Charleston Food and Wine Festival happens March 5-8

CHARLESTON, S.C. — A four-day food and wine festival in Charleston is packed with events ranging from celebrity chef demonstrations and wine seminars to a cocktail cruise, gospel brunch and barbecue with blues music.

The BB&T Charleston Food + Wine Festival, March 5-8, includes 50 events and raises money for the MUSC Children’s Hospital and other charities.

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Lynn Seldon Inc.

Shrimp were on the menu inside the Wild American Shrimp booth at the Charleston Food + Wine Festival.

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The schedule kicks off with an opening night party March 5 where small plates from 21 of the city’s best chefs will be served.

Among the March 6 events are “Flay Down South Charity Luncheon,” hosted by celebrity chef Bobby Flay; a “Culinary Village” with tasting tents where 70 companies set up samples of food and wine; a cookbook signing; the King Street Sip + Stroll, where merchants host guest winemakers; and a “Cocktails and Conversation” cruise.

Friday evening features Charleston’s Restaurant Dine-Arounds, where 18 local chefs share their kitchens with nationally acclaimed guest chefs.

March 7 events include a burger demo by Bobby Flay, an Iron Chef-style cooking competition, a wine camp focusing on pinot trends, a wine tasting and auction, and a winemaker reception in private homes. Dinner options range from a 60-person dinner party in a downtown penthouse to a five-course menu in a home in Mount Pleasant. From 9 p.m. to midnight Saturday, Marion Square will host a “Bubbles & Sweets” champagne-and-dessert event with dancing.

The schedule for March 8 includes a brunch with gospel music entertainment, a barbecue-and-blues event, wine seminars and a beer school and brewmasters beer dinner.

Tickets vary by event. Details at www.charlestonfoodandwine.com.