FAQs

  • I’ve never been to the festival before. Can you tell me about it? What should I attend?

    Welcome to Charleston Wine + Food! We’re so excited you are interested in attending the festival! The annual festival takes place the first full weekend in March, and the 2025 dates are March 5-9. Consisting of in-restaurant brunches, lunches, and dinners, cooking classes, beverage workshops, large walkabout thematic events, educational excursions, and a large sampling experience at Johnson Hagood Stadium, there is an experience for everyone!

    Have additional questions? Feel free to email [email protected] or give us a call at (843) 727-9998.

  • When does the festival take place?

    The annual festival is held the first full weekend in March. The dates for the 2025 festival are Wednesday, March 5 – Sunday, March 9.

  • Where does the festival take place?

    Events take place all across Charleston! We’ve historically held events across the Charleston Peninsula as well as in North Charleston, West Ashley, Mount Pleasant, Johns Island, Kiawah, Sullivan’s Island, Isle of Palms, Dorchester County and Berkeley County!

  • What are Charleston Wine + Food's commitments to diversity, equity, and inclusion?

    Each and every day, we are committed to putting people first.

    Through food, events, and collaboration, we work internally + externally to ensure the unique perspectives brought to the table are valued, strengthen us, and allow us to see the world through a fresh lens. We celebrate talent, passion, and community through our commitment to producing experiences where all people – regardless of race, ethnicity, nationality, gender identity, abilities, faith, and any other social identity – feel welcome and are woven into the fabric of the festival we collectively imagine.

  • What does the festival benefit?

    Charleston Wine + Food is a nonprofit organization that strengthens Charleston’s food and beverage community by transforming moments of culinary excellence into sustained and lasting impact. We exist to celebrate the diverse food + beverage community of the greater Charleston area on a national stage, while creating programs that foster a sustainable, vibrant, and connected culinary + hospitality industry. Through our flagship festival and year-round programs, we provide vital resources, education, and support to local restaurants, bars, and beverage businesses. This festival doesn’t simply celebrate, we cultivate – turning every plate served and every glass poured into purposeful investment in our community’s culinary future.

  • What do ticket sales support?

    As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, ticket sales go directly to the production of the festival. 93 cents of every dollar we spend producing the festival has a direct measurable impact on our city’s economy. By purchasing a ticket to a festival event, you are helping us to support our local food and beverage community to participate in this festival, share the unique stories and histories of our foodways, and create a meaningful economic impact on our city.

  • Are Charleston Wine + Food tickets tax deductible?

    No, Charleston Wine + Food festival tickets are not tax deductible.

  • What is the Friends of the Festival program and how do I join?

    Joining our Friends of the Festival program is the most intimate way to experience Charleston Wine + Food. Our Friends receive early access to tickets before public on-sale, a personal concierge to handle all ticketing + festival needs, limited access to sold-out events, VIP treatment throughout the festival week, and a curated festival badge. Learn more about becoming a Friend and take your festival experience to the next level.

  • I’m interested in volunteering. Who do I talk to?

    Charleston Wine + Food wouldn’t be possible without our wonderful volunteers, and we are always looking for people who are interested in volunteering during the festival! Are you passionate about Charleston, its culinary + hospitality community, and looking to get involved? Fill out this interest form!

  • I’m interested in participating as Talent. Who do I talk to?

    The community of Charleston Wine + Food is a diverse and passionate ensemble dedicated to great food, fresh ingredients, amazing wines, beers and cocktails, and of course, Charleston. Send us a note today! Let us know who you are, what you do, and what you hope to accomplish through your participation.

  • What is the bag policy?

    ALL BAGS MUST BE CLEAR except for small personal clutches (no larger than 4.5” x 6.5”). No backpacks, coolers, or large purses are permitted at festival events.

  • What items are prohibited at the festival?

    ALL BAGS MUST BE CLEAR except for small personal clutches (no larger than 4.5″ x 6.5″). No backpacks, coolers, large purses, lawn chairs, or outside food + beverage are permitted at festival events. 

    No firearms or weapons are permitted. Violators are considered trespassers and are subject to forfeiture or arrest. 

     

    Prohibited items include, but are not limited to:

    – Non-clear bags larger than 4.5” x 6.5”

    – Backpacks, coolers, or large purses

    – Firearms or weapons

    – Illegal substances

    – Outside food 

    – Lawn furniture or chairs

    – Pets (service animals are permitted)

     

    All Charleston Wine + Food events are non-smoking.

  • Are all Charleston Wine + Food events 21+?

    All Charleston Wine + Food events are 21+, with the exception of Street Fest. Valid ID is required at all events. If event security cannot verify your age, you will not be admitted into the event. Anyone under the age of 21 will be refused entry and tickets will not be refunded. Please do not bring infants or small children in child carriers or strollers, as they will not be permitted entry.

