I used to be hosted by the 2022 Charleston Wine + Meals Competition however all opinions expressed on this submit are my very own.
The 2022 Charleston Wine +Meals Competition returned with the theme of “22 Collectively”. Based on their web site, this stands for “togetherness, loving thy neighbor, supporting native enterprise, rallying for native companies, good meals, good drink, and good firm”.
The Charleston Wine + Meals Competition was based by neighborhood leaders in 2005. It’s a non-profit group. The mission was to have Charleston acknowledged as a culinary vacation spot by having a multi-day wine + meals pageant. I imagine they’ve succeeded! Over 5 days, spanning the primary weekend in March, nationwide and worldwide high cooks, winemakers, authors, and artisans congregate in Charleston for this wonderful occasion.
I used to be thrilled to lastly attend the 2022 Charleston Wine + Meals Competition. As a meals and wine fanatic, it had been a bucket listing merchandise of mine for fairly a while. I visited Charleston as soon as a number of years in the past for a medical convention however didn’t have sufficient time to discover the town. I did get a style of the scrumptious Southern delicacies and I knew I needed extra.
Then, in 2021 I watched the documentary “Excessive on the Hog: How African American Delicacies Remodeled America” primarily based on the 2011 novel by Jessica B. Harris. In one of many episodes, they traveled to South Carolina and mentioned rice manufacturing throughout slavery. In addition they met with Gullah Chef BJ Dennis within the Charleston. He mentioned preserving the Gullah historical past, meals, and customs. Chef BJ Dennis held an tour to his farm through the 2022 Charleston Wine + Meals Competition however sadly, I signed up too late to attend.
Whereas reviewing the in depth programming for the 2022 Charleston Wine + Meals Competition I used to be very impressed. There was a lot variety when it comes to the kinds of occasions and the expertise attending. Occasions have been held indoors and outside and ranged from massive, medium to intimate affairs.
Think about the whole lot from signature dinners on the high eating places in Charleston, wine and champagne lunch and brunches, beer occasions, BBQs, spirit lessons, seashore occasions, chef ebook signings, reside music live shows and even evening yoga! The 2022 Charleston Wine + Meals Competition occasions have been held throughout Charleston from downtown to North Charleston, Mt.Nice to Folly Seaside.
Listed here are the occasions that I attended on the 2022 Charleston Wine + Meals Competition. Hopefully it gives you an concept of what to anticipate while you attend the pageant.
Pinot Envy! Mt. Nice: I used to be in Pinot heaven throughout my first occasion on the pageant. As a Pinot Noir lover, I used to be excited to do that varietal from winemakers all around the US. I found 3 new favourite manufacturers for Pinot Noir-Cakebread Cellars from Napa Valley, Belle Glos from Coastal California and Adelaida from Paso Robles. The occasion was held outside with loads of meals, desserts and delightful views.
The Garden at Culinary Village was held at Riverfront Park in North Charleston. It is a new location for this occasion which was once held downtown. It was held every day Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 11am to 3pm.
The park is a sprawling broad open house. On the Culinary Village you’ll discover meals, wine, spirit distributors, a market with garments, candles, meals, luggage…, a stage with reside musical performances, a stage with cooking demos, ebook signings and even a silent disco. Sadly, the traces have been very lengthy on Friday, so I didn’t get to pattern a lot meals. I used to be in a position to lastly attempt Black feminine owned Mermosa wine and so they have been refreshing and scrumptious. In the event you like an oaked, wealthy, creamy Chardonnay then attempt Rombauer Chardonnay.
A Punch Paradise, Folly Seaside: This Caribbean, island themed occasion on Folly Seaside was stuffed with nice vibes. Bartenders and Mixologists have been in motion, a reggae band was enjoying, and jerk hen was on the grill. Planters Punch was being served which is a mixture of West Indian and Carolina cultures. I met sommelier and bartender Jahde Marley and bartender, influencer and educator Tiffanie Barriere and ate scrumptious eats by Chef Digby Stridiron.
Road Eats, North Charleston: When you have been to an Asian evening market then you possibly can think about the vibe at Road Eats. An outside occasion with meals stalls full of Asian meals, sake in addition to scrumptious wines. The traces right here have been lengthy right here as nicely however I did have an incredible pork bao from Kelly Chu and Tony Chu from Pink Orchids China Bistro. And the Viognier from Cline Household Vineyards was value a second time in line.
Hip “Hops” Day Get together, Mt.Nice: I had essentially the most enjoyable at this occasion! I’ve by no means attended something like this at a wine + meals pageant. This outside celebration had the whole lot to deliver you again to the 80’s and 90’s hip-hop days together with hip-hop dancers, graffiti artists and a DJ spinning their biggest hits. The “hops” half was for the craft beer being served. I met April who’s a nurse and a beer concierge of Tha Group Brew. The primary Black girl to do that in Charleston. The meals on the occasion was additionally scrumptious with the “Mochiko fried hen” by Setrini Sison of Bok Choy Boy being a transparent winner.
Facet Hustle, Brittlebank Park, Charleston: In the event you love BBQ sides as a lot as you like BBQ then that is the occasion for you. This was one other outside occasion stuffed together with your favourite savory BBQ aspect dishes. Macaroni and cheese, hash, greens and slaw. And to my delight I used to be lastly in a position to attempt “Rodney Scott’s complete hog BBQ”. Rodney Scott is a Black chef in Charleston, and he has opened a location in Atlanta. His BBQ was juicy and attractive!
Ideas for attending the Charleston Wine + Meals Competition:
- Plan forward! I used to be lucky to have a VIP media cross, however I’ve been informed tickets for sure occasions promote out in minutes! Tickets go on sale October of the earlier 12 months for the occasion the next March. One of the simplest ways to remain knowledgeable is to enroll in the Charleston Wine +Meals e-newsletter. There’s a ticket trade program on the web site so verify again often to see what’s on the market.
- Some occasions are costly. Look into packages and prioritize those you wish to go to primarily based in your beverage preferences.
- The occasions are held in numerous places round Charleston. Be ready to drive half-hour or longer or to spend some huge cash on Uber or Lyft. Attempt to map out the placement of every day’s occasions prior to buying tickets so you aren’t driving too far in between occasions.
- Arrive early-as in previous to the beginning time of every event-to get in line. As talked about above the traces on the meals stalls are lengthy on the bigger occasions and a few distributors ran out of meals earlier than the top of the occasion.
- E-book your lodge prematurely. Charges are excessive. Because the occasions should not centrally positioned, you do not need to remain in Downtown Charleston. Store round for a very good deal. I do know a number of folks concerned with the pageant that stayed in Mt.Nice which is near downtown. Nevertheless, if it’s your first go to to Charleston I do suggest staying Downtown. It’s good to stroll across the space in your spare time.
I hope you get pleasure from your time on the Charleston Wine +Meals Competition. For extra data go to their web site.
Earlier than you go, take a look at my Instagram Spotlight Reel of my time in Charleston!
Cowl picture by Adam Chandler taken in 2018 on the Culinary Village used courtesy of the Charleston Wine + Meals Competition.
