Our Story
About CFWF
About the Festival
Our story began in 2018, fueled by a shared passion: to celebrate the Midlands’ growing culinary landscape, champion and elevate the local businesses that define the vibrant Columbia community.
From humble beginnings as a one-day tasting event, we’ve blossomed into a five-day culinary extravaganza thanks to the dedication of our partners, including Free Times and the Five Points Foundation, and a passionate committee of hospitality experts, tourism leaders, and community champions.
Today, we attract thousands of food enthusiasts and community members, eager to immerse themselves in a regional celebration of deliciousness. This award-winning festival showcases the finest plates and pours Columbia has to offer, earning recognition as a must-attend event for foodies across the Southeast.
This means more resources to reinvest back into:
- Our region's incredible hospitality partners: restaurants, chefs, wineries, and the passionate individuals who make Columbia's food scene shine.
- Hospitality and service-focused nonprofit organizations: amplifying their impact and contributing to the well-being of our community.
CFWF Goes NON-Profit
Bigger Bites, Bolder Flavors & Brighter Future
Get ready for even bigger bites, bolder flavors, and deeper community impact as we proudly announce its exciting new status as a nonprofit organization under the esteemed Post and Courier Foundation (501(c)3)!
This move unlocks new opportunities to elevate the festival’s future growth and shine an even brighter spotlight on Columbia’s vibrant hospitality scene. As a nonprofit, CFWF gains access to dedicated funding streams specifically designed to support community-driven events like ours.
Experience History, Culture & Community
Connect with Columbia
Food isn’t just fuel, it’s a story. At the Columbia Food & Wine Festival, we believe in the power of culinary connections and its ability to weave a tapestry of history, culture and community.
Engage with the faces behind the flavors and meet the passionate chefs and culinary artisans, hear their stories, and understand the soul poured into every dish. Savor unique and local eats, crafted with fresh, seasonal ingredients sourced from nearby farms and producers. Delve into the connections between our chefs and the land, discovering the rich agricultural heritage that shapes Columbia’s culinary identity.
Since its inception, CFWF has welcomed 7,000 enthusiastic guests to 26 diverse events. Over 150 culinary partners across the region, from Northeast Columbia to downtown to Lexington, have shared their talent and passion, creating an unforgettable culinary adventure for all.
Mission & Values
Guest Experience
The Columbia Food and Wine Festival is dedicated to delivering an unparalleled customer experience. From the moment that you step into the festival, every sense is engaged with the best of Columbia's offerings - we curate each event with the attendee in mind, ensuring a seamless blend of hospitality, ambiance and culinary delight.
Education
At the heart of the Columbia Food and Wine Festival lies a commitment to culinary education. We believe in nurturing a deeper understanding and appreciation of the culinary arts through our community. Through engaging workshops, interactive demonstrations, and tasting sessions, we aim to inspire attendees with knowledge beyond the Festival Weekend.
Supporting the Hospitality Community
Supporting the culinary community is a cornerstone of the Columbia Food and WIne Festival. We are deeply invested in showcasing and uplifting the talents of local chefs, restaurateurs, brands, mixologists, artisans and more. By providing a platform for these individuals to share their craft, we’re not only celebrating their contributions, but aiming to foster growth and collaboration within the industry.
Meet the Team
Chase Heatherly
Lindsay Conine
Kelly Glynn
Lisa Willis
Production & Operations Manager
About Our Host
In 2016, Free Times was acquired by Evening Post Industries, owner of The Post and Courier. Since then, the two sister brands, both firmly committed to local journalism, have shared content in print and online to reach readers across South Carolina.
Today, The Post and Courier and Free Times sustain a reputation for providing honest and trusted news coverage, food, music, arts, and culture, throwing incredible events and engaging an audience of diverse political views, socioeconomic statuses, ages and genders.