    *Street Fest is a family-friendly event and we welcome people of all ages

  • Are pets allowed at events?

    Pets, emotional support, therapy, or companion animals are not permitted at any Charleston Wine + Food event.

    Service animals are permitted throughout the festival. They must be properly trained and under proper care of their owners; remain by the handler’s side at all times and be harnessed, leashed, or tethered; be housebroken and relieve themselves outdoors; and be up to date on all legally required vaccinations. Anyone bringing a service animal will be responsible for and liable for any damage or injury the animal causes.

  • How do I get around during the festival?

    There are a variety of ways to get around in Charleston, but we recommend downloading a rideshare app and requesting a ride to your desired location. Charleston Wine + Food does not want attendees to drink + drive. We encourage our guests to take alternative means of transportation.

     

  • Where is the best place to stay during the festival?

    Coming to Charleston from out of town? Take a look at our recommendations on where to stay and where to eat + drink while visiting!

  • What do I do if I have food allergies or dietary restrictions?

    If you are attending an in-restaurant brunch, lunch, or Signature Dinner and have food allergies or dietary restrictions, please email [email protected]. The chefs at these events will do their best to accommodate special dietary needs, but we emphasize this is only a request. All requests must be received four weeks prior to the festival.

    While chefs provide a variety of food offerings at events, all other events are not able to accommodate special dietary needs or food allergies.

  • Do I need to bring my ID?

    All Charleston Wine + Food attendees and participants must be 21 years of age or older. Please bring valid government-issued photo identification, such as a driver’s license or passport, for proof of age. Anyone that appears to be under the age of 40 may be asked to present their ID at any event festival-wide.

  • How do I purchase tickets?

    You can purchase tickets online at chswf.com. Have a question about an event or need help choosing an experience? Email [email protected] or give us a call at (843) 727-9998.

  • I have a credit from my 2024 Culinary Village ticket, Weekender Pass, CV Pass, or CV Shuttle purchase.

    How do I receive my credit? 

    All credits for the 2024 Festival have been issued via an email from [email protected]. If you submitted a request for a credit through the Claim Form but did not receive an email from SquadUP, please contact [email protected].

    All credits for eligible purchases will be issued in the form of a gift card code (similar to a promo code) to use at checkout. SquadUP, our ticketing partner, will create a unique code for each guest to use that will be equivalent to the face value of the tickets originally purchased to be applied to future Festival events.

    The last day to submit a claim for a credit is 11:59 PM EDT on May 31, 2024. Credits will only be processed through a valid submission using the Claim Form. It should be noted that if you purchased a separate CV Shuttle ticket for Saturday and/or Sunday, it will also be included in your credit. You will receive a prorated credit if you purchased The Weekender or The Weekender Plus +. Please email [email protected] for additional information.

    When is my credit valid and what can I apply it to? 

    Credits can be applied to any events during the 2025 Festival – the 2029 Festival, unless otherwise noted. The 2025 Festival dates are March 5-9, 2025. Please sign up for our newsletter for updates on the 2025 Festival Ticket Launch.

    Do I have to use my credit to purchase another Culinary Village ticket or CV Pass? 

    No.  Credits can be applied to any events during the 2025 Festival – the 2029 Festival, unless otherwise noted.

    Who should I contact if I have questions about my credit? 

    Please email [email protected] if you have questions about your 2024 credit.

  • I have a question about my ticket.

    Please email [email protected] and our ticketing team will be happy to help you!

  • I purchased tickets but did not receive a confirmation email. Please help!

    Confirmation emails will be sent from our ticketing company, SquadUP. During high-peak times, confirmation emails can sometimes take up to 30 minutes to process. We also recommend checking your spam folder. If you are still unable to locate your confirmation email, please email [email protected].

  • What’s included in the ticket price for events?

    All Charleston Wine + Food events are all-inclusive, meaning all food + beverage samples and experiences are included with the purchase of a ticket, with the exception of Street Fest. Select events also allow for the opportunity to purchase larger food portions, artisanal goods, and Charleston Wine + Food retail items. 

  • Does Charleston Wine + Food offer payment plans?

    We do! The minimum spend to qualify for setting up your purchase on a payment plan is $100, and no additional fees or additional interest will be incurred to utilize the payment plan feature.

    By signing up for the payment plan you are authorizing SquadUP to automatically charge your credit card on file on the agreed upon dates. All ticket payments are non-refundable. If any of your subsequent payment installments are unsuccessful or default, Charleston Wine + Food will retain any existing payment installments and you will not receive the tickets associated with the order.

