Columbia Food & Wine Festival returns to the Midlands April 22-27 — limited tickets available

Limited tickets still available for the Grand Tasting and other select events

The eighth annual Columbia Food & Wine Festival — the Midlands’ premier six-day culinary experience — returns April 22-27, 2025. Presented by Jim Hudson Cadillac, this year’s festival will feature more than 100 chefs, mixologists and artisans in a celebration of various flavor profiles and regional traditions within the greater Columbia, S.C. area.

Several events have already sold out, but limited tickets are still available for the Grand Tasting and other select experiences at columbiafoodandwinefestival.com.

“The Columbia Food & Wine Festival continues to showcase our bustling hospitality scene, drawing attention to the incredible talent and flavors found here,” says City of Columbia Mayor Daniel Rickenmann. “As a former restaurateur, it is a joy to see our city come alive with food, drink and community. We can’t wait for guests from all over to experience the most delicious feats of the Capital City.”

From intimate dinners and large-scale tastings to immersive experiences, this year’s expanded lineup offers 15 thoughtfully curated events for every palate. Highlights include the participation of Lula Drake, Columbia’s James Beard Award-winning restaurant, as well as the Kickoff Dinner with Columbia’s Kristian Niemi of Black Rooster and Paul Reilly of Coperta, a 2025 James Beard Award semifinalist.

Additional events include Collaborative Kitchens featuring wine-paired meals at Goats, Ikie Lu Record Club, Smoked and Spring Valley Country Club, as well as engaging experiences such as Palates & Pages, BubbleQ, ColaFEST, and Soul of the South, which honors Gullah culinary traditions. Guests can also catch The Cocktail Games, where the region’s top bartenders compete for Mixologist of the Year, or enjoy an afternoon at Ping Pong & Pasta, pairing casual competition with classic Italian comfort food.

The festival culminates with the Grand Tasting on Sunday, April 27, at the Robert Mills House and Hampton-Preston Mansion, where guests can enjoy live music while sampling bites and sips from more than 100 chefs and mixologists, including zero-proof cocktails from Boozy Bliss in the mocktail tent.
“What makes Columbia Food & Wine Festival so special is the heart behind it,” says Vickie Davis, festival co-director and senior event manager of The Post and Courier and Evening Post Publishing. “It’s about food with history — dishes that carry stories, traditions and a deep sense of place. But more than that, it’s about people and celebrating the creativity, community and connection that bring us together.”

2025 Columbia Food & Wine Festival Event Lineup

The festival’s one-of-a-kind events vary each year in location, theme, talent and size, allowing the festival to showcase new parts of the region and highlight a combination of emerging and longtime chefs and mixologists. Chefs, mixologists and restaurant partners for each event are detailed below.

Kickoff Dinner (SOLD OUT)
Tuesday, April 22 | 6-9 p.m.
Black Rooster | 201 Meeting St., West Columbia

The kickoff dinner event pairs local chefs Kristian Niemi and Mason Hatcher of Black Rooster with Denver chef and 2025 James Beard semi-finalist Paul Reilly from his acclaimed Italian hot spot, Coperta. Begin the evening with a truly Italian aperitivo hour on the rooftop overlooking the rivers and cityscape, followed by a multi-course wine dinner in the dining room. Then, it’s back to the rooftop for Italian desserts and after-dinner cocktails!

Knead to Know: Breadmaking 101 (SOLD OUT)
Wednesday, April 23 | 6-9 p.m.
The Proof | 201 Greene St., Columbia

Get your hands doughy and your wine glass full! Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this hands-on class with the experts from Our Daily Bread SC will teach you the essential techniques for making delicious, homemade pizza dough. Discover the do’s and don’ts of breadmaking while sipping on delicious wines and enjoying a delectable spread from Abundant Graze. This interactive experience is the perfect way to connect with friends, discover a new hobby and indulge in local flavors.

Collaborative Kitchen: Hampton Street Vineyard (SOLD OUT)
Wednesday, April 23 | 6-9 p.m.
Hampton Street Vineyard | 1207 Hampton St., Columbia

Hampton Street Vineyard’s executive chef, Wes Fulmer, teams up with Polina Burns from Trimbach Winery (Alsace, France), for an amazing French wine dinner like no other. Each course will be masterfully paired with a wine from one of the most historic and iconic wineries in the world, and Polina will be present to tell you all about them.

