Charleston gears up for a star-studded weekend as the much-awaited second annual Food & Wine Classic brings together Southern cooking and national talent on one stage. Set for Nov. 14-16, 2025, the event brings multi-awarded chefs, TV personalities and wine experts to the city’s historic venues for a full weekend of flavor. This year’s Classic expands its reach with hands-on tastings and special events that celebrate Charleston’s growing influence in American food culture.
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The upcoming Food & Wine Classic features a lineup of James Beard Award-winning chefs who bring new energy to Lowcountry cooking. Attendees can also expect to enjoy tastings, panels and seminars with TV personalities, and more. Hailed as one of the city’s biggest festivals, it’s a must-attend for food and wine lovers.
Big names gather in Charleston
The Food & Wine Classic returns for its second year, modeled after the long-running Aspen event. The 2025 lineup brings together James Beard Award-winning chefs, Food Network stars and acclaimed culinary talent from across the country, including Emeril and E.J. Lagasse, Gail Simmons, Valerie Bertinelli, Kwame Onwuachi, Maneet Chauhan, Tyler Florence, Andrew Zimmern, Claudette Zepeda and Mike Lata.Â
Festival programming presents chef demos, beverage seminars and multi-course tastings that connect guests with the country’s top culinary voices. With local and national talent sharing the same stage, the event continues to cement Charleston’s place among America’s leading food cities.
Celebrity guests join the lineup
This year’s event adds entertainment appeal with Ross Mathews and “Somebody Feed Phil” host Phil Rosenthal joining the roster. Academy Award winner Regina King, Grammy winner Ciara and “CBS Mornings” anchor Tony Dokoupil are recent additions to the roster and will be appearing at the festival.
Country star Trisha Yearwood will team up with Southern Living Editor-in-Chief Sid Evans to host Southern Living’s Lowcountry Tailgate event. She will also lead her own session titled “In Trisha’s Kitchen: Feel-Good Food for Festive Times.” This diverse lineup appeals to both food lovers and entertainment fans, expanding the festival’s reach across audiences.
Southern roots meet global influence
Charleston chefs Rodney Scott and Carrie Morey anchor the event with dishes inspired by regional favorites such as wood-smoked barbecue and handmade biscuits. Their approach captures the ingredients and traditions that shape Lowcountry cuisine.
Guest chefs add a global dimension, from Zepeda’s Latin American flavors to Lagasse’s Creole and comfort food creations. Across demos and tastings, local producers and seasonal ingredients remain central, linking Charleston’s past and present through food that captures the region’s spirit.
What attendees can expect this year
The Food & Wine Classic will feature signature experiences across Charleston, including a tailgate with barbecue, live music and coastal-inspired menus. “Grand Tastings” will showcase wines, beers and spirits from across the country, while expert-led seminars on mixology and cooking give guests a closer look at techniques from leading chefs and beverage professionals.
The event takes place across multiple venues near Charleston’s historic district and scenic waterfront. “Dine Around Charleston” pairs local and visiting chefs for one-night tasting menus at restaurants such as Bintü Atelier, By The Way, Kultura and Merci. Visitors can also purchase tickets online for entry to tasting sessions featuring more than 100 wines, spirits and dishes, plus access to over 50 panels and demonstrations.
Festivalgoers can also join the “Style Stroll,” curated by Travel + Leisure Editor-in-Chief Jacqui Gifford. The self-guided experience leads guests through Charleston’s best boutiques and specialty shops, with featured stops including Croghan’s Jewel Box, Madison Mathews, M. Dumas & Sons, HART, The Tiny Tassel, Ibu Movement and Marsh & Magnolia.
Additional ticketed events add to the weekend’s mix, such as “Pearls of the Coast: A Lowcountry Oyster Roast,” complete with live jazz, fire-roasted oysters and a hands-on crabbing expedition hosted by Charleston chefs with a Travel + Leisure editor.
A celebration of flavor and talent
The 2025 Food & Wine Classic in Charleston unites entertainment, expertise and regional pride in one dynamic weekend. Celebrity guests join local talent to share the stories and techniques shaping today’s dining culture. As Charleston’s profile grows, the November festival stands as a defining moment for the city’s food scene and its place on the national stage.
Jennifer Allen is a retired chef turned traveler, cookbook author and nationally syndicated journalist; she’s also a co-founder of Food Drink Life, where she shares expert travel tips, cruise insights and luxury destination guides. A recognized cruise expert with a deep passion for high-end experiences and off-the-beaten-path destinations, Jennifer explores the world with curiosity, depth and a storyteller’s perspective. Her articles are regularly featured on the Associated Press Wire, The Washington Post, Seattle Times, MSN and more.
The post Big names and bold flavors at Charleston’s Food & Wine Classic appeared first on Food Drink Life.
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