    Once the final installment payment has been successfully processed, an email with a link to download your tickets will be sent to the address on file within 3-5 business days. Please contact [email protected] with any questions regarding your payment plan. 

  • Do you offer a weekend pass?

    Yes! We have a weekend bundle available for 2025:

    – The Weekender Bundle offers a VIP Culinary Village experience along with General Admission access into two marquee festival events –  One Night in NOLA and The World of ‘Cue. Grab your friends, mark your calendar, and get ready to fest!

  • Am I expected to tip at in-restaurant brunches, lunches, and dinners?

    Guests are not expected to tip on top of the ticket price. 

  • Are tickets refundable?

    Tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable between events. All events will take place rain or shine and event details are subject to change. We recommend reviewing the full event descriptions on our website before purchasing tickets.

    If the event is sold out and has an active waitlist, you may return your ticket through Charleston Wine + Food’s Official Ticket Exchange powered by Squadup by emailing
    [email protected]

    If your tickets are purchased by another guest, you will receive a refund for the amount of the tickets, less the processing and credit card fees.

  • Do you offer ticket insurance?

    Yes. You will have the option to purchase ticket insurance for an additional fee during the checkout process. Coverage is provided by FanShield powered by Protecht, a third-party insurance provider.

    By adding FanShield, your total purchase can be refunded under the covered reasons listed in the insurance terms, including:

    • Injury & Illness
    • Work Travel Conflict
    • Severe Weather
    • Serious Illness
    • Layoffs/Termination
    • Mechanical Breakdown

    For more information about what is covered by Protecht’s FanShield ticket insurance please visit this FAQ. You can also contact FanShield at (844) 800-5585 or [email protected]

    Terms & Conditions | Privacy Policy

  • Will an event sell out?

    Many events sell out within the first few days following ticket launch, and most events sell out before the actual festival weekend. All events are limited and Charleston Wine + Food encourages all interested guests to purchase tickets in advance to ensure attendance.

    Looking to get access to a sold out event? Join the waitlist on the corresponding event page! If tickets becomes available, you’ll receive an email notification from [email protected] to purchase the tickets at face value.

  • Why are some events sold out or limited in quantity prior to ticket launch?

    One of the benefits of being a Friend of the Festival is receiving early access to tickets prior to public on-sale. Additionally, select festival partners receive early access to tickets. Learn more about becoming a Friend of the Festival and take your festival experience to the next level.

  • What is the process for receiving tickets once they are ordered?

    Each ticket holder will receive a confirmation email within 30 minutes after the order is placed with your ticket(s) attached. If using the SquadUP app, you can save your tickets to your Apple Wallet or passbook. If you do not receive your tickets, please check your spam folder or email [email protected].

    ATTENTION: DO NOT COPY YOUR TICKETS! All tickets will be scanned for authenticity and only the first ticket scanned will be converted to an event wristband.

  • How do I locate my ticket?

    You can locate your ticket by opening your original confirmation email that you received at the time of ticket purchase. Your ticket(s) will be attached to that email. While we recommend downloading the SquadUP app or saving the ticket PDF directly to your phone, you may also print out the ticket and show upon arrival. 

    PLEASE NOTE: If any event logistics (such as location, time, etc.) change, the PDF ticket in your original email confirmation will not automatically update. Charleston Wine + Food will notify guests of any logistical changes.

  • What is the Culinary Village?

    The Culinary Village has long been the cornerstone of the festival and is Charleston Wine + Food’s largest sampling experience. Enjoy bites + sips, chef demos, immersive experiences, live music, retail therapy, and more! Tickets to the Culinary Village are available Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, and are all individually ticketed. 

    All samples + experiences are included in the ticket price. VIP pass options are available along with the opportunity for in-event purchases.

  • Where is the Culinary Village located?

    The Culinary Village will take place at Johnson Hagood Stadium, located at 68 Hagood Ave, Charleston, SC 29403. 



  • Rideshare + Parking

    Rideshare

    We recommend + encourage our guests to use rideshare services to get to and from all Charleston Wine + Food events. There will be two rideshare pick-up and drop-off points at the Culinary Village. One can be accessed from Fishburn St and is located at the roundabout directly in front of The Altman Center. The second should be accessed from Moultrie St and is located at the corner of Hagood Ave and Congress St (in front of Bastin Hall).  If you are traveling to Culinary Village from the northeast, please take the Crosstown to Ashley Ave and then to Moultrie St to access Rideshare Pick-up/Drop-off point.

    Parking

    There is limited parking available for guests and vendors at the two lots adjacent and across from Johnson Hagood Stadium. Traffic should flow from 17A/B along Lockwood Ave to access these two lots. Please follow the direction of police and parking attendants. Please note that Hagood Ave will be closed for pedestrian safety between the hours of 12pm and 7pm. 

