April 13, 2025 — Charleston is calling, and the country’s top chefs, beverage experts, and hospitality talent are answering. The second annual Food & Wine Classic in Charleston will return this November 14–16, once again transforming the Holy City into a hub for haute cuisine, expert-led wine and cocktail seminars, and Southern-inspired celebration. Presented by Explore Charleston and produced in partnership with Food & Wine, Southern Living, and Travel + Leisure, this three-day experience promises an elevated, editor-curated festival with global reach and regional soul.
Tickets go on sale May 15 at 12 p.m. ET at foodandwineclassicincharleston.com, and demand is expected to be high following the event’s 2024 debut, which earned it the title of #1 Best New Festival by USA Today’s 10Best.
The 2025 roster reads like a who’s who of the food and beverage world: Emeril and EJ Lagasse, Kwame Onwuachi, Maneet Chauhan, Melissa King, Gail Simmons, Andrew Zimmern, Claudette Zepeda, Tyler Florence, Rodney Scott, and Carrie Morey are just the beginning. The schedule will also spotlight Charleston’s own rising and established culinary stars, including Mike Lata, James London, and Hector Garate, whose names are synonymous with the city’s celebrated restaurant scene.
Guests can expect a full slate of interactive cooking demos, spirits and wine seminars, and access to the Grand Tasting Pavilion—the Classic’s signature event, where hundreds of winemakers, distillers, and chefs converge to pour and plate for a discerning crowd.
One of the weekend’s most anticipated moments? Southern Living’s Lowcountry Tailgate, a celebration of Southern hospitality, live music, and flame-grilled fare. Set against the scenic backdrop of the Kiawah River, this open-air gathering will showcase BBQ by Hector Garate, live performances, and appearances by culinary icons like Emeril Lagasse—all wrapped in the laid-back luxury Charleston is known for.
Beyond the tasting tents, Travel + Leisure will bring the city’s creative and shopping scenes to life through editor-curated experiences in partnership with Charleston’s most celebrated boutiques and artisans. These exclusive excursions are designed to give ticket holders a deeper, more personal glimpse into what makes Charleston a global lifestyle destination.
"Charleston's rich food culture, breathtaking scenery, and signature Southern hospitality create an atmosphere unlike any other. We’re thrilled to bring the Classic back to a city that continues to inspire the culinary world."Hunter Lewis, Food & Wine Editor in Chief
As anticipation builds, prospective guests are encouraged to mark their calendars for the May 15 ticket drop and to book accommodations early. Past attendees included culinary travelers from across the country, eager to sip, savor, and connect at one of the most celebrated culinary events in the South.