Charleston’s newest food and wine festival features Al Roker, Tamron Hall

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) – Charleston is no stranger to food and wine festivals. The inaugural Food and Wine Classic is set to happen in the fall and features stars like Al Roker, Tamron Hall, and several notable Lowcountry chefs.

The 3-day festival is a Charleston take on the Food and Wine Classic in Aspen, Colorado. In collaboration with Southern Living and Travel + Leisure and presented by Explore Charleston, the Classic starts on Sept. 27.

According to festival organizers, the Grand Tasting Pavilion at the Charleston Visitors Center will be a centerpiece of the weekend. The 19,000-square-foot pavilion will feature over 100 chefs and beverage stars serving food and drinks from across the world.

“It’s always an honor to bring together some of the most dynamic talent in the food world. We are grateful to all the chefs, winemakers, and experts joining us in the Lowcountry to build an exciting new FOOD & WINE Classic created to showcase the best of this region,” said Hunter Lewis, Editor in Chief of Food & Wine.

Other featured programming includes a barbeque ‘smackdown’ between local pitmasters John Lewis and Rodney Scott, NBC “Today” show host Al Roker and his daughter holding cooking demonstrations from their new cookbook, and Food Network star Tyler Florence’s High Steaks: Recipes of an American Steakhouse.

Tamron Hall will host her cooking demo with Lish Steiling at the Gaillard Center on the first day of the festival.

Three offsite special events will take place during the weekend as well one of which is the Southern Living Lowcountry Tailgate at The Dunlin, Kiawah River where guests enjoy a college football tailgate like atmosphere with local culinary appearances.

Another offsite adventure teaches attendees how to harvest fresh crabs and cook them.

“We’re thrilled to highlight the magic of Charleston that our readers have celebrated for years,” said Jacqui Gifford. “We’re excited to offer experiences like bespoke shopping tours and hands-on crabbing and cooking adventures, immersing guests in the charm, history, and culture that make this city so special.”

To learn more about star attendees and ticket prices, click here.