    VIEW OUR PARKING + TRAFFIC FLOW MAP

    Given that the Culinary Village has returned to a beloved neighborhood downtown, we ask that you respect our neighbors and follow the traffic-flow plan (see map) to ensure we are minimizing neighborhood car traffic as much as possible. 



  • What do you receive with admission to the Culinary Village?

    A General Admission ticket grants 3.5 hours access to the Culinary Village, which includes:

      • A feast of flavors to sample + savor, featuring a lineup of local chefs + caterers serving up bites of Lowcountry staple dishes

      • A smorgasbord of wine, beer, and spirits samplings along with non-alcoholic offerings

      • Interactive chef demos that will include your favorite chefs demoing local ingredients for sample

      • Opportunities to purchase larger portions of Charleston-inspired dishes provided by beloved local food purveyors + vendors

      • A retail destination featuring regional artisans, pop-up farmer’s market, Book Nook with daily meet + greets and author signings, and official CHSWF merchandise

      • A demo stage featuring competition, culinary, cocktail, and even comedy!

      • Commemorative crystal CHSWF glass (retails for $16)

      • Live music from some of the region’s hottest acts

    Looking to experience the Culinary Village in VIP fashion? Enjoy everything included in the General Admission ticket PLUS:

      • One hour early access to Culinary Village

      • Dedicated entrance to get you into the fun quicker

      • Dedicated + elevated restrooms

      • VIP experience including an exclusive, temperature-controlled lounge with food samples by some of Charleston’s most sought-after caterers and talent, and a complimentary bar curated by local mixologists and wine + beer offerings

    Interested in attending multiple days? 

      • Check out The Weekender Bundle

  • What is the difference between purchasing a General Admission Culinary Village ticket and a VIP Culinary Village ticket?

    The Culinary Village VIP ticket allow guests to experience the Culinary Village in VIP fashion. 

    The General Admission ticket includes 3.5 hour access to Culinary Village, which includes:

    – A feast of flavors to sample + savor, featuring a lineup of local chefs + caterers serving up bites of Lowcountry staple dishes

    – A smorgasbord of wine, beer, and spirits samplings along with non-alcoholic offerings

    – Opportunities to purchase larger portions of Charleston-inspired dishes

    – A retail destination featuring regional artisans, pop-up farmer’s market, Book Nook with daily meet + greets and author signings, and official CHSWF merchandise

    – A demo stage featuring competition, culinary, cocktail, and even comedy!

    – Complimentary commemorative crystal CHSWF glass (retails for $15) 

    – Live music

    The Culinary Village VIP ticket includes everything in the General Admission ticket PLUS:

    – One hour early access to Culinary Village

    – Commemorative gift

    – Dedicated entrance

    – Dedicated restrooms throughout the event

    – Exclusive VIP experience including a dedicated lounge with food samples and a complimentary bar curated with local mixologists and wine + beer offerings

  • Is glassware included in my Culinary Village ticket?

    Yes. You will receive one commemorative wine glass. One glass will be issued per guest. Please treat it with kindness.

  • What items are prohibited in the Culinary Village?

    ALL BAGS MUST BE CLEAR except for small personal clutches (no larger than 4.5″ x 6.5″). No backpacks, coolers, large purses, lawn chairs, or outside food + beverage are permitted at festival events. 

    No firearms or weapons are permitted. Violators are considered trespassers and are subject to forfeiture or arrest. 

    All Charleston Wine + Food events – including the Culinary Village @ Johnson Hagood Stadium – are non-smoking.

  • Can I leave the Culinary Village and return the same day?

    Yes, you may leave the Culinary Village and return that day; however, you MUST keep your wristband on to gain re-entry. If your wristband is removed, you will not be re-admitted into the event. You’ll also want to hold onto your complimentary glassware, as only one glass will be issued per guest. 

  • Can I smoke at the event?

    No. All Charleston Wine + Food events are non-smoking.

  • What is Charleston Wine + Food doing to address food waste?

    We compost our waste, flatware, and plateware. All of our flatware + plateware is made from fallen leaves and is BPI-certified compostable. You will see numerous composting stations throughout the Culinary Village. At the completion of the festival, we will be donating our compost to a local farm. 

    In 2020, we proudly rescued 2,780 pounds of food for donation to One80 Place, diverted 6.6 tons of recycling and 3,000 pounds of glassware from a landfill, and created 155 pounds of compost. We strive to be a good steward of our city + its foodways by being mindful of our ecological footprint and supporting the community in which we live.

  • What other measures are you taking to increase sustainability at the festival?

    We strive to find a new life for as many items used during the festival as possible. Over 75% of all design elements are reused year-over-year or rented, and many festival events include a commemorative wine glass with the purchase of a ticket.