Collaborative Kitchen: Goats
Wednesday, April 23 | 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Goats | 2017 Devine St., Columbia

Columbia natives’ beloved wine and craft cocktail bar, Goats, is teaming up with winemaker Phil Long for a dinner you will not want to miss. As the kitchen prepares each course with love, Phil will take guests through not only his wines, but the story of his love (the true inspiration behind his wines, longevity).

Vino & Vinyl, sponsored by the Main Street District (SOLD OUT)
Thursday, April 24 | 6-8:30 p.m.
Lula Drake Wine Parlour | 1635 Main St., Columbia

Enjoy an exclusive culinary experience at James Beard Award-winning Lula Drake Wine Parlour that brings together wine, food and music in perfect harmony. This event features engaging wine discussions, pairing selected wines with a four-course prix fixe menu, and music from local DJ Preach Jacobs. It’s a celebration of taste and sound in an intimate, unforgettable setting.

Palates and Pages, sponsored by BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina (SOLD OUT)
Thursday, April 24 | 6-8:30 p.m.
All Good Books | 734 Harden St., Columbia

Experience southern hospitality at this event featuring Mary Martha Greene, the Cheese Biscuit Queen, and Kelvin Davis, award-nominated author of Notoriously Dapper, as they entertain guests with humor, stories and delicious bites. Motor Supply Co. Bistro’s Thomas Hardenbergh will present recipes from Greene’s book and his own culinary creations.

Collaborative Kitchen: Smoked
Thursday, April 24 | 6:30-9 p.m.
Smoked | 1643 Main St., Columbia

Enjoy elevated techniques and flavors, expertly paired with decadent wines and spirits, on a culinary journey like no other. Featuring cocktail collaborations with Gabe King of Hendrix Restaurant, and dishes from Chef Tim McCloskey of Smoked, with beverage direction by Greg Williamson. This night promises elegance, passion and a celebration of the progression of Columbia’s dining scene. Wines provided by Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits.

Collaborative Kitchen: Ikie Lu Record Club
Thursday, April 24 | 7-9 p.m.
Ikie Lu Record Club | 601 North Lucas, West Columbia

Join us on Thursday, April 24, from 7-9 p.m. at Ikie Lu Record Club for a special preview event featuring champagne and oysters. Celebrate Columbia’s newest cocktail hot spot with Grower Champagnes, specialty cocktails and gourmet treats. Enjoy culinary delights from guest chefs Claudia Martinez (Tiny Lou, Cafe Claudia, Miller Union) and Conner Hinderks (Maypop, Little Secret). It’s an evening of indulgence and discovery at the city’s most exciting new venue!

Soul of the South, A Gullah Experience, sponsored by South Carolina Department of Agriculture (SOLD OUT)
Friday, April 25 | 6-9 p.m.
The Farm 1780 | 1127 Corley Mill Road, Lexington

Join South Carolina chef ambassador Chris Williams, foodways expert Amethyst Ganaway and chef instructor Kevin Mitchell from the Culinary Institute of Charleston as they showcase the influence of Gullah culinary traditions on modern cuisine. This dinner will feature dishes that highlight the history and impact of Gullah ingredients and cooking methods, providing a meaningful connection to the region’s foodways.

Collaborative Kitchen: Spring Valley Country Club
Friday, April 25 | 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Spring Valley Country Club | 300 Spring Valley Rd., Columbia

Chef Jason Bruner welcomes you to Spring Valley Country Club to enjoy a phenomenal dinner, each course prepared with not only care, but with the best local and seasonal ingredients around. Each course will not only be paired with a David Paige Wine, but David Paige himself will be traveling all the way from his vineyards in Willamette Valley, Oregon, to tell you exactly how he makes the magic in your glass.

The Cocktail Games, sponsored by Big Dan’s Car Wash
Friday, April 25 | 7-10 p.m.
The Laundry | 2046 Talley St., Columbia

The Cocktail Games are back at The Laundry event venue in the BullStreet District, bringing together the region’s top mixologists for the ultimate showdown! Talented competitors will vie for the coveted title of “Mixologist of the Year,” showcasing their creativity and skill in crafting exceptional cocktails. Restaurants like Boku, Ratio, Market on Main, The Hollow, Tupelo Honey Cafe and The War Mouth will be represented in this lively event. As the cocktails flow, local chefs will prepare delectable bites perfectly paired to enhance the experience.

