Columbia Food & Wine Festival returns April 22-26, 2026, and launches new Tastemakers Patron Program
December 11, 2025
Columbia Food & Wine Festival (CFWF), which returns to the Midlands April 22-26, 2026, is pleased to launch Tastemakers, a patron giving circle that offers insider access to festival experiences while supporting the region’s hospitality community. Tastemakers will help expand the festival’s charitable impact, including a new scholarship program for hospitality students. Now in its ninth year, the five-day festival will host more than 10 events featuring over 100 chefs and beverage professionals across the greater Columbia region. Tastemakers memberships are available now at columbiafoodandwinefestival.
“We’re intentionally investing in the future of this festival and the future of Columbia’s hospitality community,” says Ashley Elsey, co-director of Columbia Food & Wine Festival. “Tastemakers and our new student scholarships are part of a larger effort to build a more sustainable, inclusive and community-driven festival. These changes represent the direction we’re moving — one that celebrates our chefs, supports emerging talent and elevates the experience for everyone who attends.”
Become a Tastemaker — Support and Savor Columbia’s Biggest Food Celebration
Since its inception, the festival has infused nearly $275,000 directly into its restaurant partners and contributed more than $61,000 to local nonprofits. Tastemakers builds on that impact, functioning as both a donor program and an exclusive access pass to one of the region’s most anticipated food events.
“Tastemakers is designed for those who savor, support and help shape Columbia’s largest culinary celebration,” says Kelly Glynn, co-director of Columbia Food & Wine Festival. “It’s more access, more flavor and more Columbia.”
Membership is $500 per person, with $250 of that contribution considered tax-deductible. Tastemakers helps build early momentum for the festival and support initiatives that highlight local chefs, beverage professionals and food-focused businesses. The program will be open to a limited number of supporters each year, with memberships available on a first-come basis.
2026 Tastemakers membership benefits:
- One VIP Grand Tasting ticket (Sunday, April 26, 2026)
- One ticket to a private, invitation-only Preview Party (Tuesday, April 21, 2026)
- Early access to purchase signature event tickets
- A 15% discount on festival merchandise
- Concierge service, including white-glove ticketing support and priority waitlists
- First access to festival announcements and programming
- Recognition on the festival website
- A partially tax-deductible membership contribution
Applications are Open for New CFWF Hospitality Scholarship
The festival is proud to introduce the CFWF Hospitality Scholarship, designed to invest in the rising leaders of Columbia’s hospitality industry. This new program awards two $2,500 scholarships to University of South Carolina students enrolled in the College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management (HRSM) who demonstrate passion, community engagement and a commitment to building their careers in the hospitality and events professions.
“Investing in the next generation of hospitality talent is one of the most meaningful things we can do as a festival and as a community,” says Glynn. “The new hospitality scholarship allows us to open doors for the next generation of future leaders who will help shape the culinary experience in Columbia and beyond. We’re thrilled to champion their growth and help fuel careers that will continue to elevate our industry.”
Recipients will be recognized at the festival’s invite-only Preview Party on April 21, 2026, and invited to join the Strategic Growth Committee for the following year, giving them first-hand experience in shaping the future of the festival and the city’s culinary landscape.
Applications are now open and close Feb. 15, 2026. Hospitality students are invited to apply, and the community is asked to help spread the word.
By and For the Hospitality Community
At the center of this year’s vision is the Strategic Growth Committee, a group of chefs, restaurateurs and hospitality professionals who generously lend their expertise to shape the future of the festival. Their deep connection to the industry ensures the festival’s growth remains authentic, inclusive and rooted in the community. Quite simply, the festival is stronger because it is guided by the people who live and breathe hospitality every day.
Members of the 2025-2026 Strategic Growth Committee include:
- Alexandra Woodlief (Alexandra Madison Weddings)
- Ashley Lambert (Steel Hands Brewing)
- Charlene Slaughter (Experience Columbia SC)
- Javier Uriarte (The Woodcreek Club)
- Kate Daly (South Carolina Department of Agriculture)
- Kristian Niemi (Black Rooster, Bourbon and Dragon Room)
- Mattison Heatherly (City Social)
- Tim Gardner (Lula Drake)
- Wesley Fulmer (Hampton Street Vineyard)
The 2026 Columbia Food & Wine Festival will take place April 22–26, 2026. For more information — or to purchase a Tastemakers membership or apply for a Hospitality Scholarship — please visit www.
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.
