Don't Miss the Hilton Head Island Wine & Food Festival, March 11 - 17, 2019!

34 Years and Better Than Ever!

Each March, Hilton Head’s wine and food enthusiasts usher in the island’s popular spring season with a week-long celebration of the fruits of global wine partnerships, signature Lowcountry cuisine, grassroots cultural happenings and the authentic fabric of a unique artists’ community.

It's a series of events that allures guests from all corners of the country.

Celebrating the 34th anniversary this year, the Hilton Head Island Wine & Food Festival began as an endeavor to stimulate the island’s young tourism industry in the early Lowcountry spring season.

Launched by a group of devoted wine enthusiasts along with some great island culinary talents, the annual Wine & Food Festival, became a tradition, for residents and visitors alike who wanted to shake off winter.

With the help of many hands, the festival grew from its origin as a one-day three-hour tasting (in a parking lot), into a full week of events surrounding the iconic Harbour Town Yacht Basin at The Sea Pines Resort.

On this year’s festival itinerary, you’ll find exceptional wine dinners, educational seminars, the Sip and Stroll, plus the traditional Grand Tasting and well-loved Public Tasting. All culminating with a seaside brunch on Sunday. The signature event, the original Public Tasting, is one of the largest outdoor tented public wine tasting on the East Coast

The Festival is an event produced by the non-profit corporation Hilton Head Wine & Food, Inc.

The proceeds from the festival’s wine auction at the Grand and Public Tastings support the John & Valerie Curry Educational Scholarship Fund for college students pursuing degrees in the hospitality & tourism field.

Scholarships are currently offered at the University of South Carolina Beaufort and the Technical College of the Lowcountry. In the last five years. They have provided $55,000 in scholarships to deserving students!

Where:

Harbour Town Yacht Basin at The Sea Pines Resort, Hilton Head Island, SC
For directions visit: https://www.seapines.com/directions/

What's Going On ~ The Events

A Tribute to New Orleans Cooking Class

March 11, 2019 - 12:30-2:00 PM

A Tribute to New Orleans Cooking Class, at The Bluffton Room.

Upon arrival, you will be greeted with a glass of Domaine Ste. Michelle Sparkling to enjoy with Crab & Shrimp Maison as we prepare for a epicurean adventure.

When class begins, Chef Jeff Congdon will demonstrate how to make these famous dishes:

• New Orleans BBQ Shrimp
• Oyster & Shrimp Creole
• Bluffton Room Beignets

The classes will also include tasting portions for each course, to be enjoyed with Cht. St. Michelle Coldcreek Chardonnay, as well as background history on Cajun /Creole cuisine.

Homage of the 1976 Paris Tasting

March 13, 2019 - 6:00-7:30 PM

The story of Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars is now legendary. Founded in 1970, the little-known winery was thrust into the spotlight when it’s 1973 estate-grown Cabernet Sauvignon from the Stag’s Leap Vineyard bested some of Frances greatest wines in the historic 1976 Paris Tasting.

An intimate evening sampling four decades of Stags Leap Wine, light refreshments and live music provided by a musician from the Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra. Music and wine along with watching the sunset over the Inter-coastal waterway will make this a sought-after seminar! Located at a private residence in Long Cove.

Sip and Stroll

March 14, 2019 - 1:00 - 4:00 PM

Grab your glass and Sip and Stroll your way through the variety of shops that line the famous Harbour Town Yacht Basin. Treat yourself to a great selection of wines while enjoying discounts at participating shops, all while taking in the beautiful atmosphere.

Friends, fun, and of course wine made this one of our most popular events last year, so grab your tickets before they sell out! Located at: Harbour Town Yacht Basin.

Stay Gold: A Lowcountry Wine, Food and Music Experience

March 14, 2019 - 6:30-8:30 PM

A must attend, the inaugural Stay Gold: A Lowcountry Wine, Music and Food experience. Stay Gold will take place at sunset along the beautiful marina in Harbour Town at Sea Pines.

It will feature Double Gold wines from our international Judging competition and delicious Lowcountry foods. Guests will be entertained with live music by Mike Kavanaugh.

Spanish Wine Seminar

March 15, 2019 - 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM

Join Claire Henderson, a certified sherry expert, and be taken on a tour of Spain through your wine glass.

Few wineries are more synonymous with Sherry than González Byass (established in 1835), but over the past 35 years this influential Sherry producer has also gathered wines from Spain’s top regions under its umbrella to represent the best of what Spain has to offer.

Few wineries are more synonymous with Sherry than González Byass (established in 1835), but over the past 35 years this influential Sherry producer has also gathered wines from Spain’s top regions under its umbrella to represent the best of what Spain has to offer.

Grand Tasting

March 15, 2019 - 5:30-7:30 PM

This traditional tasting is the festival’s most exclusive celebration, featuring award winning wines, an array of light hors d’oeuvres and music from Candice Rae and Ed Morgret. We will be hosting this event throughout the Harbour Town clubhouse, a truly fantastic setting for some truly fantastic wines.

Public Tasting

March 16, 2019 - 11:00 AM – 4:00 P

The festival’s largest event celebrating the 34th anniversary at the Harbour Town Yacht Basin. There will be 250+ wines available for tasting from all over the world. In addition, see chefs in action at the Sysco Outdoor Gourmet Challenge, enjoy live entertainment and watch the fun and excitement of the waiter’s race.

Also, do not forget to bid on award-winning wines at the Silent Auction where the proceeds support the John & Valerie Curry Scholarship Fund.

VIP Lounge at the Public Tasting

March 16, 2019 - 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM

The VIP area on top of the Harbour Town Yacht Club. A true VIP experience at the Public tasting. Enjoy a special selection of medal winning wines and light hors d’oeuvres catered by the Harbour Town Yacht Club.

Beachside Brunch and Bubbles

March 17, 2019 - 11:00 AM – 1:30 PM

In addition to a world class brunch, you will enjoy ocean views, Deep Eddy Bloody Mary’s, Domaine Ste. Michelle Sparkling Wine and Mimosas from the deck for just $42.95 per person (plus tax and gratuity). Make sure you call for reservation – 843-842-1888.

For additional information, tickets and reservations visit: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2019-hilton-head-wine-and-food-festival-march-11th-17th-tickets-44254831392