Charleston Wine + Food's Summer Sizzle Is Back and Hotter Than Ever

By Robin Gibson / Cover photo by Jimmy Vitullo courtesy of Charleston Wine + Food / Gallery photos by Alina Tyulyu, Lawson Builder, Bella Natale, Jimmy Vitullo, Candice Crawford, Molly Clisham and Sean Evans courtesy of Charleston Wine + Food

Each intimate gathering is a chance to meet the chefs, distillers and storytellers who make this place unique. 

Charleston Wine + Food could be resting on its laurels following the success of last month's Festival. Instead, the nonprofit is back in high gear with new events kicking off in May and running throughout July.

Its Summer Sizzle series returns with an even broader array of intimate, flavor‑forward gatherings from cocktail takeovers and baking workshops to dockside feasts and late‑night dessert affairs. Tickets are on sale now, and with small‑group experiences across town, you’ll want to act fast.

May: Sweet, Savory, and Spirited

May kicks off on Monday, May 12 with a Bar Contra takeover at Babas on Meeting featuring inventive cocktails from Dave Arnold paired with playful bites in an open‑air patio setting. On Mother’s Day weekend, baker Elana Pearlman and her mom guide you through babka braids, warm stories, and sweet samples in a bright, hands‑on workshop.

Chef Michelle Weaver returns May 29 to lead a “Taste of Summer” class, turning local produce into a meal you’ll savor with a glass of wine. And to wrap up the month, Clammer Dave's and Barrier Island Oyster Co. are hosting a Southern clambake on May 31 complete with clams, corn, potatoes and cold beer on the water.

June: From San Juan Flavors to Cornfield Whiskey

June enters the chat with a San Juan Social on June 1, bringing Caribbean‑inspired bites and drinks with island vibes to the Lowcountry. On June 11, Muhammad Abdul‑Hadi of Down North Pizza discusses his new cookbook and his mission to build community one slice at a time. The next day, Costa’s Chef Vinson Petrillo hosts an Italian‑inspired wine lunch under the palms.

Tickets are on sale now, and with small‑group experiences across town, you’ll want to act fast.

Black Expo is presenting a celebratory Juneteenth Cookout June 20 including music and creative plates, with High Wire Distilling hosting “Beyond the Bottle” the following day, a journey from Jimmy Red cornfields to a whiskey tasting. End the month mastering Korean BBQ with Sarah’s Dumps on June 26 and pressing perfect tortillas with Michael Toscano at Blanca Estrada Taqueria on June 28.

July: Signature Dinners, Surprise Takeovers, and Sweet Send‑Offs

July’s lineup starts with a Wine + Heavy Metal patio party at Sugey’s July 8, blending loud riffs with laid‑back sips. On July 10, Lillian’s Petit Market & Eatery hosts a mushroom‑focused, natural‑wine dinner followed by a Beautiful South × Mister Mao collaboration dinner on July 17.

Sweet tooth? Dessert First at Mercantile & Mash can satisfy it July 19 with late‑night treats and strong coffee. Then, on July 23, see Deb Freeman’s Finding Edna Lewis documentary and discuss her legacy with Amethyst Ganaway. Finally, cap the series on July 31 with Millers All Day @ Night, a twilight wine tasting celebrating local makers.

Each intimate gathering is a chance to meet the chefs, distillers and storytellers who make this place scene unique. Every ticket supports the CHSWF Culinary + Hospitality Fund, fueling year‑round programs that uplift the local food, beverage and hospitality community. Don't sleep on these. Reserve your spot now for summer's hottest series of events atcharlestonwineandfood.com.