Charleston Wine + Food commits to being more local
Ticket sales for the 2023 Charleston Wine + Food Festival moved at a record pace during the October launch. And that means that for the 18th season, thousands of guests will descend on the greater Charleston region to sip, savor, learn, commune and explore.
Stepping into the role of Interim Executive Director last April, Alyssa Maute Smith declared one essential goal for 2023: “to put Charleston back into the Charleston Wine
and Food Festival.”
That spirit has been met with great enthusiasm throughout the community. The festival’s original mission was to shine a light on Charleston’s burgeoning food scene. One way organizers accomplished that was by recruiting star-power chefs “from off” to cook alongside local talent.
It’s a recipe that remains in place, but with some modifications.
“We’re more focused than ever on elevating our local and regional talent,” says Smith. “And we’re investing a lot of energy—and resources—into doing just that.”
New on the festival menu for 2023 that will benefit local talent and artisans
Re-investing in talent
Chef and mixologist stipends are being introduced this year. The idea is to create a
“virtuous circle” in which local and visiting talent have the funds they need to purchase
festival-oriented ingredients.
Wherever possible, they are being encouraged to shop local. However, talent can utilize
their stipend as they wish, including subsidizing their own staffing needs. CHSWF will
continue to support event logistics with the “hardscape” (bars, serve ware, disposables,
etc.) required to run each event.
Favoring Local Flavors
Smith adds that CHSWF seeks to create economic opportunity in the region, and realized that financial resources sometimes limit smaller companies’ participation.
For 2023, South Carolina-based brands sampling food and/or beverage in the Culinary Village can apply to receive a complimentary booth for all three days of the Culinary Village.
“We’re a homegrown event,” says Smith. “And we want to be a platform where South Carolina’s amazing products can gain a greater audience.”
Meanwhile, exhibitors from everywhere continue to be welcome to be part of the scene in the Village.
Honoring Investments
Part of Charleston Wine + Food’s effort to highlight and drive business to local establishments includes spotlighting not just local chefs, but also local food. Local farmers and purveyors had often been priced out of fully participating in the festival. Though they might sell product talent wanted, there was no way to connect the two entities—especially for out-of-town talent.
In addition to the stipends introduced this year, CHSWF is introducing a Foodie Partnership for local, South Carolina-based farmers and purveyors at no cost. This program will include a preferred vendor listing that participating chefs will be encouraged to use to procure their CHSWF ingredients. This further continues the virtuous circle of creating economic development for our region.
“We’re a growing, evolving organization,” Smith says. “The feedback we get is essential to creating an ever-better experience for everybody.”
In addition to shining a spotlight on local in so many ways, the festival has also introduced improvements to the experience. Locals gain discounts on Sunday Culinary Village. And a new shuttle allows easy access from downtown to North Charleston’s Riverfront Park. They’ve also amped-up industry-focused experiences, like a hub for gathering and networking, and a return of the industry after party.
“We’re really excited about 2023, and can’t wait to see how our friends and neighbors respond,” Smith says.
