| Tweet |
When it was announced back in June that the Hilton Head Hospitality Association was disbanding, wine lovers across the Lowcountry were apoplectic.
After all, the HHHA had been the driving force behind the Hilton Head Island Wine and Food Festival, an island institution for a quarter century without which March felt a little empty.
Well worry not, fans of the grape, as the Hilton Head Island Wine and Food Festival will go on as planned this spring, thanks to a reorganization of the HHHA from a non-profit, 501(c) (6) organization to a non-profit, 501(c) (3) organization. This transition process will take place over the next 12 months as they, according to a release, “develop a more strategically focused organization, better defined mission and stronger leadership team, to market the festival as a local, regional, national and international tourism destination wine event.”
But these are all just vaguaries of organization, details for the accountants. What about the wine?
The good news is you don’t have to wait until March this year.
The great news is, you only have to wait until Jan. 27 to get started on the festivities when “Uncork” the Festival hits Bomboras Grille from 5:30-7:30 p.m. $35 at the door gets you in to sample an array of tasty reds, whites and everything in between. You’ll also get a chance to meet the international wine judges, who will be judging the wines during the competition on Jan. 28 and Jan. 29.
It’s one heck of a warmup for an event that many feared was lost to the ages.
if you go
This month
“Uncork” the Festival Jan. 27.
Bring your own bottle and celebrate with fellow wine lovers. This fun and festive party allows local and visiting wine enthusiasts to sample some outstanding wines and gourmet treats with the international wine judges.
International Wine Judging & Competition Jan. 28 and 29
Hilton Head Island Wine & Food Festival is among a limited few wine and food festivals throughout the country that incorporate an international judging component in its wine competition.
March
Great Chefs of the South Wine Dinners, March 5-9: Prices range from $55 per person to $125 per person. Award-winning wines and melt-in-your-mouth meals are the perfect combination for the Great Chefs of the South Wine Dinners throughout Hilton Head Island.
Grand Tasting and Silent Auction, 5:30-7:30 p.m. March 9 at Sea Pines Resort, Harbour Town Conference Center. Sample a variety of high-quality, domestic and international award-winning wines and gourmet delights. Wine representatives are on hand from the vineyards and distributors to answer any questions. An upscale selection of wines are available in the Grand Tasting Silent Auction. Souvenir V.I.P. wine glass included. $65 per person.
Wine & Food Festival & Silent Auction, March 10 from 12-3 p.m. at the Coastal Discovery Museum. Admission is $45, and includes a souvenir wine glass and access to all of the free tastings from the domestic and international wineries, vineyards, wine distributors and more. The Wine & Food Festival Auction is an opportunity to bid on impressive lots of wine in the most extensive wine auction on Hilton Head Island.
