This March, the Lowcountry marks a major milestone as Charleston Wine + Food celebrates its 20th Anniversary. Executive Director Alyssa Maute Smith sits down with host Kim Russo to discuss how this 501(c)(3) non-profit has grown from a local vision into a powerhouse that has injected over $210 million into the Charleston economy.
Having been a part of the festival family for over a decade, Alyssa shares her journey from marketing leadership to Executive Director, fueled by a passion for the stories and people that make our food scene world-class. This year’s schedule is a “Past, Present, and Future” celebration, featuring over 90 events—including the return of favorites like Pinot Envy and Bubbles + Sweets (more at https://chswf.org/schedule/).
But the festival’s impact goes far beyond the tasting tents. We dive into their deep commitment to education, from scholarships at the College of Charleston and Trident’s Culinary Institute of Charleston, to the Culinary High School Scholars program. By bringing professional chefs into classrooms and providing paid externships, CHSWF is actively training the next generation of hospitality talent. Join us for a look at how 20 years of community and flavor are fueling the future of Charleston.
To explore the full 2026 schedule, learn about their educational partnerships, or support the Culinary + Hospitality Foundation, visit the official Charleston Wine + Food website at ChsWF.org. Join us in celebrating 20 years of the people, stories, and flavors that make the Charleston area so world-renowned.
