by 
Weekend Passes and Special Event Tickets Go on Sale Today For Third Annual Culinary Festival
Tyler Florence, Maneet Chauhan, Andrew Zimmern, Nancy Silverton, Katie Button, Rick Martinez, Ana Castro, and More Will Headline This Year’s Event
CHARLESTON, SC – May 13, 2026 – Tickets are on sale now for the highly anticipated third annual Food & Wine Classic in Charleston, hosted by Food & Wine, Travel + Leisure, and Southern Living, and presented by Explore Charleston. Taking place November 13–15, 2026, the Classic in Charleston has quickly become one of the most influential culinary events in the country, pairing world-class chefs, beverage experts and celebrated personalities with Charleston’s signature Lowcountry talent and hospitality.
Attendees will experience three days of unparalleled culinary experiences unique to Charleston, including over 40 seminars, immersive cooking demonstrations, wine and spirits tastings, and panel discussions led by culinary stars and beverage experts including Tiffanie Barriere, Katie Button, Ana Castro, Maneet Chauhan, Julia Coney, Tyler Florence, Anthony Giglio, Rick Martinez, Amanda McCrossin, Justin Pichetrungsi, June Rodil, Nancy Silverton, Sarah Thomas, and Andrew Zimmern, alongside acclaimed local talent including Mike Lata, James London, Miles White, and Femi Oyediran.
The weekend also includes the famed Grand Tasting, featuring more than 100 winemakers, distillers, and purveyors serving wine, spirits, and global cuisine from a standout lineup of Charleston-area restaurants.
Tickets on sale now, include the Weekend Consumer Pass (November 13–15, 2026), as well as a selection of additional ticketed events available to passholders, including the Southern Living Lowcountry Tailgate, the Pearls of the Coast Oyster Roast hosted by Travel + Leisure and Food & Wine, and new immersive experiences, including history and garden tours.
Travel + Leisure and Food & Wine Present Pearls of the Coast Oyster Roast: Friday, November 13, 2026
Guests will savor live-fire roasted oysters, an abundant raw bar, expertly crafted cocktails, and a curated selection of fine wines, all set to the backdrop of live music under the stars.
Southern Living Lowcountry Tailgate at the Cistern Yard at the College of Charleston: Saturday, November 14, 2026
Southern Living throws the ultimate college football tailgate, hosted by Editor in Chief Sid Evans. The third annual Lowcountry Tailgate takes over a new location at the iconic Cistern Yard at the College of Charleston for an unforgettable evening beneath the oaks. The event will feature Maneet Chauhan, George Motz, Robbie Robinson, Elliott Moss and Lewis Donald. Rooted in tradition and rich with Lowcountry flavor, the experience features live music, expertly-crafted cocktails, and exceptional Southern fare — including barbecue from some of the region’s top pitmasters.
Sea to Table: Crabbing & Cooking in the Lowcountry: November 13–15, 2026
Dive into the coastal charm and culinary delights of Charleston with a crabbing expedition and intimate culinary experience, hosted by a Travel + Leisure editor. The adventure begins on the scenic docks of the Ashley River, with local food and beverage expert Tia Clark of Casual Crabbing with Tia. Attendees will learn the fundamentals of casting a net and get hands-on with baiting and crabbing. Then, end their experience from sea to table with lunch hosted by Charleston’s top chefs alongside an editor from Travel + Leisure.
New Immersive Experiences:
A new series of events, hosted by Travel + Leisure, invites guests into unique experiences across Charleston, showcasing the city’s rich history, vibrant culture, and coastal character.
- Lowcountry Oyster Farm Tour on November 12, 2026
- South of Broad Unlocked: Homes & Gardens Tour on November 12, 2026
- The American Revolution in Charleston on November 15, 2026
- Charleston Harbor Boat Tour on November 15, 2026
Weekend Consumer Passes and special events tickets, along with full details on festival programming, participating talent, and travel information, are available at foodandwineclassicincharleston.com.
Explore Charleston is the Presenting Sponsor of the Food & Wine Classic in Charleston 2026, with additional sponsors includingAmerican Express and Resy, Discover South Carolina, Lexus, and S.Pellegrino.
ABOUT FOOD & WINE
Food & Wine, the ultimate culinary authority, celebrates the global epicurean experience through its magazine, website, social platforms, newsletters, podcasts, premium events such as the Food & Wine Classic in Aspen, and accolades like its annual Best New Chef awards. With rigorously tested recipes and the most trusted restaurant, drinks, culinary travel, and home coverage, the brand inspires and empowers people to discover, create, and devour the best in food and drink—every day and everywhere. Food & Wine is part of the People Inc. publishing family.
ABOUT SOUTHERN LIVING
Southern Living celebrates the essence of life in the South, covering the best in Southern food, homes, gardens and travel. Southern Living connects consumers to the region’s rich culture through a robust multi-platform presence, including print, digital, social, and events, as well as its Biscuits & Jam and Ask Grumpy podcasts and many licensing partnerships. Headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama, Southern Living is part of People Inc.
ABOUT TRAVEL + LEISURE
Travel + Leisure is the preeminent voice for the sophisticated traveler, serving up expert intelligence and the most immersive travel lifestyle content anywhere. Travel + Leisure captures the joy of discovering the cultural pleasures the world has to offer, from art and design to shopping and style to food and drink. Travel + Leisure connects with its audience across platforms including the U.S. flagship and seven international print editions, digital channels, the annual World’s Best franchise and more. Launched in 1971, Travel + Leisure is part of the People Inc. publishing family and is owned by Travel + Leisure Co. (NYSE: TNL).
ABOUT EXPLORE CHARLESTON
Explore Charleston is a 501c6 destination marketing and management organization (DMMO) representing 12 municipalities across three counties in the Greater Charleston Area. The organization strives to unify and lead the local travel industry by promoting the destination, creating overnight visitation, and supporting the community’s long-term development through sustainable tourism strategies. The Charleston region’s travel and hospitality industry supports nearly 55,000 hospitality jobs and generates an annual economic impact exceeding $14 billion.
The Food & Wine Classic in Charleston is powered by the Charleston Restaurant Foundation.
Stay connected and subscribe to Charleston Daily.
