Created just four years ago, the Wilmington Wine & Food Festival has grown steadily each year since its inception. This year’s festival, which takes place May 5-8, will showcase some of the Port City’s hottest chefs as well as wine and spirits from around the world.
 
The kickoff to this year’s festival, the VIP Toast of the Town event, will feature John Fleer, three-time James Beard finalist for “Best Chef Southeast” and owner of Rhubarb in Asheville, partnered with friends Dean Neff of PinPoint and John Oliver Evans of Funky Fresh Food Truck and the soon-to-be Localvore restaurant in Goldsboro.
 
The six-course food and wine pairing will take place at Bakery 105 on Thursday, May 5.
 
“We are thrilled with the out-of-town chefs who have taken an interest in our festival,” said Shawn Underwood, a festival board member. “It validates the cutting-edge food scene Wilmington is experiencing.”
 
The VIP event will be followed by a Bourbon & BBQ Cocktail Party on Friday, the Forks and Corks Grand Tasting on Saturday, and Bubbles, Brews & Street Eats on Sunday, all held on the grounds of Bellamy Mansion.
 
While the lineup of participating restaurants is still being set, there are several local newcomers already signed on, including Surf House of Carolina Beach, PinPoint, The Basics and The Disttict Kitchen & Cocktails. Southern Smoke BBQ of Garland, NC will travel to participate, as will restaurants from Southport and Topsail Beach.
 
All events benefit the Bellamy Mansion and local animal rescue efforts.
 
“With the festival getting bigger each year, we have been able to raise more money as well as bring more national attention to Wilmington’s food scene,” Brancato said.
 
Look for a blurb on this year’s festival in Garden & Gun magazine’s Southern Agenda for April/May, on shelves now.
 
To see a complete list of events and to purchase tickets, click here.
 
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