If you’ve never considered Columbia Food and Wine Festival, let this be your sign to change that next April.

Y’all know how much I love my hometown of Charleston, but let’s be honest– the entire country knows and loves Charleston too. Columbia is, in many ways, South Carolina’s best-kept secret—and this festival is when it fully reveals itself. For nearly one week, the city transforms into a thoughtfully curated culinary destination, where many events are steeped in history and set in spaces that feel both intimate and storied.

What will surprise you most is the level of refinement. The cuisine here is elevated, intentional, and far more sophisticated than many expect—without losing the warmth the South does so well.

The lineup changes each year, but that’s part of the magic. You might find yourself at an elegant multi-course dinner one night, a lively drag brunch the next morning, and something as unexpected as a cheese rave by the weekend.

But if you only do one thing, make it the Grand Tasting. Set between two historic homes and towering trees, it offers the best introduction to the festival—and the best value.

If you’re within driving distance, it’s worth planning a weekend around.

My biggest tip: book tickets early for The Grand Tasting and stay at Hotel Trundle, The Moxy, or The Lantern Hotel to be located near all the action!