Hilton Head Island Wine & Food Festival

Hilton Head Island Wine & Food Festival is an annual food and wine festival held each March on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina — now in its 41st year, it spans 9 days and draws attendees from across the United States and abroad. The 2026 edition runs March 20–28, with signature events including the Grand Tasting on March 27, the Public Tasting on March 28, and Stay Gold on March 26. Ticket buyers who join the mailing list receive 10% off general admission.

The Hilton Head Island Wine & Food Festival grew from a single-day, 3-hour tasting held in a parking lot into a full week of events spread across the island. The festival's International Wine Competition, judged by Certified Wine Educators and Advanced Sommeliers over 3 days, evaluates over 250 wines across multiple categories and price levels. Gold and Silver medals are awarded, and Double Gold winners are spotlighted at the Stay Gold event. The Public Tasting — the festival's signature event — is now held at Celebration Park across from Coligny Beach. Other events include wine dinners, the Sip and Stroll, and the Grand Tasting, for which cocktail attire is suggested.

The festival is produced by Hilton Head Wine & Food, Inc., a non-profit organization. Wine auction proceeds from the Grand Tasting and Public Tasting events benefit the John F. & Valerie Currie Educational Scholarship Fund, supporting college students pursuing degrees in hospitality and tourism at the University of South Carolina Beaufort and the Technical College of the Lowcountry. Over the past 9 years, the fund has contributed $155,000 in scholarships. All attendees must be 21 or older, and all events are pet-free. Tickets are non-refundable, and outdoor events proceed rain or shine.

Buying early is advisable: in 2025, almost all events except the Public Tasting sold out before the event dates. Tickets are available exclusively through the festival website. Smart casual attire is appropriate for most events, with cocktail dress recommended for the Grand Tasting. Comfortable shoes are suggested for outdoor events and the Sip and Stroll.