The 32nd Hilton Head Island Wine & Food Festival is being presented by Publix in 2017. After a successful inaugural partnership in 2016, HHIWFF and Publix, one of the Southeast’s premier food retailers, will again present one of the most notable wine and food events on the East Coast.
“We are pleased to continue our partnership with such an impactful event that has over three decades of supporting our local communities. This heritage-rich festival is an amazing platform to create and prepare delectable cuisines and fine wines that will satisfy the palates of all. We look forward to our participation featuring our very own Chef Tony and the opportunity to share Publix' quality products and services our customers and the community continue to enjoy,” said Steve Walker, regional director.
The 2017 festival will take place in the Lowcountry’s famed Sea Pines Resort. The Sea Pines Resort is consistently recognized as one of the best resorts in the country, most recently included among Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards List in 2016. A unique community, The Sea Pines Resort features scenic landscapes, endless activities, and three world-class golf courses, including Harbour Town Golf Links, home of the RBC Heritage Presented by Boeing.
HHIWFF begins in early 2017 with an event where hundreds of wines are judged from all around the world, all to create scholarship opportunities for Lowcountry students. In the last four years alone, $42,000 in scholarships have been awarded to deserving students at University of South Carolina Beaufort and Technical College of the Lowcountry.
“Our festival is honored to have Publix again as our presenting partner,” said Jeff Gerber, executive director of the festival. “Not only does Publix bring a Southeastern heritage, regional presence and commitment to culinary excellence, but their long history of community involvement and support for charitable causes makes our partnership a perfect fit to change the lives of deserving students.”
The Hilton Head Island Wine & Food Festival will be held the week of Monday March 6th through Sunday, March 12th. The festival’s weeklong wine and food celebration will showcase world-class vineyards at wine events and wine dinners prepared by Lowcounty chefs. Festivities include intimate educational wine tastings, the Sip and Stroll, and more.
Saturday’s Public Tasting at the Harbour Town Yacht Basin is a staple for wine enthusiasts. Festival entry will commence at 11:00 a.m. and the tasting will occur from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Attendees enjoy this largest event of the week with outstanding wines and gourmet cooking demonstrations by local chefs at the Sysco Outdoor Gourmet pavilion, as well as live music under the majestic live oaks of Harbour Town.
“We look forward to kicking off the Spring festival season in the Lowcountry with our wine and food event. Those familiar with our festival and newcomers owe it to themselves to visit Hilton Head during this historic year to experience what has been voted as the best island in the country,” added Gerber.
After 32 years, the Hilton Head Island Wine & Food Festival continues to expand while retaining a feeling of intimacy amongst attendees. For this reason it has been listed as a must attend Spring festival by Forbes Travel, Charleston’s Palate, and notable regional publications. Picturesque Sea Pines Resort adds to the experience of time with loved ones and award winning wines on an island getaway surrounded by stately oaks and scenic waterway vistas.
The annual festival has grown to be one of the East Coast’s leading wine events, featuring hundreds of domestic and international wines and an international wine competition. To purchase tickets and review the schedule of wine events go to www.hiltonheadwineandfood.com.
######
The Hilton Head Island Wine & Food Festival began 32 years ago as a humble 3-hour wine tasting event. It is now one of South Carolina’s most prestigious destinations for wine enthusiasts around the world, judging hundreds of wines every year. This success has extended the festival’s ability to make a difference in the food and wine community. Hilton Head Island Wine & Food Festival is a nonprofit dedicated to assisting students in their educational needs, having donated over $42,000 in scholarships since 2013.
Source: The Hilton Head Island Wine & Food Festival
