Cheers

The Hilton Head Island Wine and Food Festival returns this month with events throughout the island March 19-25.

In its 38th year, the event includes the popular Public Tasting (March 25) at Lowcountry Celebration Park, which will feature about 250 world-class wines and delicious bites from the area’s culinary leaders.

Proceeds from the wine auctions at the Grand Tasting and Public Tasting events benefit the John F. & Valerie Currie Educational Scholarship Fund for college students pursuing a degree in the hospitality and tourism field.

Executive director Jeff Gerber said the scholarships given at University of South Carolina Beaufort and the Technical College of the Lowcountry have totaled $120,000 combined in the last nine years.

The festival begins with Uncorked on Thursday, March 16 at the Shipyard Beach Club. Guests are welcome to bring a “special bottle” to share with friends and fellow wine lovers. Great food (appetizers) will also be offered.

On Sunday, March 19, Craft Beers at the Beach will feature 50 beer selections at the Grand Ocean Terrace at The Westin Hilton Head Island Resort. The Sip & Stroll (wine and shopping) is set for Wednesday, March 22 at the Shops at Sea Pines Center.

Already sold out is the Grand Tasting, March 24, which is the culmination of award-winning wines from the international judging competition and top wines from the festival’s wine partners.

Gerber is pleased at how the festival has grown, noting last year it brought about $4 million to local businesses through hotels, dinning, tours, etc.

The fun is expected to continue with a craft beer and music event — Rhythm and Brews — planned for June 3 at the Coastal Discovery Museum. Gerber said there will be about 35-40 craft breweries represented with three to four musical acts, headlined by Tennessee-based country singer and songwriter, John King.

For more information, visit hiltonheadwineandfood.com

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