival’s beloved finale, the Grand Tasting, will take place on Sunday, April 27, 1-4 p.m. (noon for VIP and early access) where attendees will savor an array of creative bites and beverages from more than 100 of the area’s top chefs, restaurants, brewers and mixologists. The festivities will again be held across two Historic Columbia properties — Robert Mills House & Gardens and Hampton-Preston Mansion & Gardens. Featuring live music, chef demonstrations and artisan pop-ups, the event offers a feast for all the senses. VIP and Early Access ticket holders can enjoy an extra hour of culinary exploration with entry at noon.
Building on Eight Years of Success
Since its founding in 2018, Columbia Food & Wine Festival has become a premier event showcasing the region’s vibrant culinary and hospitality industries. To date, the festival has welcomed more than 12,500 guests to 46 events featuring more than 300 culinary partners from across the region.
At its core, the festival aims to support and spotlight the local culinary community. Through unique revenue-sharing models, Columbia Food & Wine Festival has collaborated directly with local restaurants, returning nearly $200,000 to talent partners and over $50,000 to local nonprofits, further strengthening the connection between the festival and the vibrant food scene it celebrates.
A Taste of Excellence: James Beard Award Winning Lula Drake Joins the Lineup
Among the highlights of the 2025 festival is the participation of Lula Drake, Columbia’s celebrated James Beard Award-winning restaurant. The restaurant will partake in an intimate event featuring a curated selection of wines, guided by proprietor and sommelier Tim Gardner. Known for his lively and personality-packed wine descriptions, Gardner makes every sip feel like a conversation, adding charm and humor to the tasting experience.
“We’re thrilled to be part of the Columbia Food & Wine Festival,” said Tim Gardner, owner of Lula Drake. “This event is such a great opportunity to connect with the community and share what we love most — crafting meaningful experiences through food and drink. We can’t wait to showcase some exciting bites and beverage pairings alongside so many talented peers.”
“As one of the Southeast’s most acclaimed dining establishments, its involvement underscores the festival’s dedication to spotlighting the best of Columbia’s culinary scene and attracting attention to the city’s growing reputation as a top-tier culinary destination,” says Heatherly.
True to its legacy, Columbia Food & Wine Festival will shine a light on the most exciting culinary and cultural experiences the region has to offer. Secure your place at the table — pre-sale tickets to the Grand Tasting will be available Dec. 4-11, 2024 (or until limited release tickets are sold out) online exclusively at columbiafoodandwinefestival.com.
About Columbia Food & Wine Festival
Columbia Food & Wine Festival is a nonprofit organization that spotlights and supports the culinary community throughout the greater Columbia S.C. region. The multi-day festival brings thousands of food lovers and community members together for a one-of-a-kind experience featuring Columbia’s
finest plates and pours. Attendees build personal connections with the history and culture of Columbia’s food scene by meeting chefs, partaking in unique and local eats, and learning about the connections between chefs and the local farming community. The festival’s values lie in supporting the hospitality community, a commitment to culinary education and delivering an unparalleled customer experience. Since 2018, Columbia Food & Wine Festival has highlighted the “Heart of SC” as a diverse and vibrant destination for food-filled experiences. Plan your #ColaFoodandWine itinerary at columbiafoodandwinefestival.com.