Ping Pong & Pasta
Saturday, April 26 | 1-5 p.m.
St. Andrews Park | 920 Beatty Road, Columbia

Compete or cheer on your favorite players in a round-robin ping pong tournament, in collaboration with Carolina Pong, while enjoying a delicious pasta dish from Villa Tronco, one of the oldest restaurants in South Carolina, and refreshing nonalcoholic beverages. All ages are welcome.

ColaFEST!
Saturday, April 26 | 2-6 p.m.
Runway 728 @ 728 S Edisto Ave., Columbia

Columbia Food & Wine has been exploring the best bites and sips of Soda City for years, but what about our amazing tunes and brews? It’s their time to shine at ColaFEST, our first-ever music event happening in Rosewood at local hotspot Runway 728! Enjoy live music from Columbia natives Marshall Brown and Opus & the Frequencies while sampling diverse draughts from your favorite breweries: Angry Fish Brewing Co., Bierkeller Brewing, Columbia Craft, Hazelwood Brewing Co., Savage Craft Ale Works and Steel Hands Brewing. Break out your Coachella best and get ready to dance! Entertainment, festival activities, brews and cocktails included in ticket price. Food items from local food trucks will be available for purchase.

BubbleQ, sponsored by Sculpted by WH Aesthetics
Saturday, April 26 | 6-9 p.m.
City Roots | 1005 Airport Blvd., Columbia

BBQ meets champagne at BubbleQ, an evening that brings the best of both worlds together with renowned local chefs, including Kristian Niemi, Wes Fulmer, Dante Serra and more. With delicious BBQ, bubbly champagne and lively entertainment at City Roots, this event is all about pairing the best meats with the finest bubbles in a festive atmosphere.

Grand Tasting (VIP and Early Access tickets are sold out.)
Sunday, April 27 |1-4 p.m.
Robert Mills House and Gardens | 1616 Blanding St., Columbia
Hampton-Preston Mansion and Gardens | 1615 Blanding St., Columbia

The festival’s finale, the Grand Tasting, will take place from 1-4 p.m. on Sunday, April 27, across two Historic Columbia properties—Robert Mills House and Gardens and Hampton-Preston Mansion and Gardens. Enjoy an afternoon of local flavors with over 100 top restaurants, breweries, mixologists and culinary artisans. Indulge in innovative dishes, craft brews and farm-to-table cocktails, all set to live music and chef demonstrations. This year’s Grand Tasting will also feature a mocktail tent, sponsored by Hawthorne Pharmacy, with zero-proof libations crafted by Boozy Bliss’ expert mixologists.

Tickets

Tickets are available at columbiafoodandwinefestival.com for the Grand Tasting and individual events, allowing attendees to curate a personalized festival experience. Early ticket purchases are encouraged, as popular events tend to sell out quickly due to high demand.

All festival events are 21+ except Ping Pong & Pasta. Due to the nature of the festival and for the safety of all parties, children and pets are not permitted.

Community Impact

Columbia Food and Wine Festival, a nonprofit event organized by the Post and Courier Foundation, is committed to supporting and spotlighting the culinary community in the greater Columbia region. The festival partners with Certified South Carolina to highlight the connections between chefs and farmers as well as the importance of sourcing local foods.

Through unique revenue-sharing models, the 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.

To further the impact on local hospitality, the festival has two beneficiaries — the South Carolina Restaurant and Lodging Foundation and the Post & Courier Foundation. Additionally, multiple nonprofit volunteer organizations help behind the scenes at festival events. All volunteers receive a donation to their nonprofit organization.

Continued Growth and Success

What began as a one-day tasting event in 2018 has grown into a six-day culinary experience thanks to the dedication of partners, including Free Times and the Five Points Foundation, and a passionate committee of hospitality experts, tourism leaders and community champions. The award-winning festival showcases the finest plates and pours Columbia has to offer, earning recognition as a must-attend event for foodies across the Southeast and beyond.

Since its founding, the festival has welcomed more than 12,500 guests to 46 events featuring more than 300 culinary partners from across the region. More festival information can be found online at columbiafoodandwinefestival.com.

Thank you to presenting sponsor Jim Hudson Cadillac; Diamond Elite sponsors Certified South Carolina, BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina and Republic National Distributing Company (RNDC); and all 2025 sponsors for their generous support of this year’s festival.

 

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.

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