Highlands Food & Wine Festival

Written By: Jenny King | Issue: 2017/11 - November

The best food and wine event in the Southeast is about to embark on its 11th year. The Highlands Food & Wine Festival, November 9 through the 12, blends the coolest culinary talent with the hottest musical talent and serves up a weekend loaded with activities. 

It all starts Thursday, November 9th with the Grand Tasting at 7:00 P.M. Sip and savor your way through many of The Plateau’s illustrious restaurants with global wines, craft brews, and cocktails by Tito’s Vodka and The Crunkleton.  This tented event is held in the Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park and features live music all evening. 

Throughout the weekend there are several special wine dinners scheduled at local venues and you’ll want to visit the festival’s website for details to make sure you find a place at the table. There is also a Foodie Film Festival at The Highlands Playhouse and Small Bites Experiences at the Highlands Performing Arts Center.

Friday’s schedule is a full one. Sip and Shop Presented by Jannie Bean Designs starts at 11:00 A.M., so wear your best walking shoes. After grabbing your complimentary glass at the Festival Box Office, set out on a wine adventure that includes stops at participating merchants for wine, tasty snacks, and shopping, of course with an after-party in the courtyard outside Jannie Bean Designs, hosted on both Friday’s and Saturday’s Sip and Shop events.

From noon until 4:00 P.M., head to Old Creek Circle for Truckin’. This is an outdoor event, so dress appropriately ‘cause it’s happening rain or shine! Music by Dawes and Futurebirds heats up the stage and tickets include unlimited servings from six food trucks parked around the venue along with Tito’s cocktails and craft brews by Oskar Blues

Saturday, November 10, is a full day of fun. Along with Sip and Shop, The Main Event starts at 11:00 A.M. Imagine the ultimate oyster roast right in the middle of Highlands. Grilled, roasted and raw oysters from Charleston’s The Darling Oyster Bar, accompanied by other enticing small plates and a big helping of deep-fried soul, courtesy of JJ Grey & MOFRO and Dead 27s. Virgil Kaine and Cathead Vodka, will serve up small batch bourbon and curated cocktails. Tito’s Vodka bus will be there and several craft breweries will show off their specialties.

That evening, the renowned Preservation Hall Jazz Band will perform for A Generous Pour, under the tent at Founders Park. This charity concert benefits the Food Pantry of Highlands and patrons will sip delicious cocktails and wines while enjoying the music that embodies 50 years of New Orleans history.

Sunday’s grand finale is The Gospel Brunch, this year held at the Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park.  The venue will be totally reconstructed overnight after A Generous Pour to embody the true spirit of The Gospel Brunch through unique décor and family style seating. Ticket holders will enjoy a seated brunch curated by multiple chefs, a bloody mary bar, a mimosa bar and the live Gospel music of The Joyful Quartet and Liz Vice. It’s a praise-worthy event that will have you shouting, “Hallelujah!”

The Highlands Food & Wine Festival is produced by the Highlands Chamber of Commerce, who would like to remind you that all festival events are for those 21 years of age and up. For a complete listing of events, ticket sales, and up-to-date information visit HighlandsFoodAndWine.com.