The Hilton Head Island Wine & Food Festival returns this March, transforming the island into a weeklong celebration of wine, craft beer, culinary talent and Lowcountry hospitality. With events spread across multiple days and venues, it can be hard to know where to begin. Here’s an insider guide to five must-attend festival events and how to experience each one like a seasoned regular.

Story By Lance Hanlin

Hilton Head Island Wine & Food Festival 2026: 5 Must-Attend Events

Craft Beers at the Beach

What: Craft Beers at the Beach

When: 2-5 p.m. Sunday, March 22

Where: The Westin Hilton Head Island Resort & Spa

Why it’s worth your time: This is the easiest way to ease into festival week without overthinking it. Expect more than 50 pours from local and regional craft breweries and distilleries, live music that keeps things lively without overpowering conversation and a crowd that’s there to enjoy the moment, not take notes. The Westin’s culinary team will have food available for purchase, with cocktails and wine on hand if beer isn’t your only love. Tickets are $50, and this event reliably sells out. Floor-to-ceiling windows and outdoor access deliver sweeping beach views, making this one of the Lowcountry’s most anticipated beer tastings of the year. 

Sip and Stroll at Sea Pines

What: Sip and Stroll

When: 4-7 p.m. Wednesday, March 25

Where: Shops at Sea Pines Center

Why it’s worth your time: This one’s made for wine lovers who prefer exploring over elbowing their way through a crowd. Tastings are spread throughout the Shops at Sea Pines Center, giving you the freedom to wander, linger and follow whatever catches your interest. With live music and pop-up art woven in, it feels less like a formal tasting and more like a perfectly planned evening out. It’s social without being crowded, relaxed without losing energy and easy to enjoy without a game plan. Tickets are $55 and include all drink tastings, making this one of the better values of the week.

Stay Gold: Double Gold Wine Experience

What: Stay Gold: A Lowcountry Wine, Food and Music Experience

When: 6:30-8:30 p.m. Thursday, March 26

Where: Roller’s Wine & Spirits

Why it’s worth your time: This event is for anyone who likes knowing they’re tasting something special. The focus is on Double Gold winners from the festival’s international wine competition, paired with Lowcountry-style food and live music in an intimate setting. The lineup is curated, the crowd is engaged, and the overall vibe encourages conversation rather than rushing from table to table. It’s one of the best events for learning without feeling like you’re in class. Tickets are $155, with all drink tastings included.

Grand Tasting at the Country Club of Hilton Head

What: Grand Tasting

When: 5:30-7:30 p.m. Friday, March 27

Where: Country Club of Hilton Head

Why it’s worth your time: The Grand Tasting sets the tone for the weekend. Held at the Country Club of Hilton Head, it brings together curated wines, light bites and a dressed-up crowd ready to linger and toast what’s ahead. Conversations flow easily, glasses stay full, and there’s a shared feeling that the festival has officially hit its stride. Tickets are $180 and limited to just 200 guests, making this one of the Lowcountry’s most intimate and polished wine events of the year.

Public Tasting at Lowcountry Celebration Park

What: Public Tasting

When: 12-3 p.m. Saturday, March 28

Where: Lowcountry Celebration Park

Why it’s worth your time: This is the moment everything comes together. The Public Tasting is the festival’s largest and most lively event, bringing hundreds of wines, spirits and craft beers into one place, alongside chef demonstrations, food vendors, live music and a wide-open park setting that invites you to settle in and explore. It feels festive without being overwhelming, whether you’re tasting with purpose or simply soaking in the atmosphere. General admission tickets are $84 and include unlimited tastings and a keepsake wine glass. VIP tickets are $190 and add early entry, access to the VIP lounge, exclusive pours and shaded seating, a welcome perk during a typically sunny afternoon.

Tips for Attending the Hilton Head Island Wine & Food Festival

• Buy tickets early. Many events sell out.
• Plan transportation in advance, especially for evening tastings.
• Eat beforehand and pace yourself during larger events.
• Bring sunscreen for daytime tastings at Lowcountry Celebration Park.
• Consider VIP tickets for shade and early access.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Hilton Head Island Wine & Food Festival

When is the Hilton Head Island Wine & Food Festival?

The festival typically takes place in late March and includes events throughout the week leading up to the Grand and Public Tastings.

Where is the Hilton Head Wine & Food Festival held?

Events are hosted at multiple venues across Hilton Head Island, including Lowcountry Celebration Park, The Westin, Sea Pines and the Country Club of Hilton Head.

How much are tickets to the Hilton Head Wine & Food Festival?

Ticket prices vary by event, ranging from approximately $50 for beer tastings to $180 or more for premium experiences. VIP options are also available for select events.

What is the biggest event at the festival?

The Public Tasting at Lowcountry Celebration Park is the festival’s largest and most lively event, featuring hundreds of wines, spirits and craft beers.