If you are looking for a way to enjoy the best of Hilton Head Island’s cuisine, culture, and scenery, you won’t want to miss the Hilton Head Wine and Food Festival. This annual event, which celebrates its 39th anniversary in 2024, is a week-long celebration of global wine partnerships, signature Lowcountry dishes, live entertainment, and more. Whether you are a wine connoisseur, a foodie, or just looking for a fun getaway, you will find something to suit your taste at this festival. Here are some of the highlights of the Hilton Head Wine and Food Festival that you can look forward to:
Craft Beer Kick Off Event
Kick off the festival with a craft beer tasting at the Grand Ocean Terrace at The Westin Hilton Head Island Resort and Spa at the Beer At The Beach event. Enjoy sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean as you sample a variety of local and regional brews, paired with delicious appetizers. You will also get to meet some of the brewers and learn more about their craft. This event is perfect for beer lovers and casual drinkers alike. CLICK HERE for more information on this kickoff event!
A Taste of Lowcountry During the Hilton Head Wine and Food Festival
Take a leisurely stroll through the Shops at Sea Pines Center, with a glass of wine in hand and a friend by your side. This event allows you to explore the charming boutiques and galleries of the center, while tasting a selection of wines from different regions and countries. You will also find some tasty bites from local restaurants and live music along the way. This is a great way to discover the hidden gems of Hilton Head Island.
Stay Gold
Experience the golden hour at the Pavilion at Sonesta Resorts Hilton Head Island, with a spectacular event that features the best in local live music and Double Gold wines. These are the wines that have won the highest honors at the festival’s international judges’ competition, and they are paired with Lowcountry flavors for a memorable evening. You will also get to enjoy the stunning sunset over the ocean and dance the night away to the tunes of talented musicians.
The Grand Tasting
The Grand Tasting is the most prestigious event of the festival, where you can sample award-winning wines from around the world, along with gourmet hors d’oeuvres from some of the finest chefs on the island. This event takes place at the Harbour Town Clubhouse, overlooking the iconic Harbour Town Lighthouse and the 18th green of the Harbour Town Golf Links. You will also have the opportunity to bid on rare and collectible wines at the silent auction and mingle with wine experts and enthusiasts.
Hilton Head Wine and Food Festival Public Tasting
The Public Tasting is the largest and most popular event of the festival, where you can taste hundreds of wines from various regions and countries, along with delicious dishes from local restaurants and caterers. This event takes place at Celebration Park, a new waterfront venue that offers stunning views of the Calibogue Sound and the Harbour Town Lighthouse. You will also find live entertainment, culinary demonstrations, a grape stomping contest, and a souvenir wine glass to take home.
The Hilton Head Wine and Food Festival is more than just a festival, it is a celebration of the Lowcountry’s rich heritage, culture, and community. It is also a way to support the education and development of the next generation of hospitality and tourism professionals, as the proceeds from the festival benefit the John F. & Valerie Currie Educational Scholarship Fund. This fund provides scholarships for college students pursuing a degree in the hospitality and tourism field at the University of South Carolina Beaufort and the Technical College of the Lowcountry.
If you are interested in attending the Hilton Head Wine and Food Festival, you can find more information and purchase tickets at their website. Don’t miss this chance to sip and savor the best of Hilton Head Island! 🍷
