Live the Lowcountry Life on Hilton Head Island Island Time

There is a lot to love about spring in the Lowcountry. The sun is shining, the flowers are blooming, and the weather is about as perfect as it gets. Of course, it’s also the time of year that America’s Favorite Island® welcomes the Hilton Head Island Wine & Food Festival! The festival is marking its 38th anniversary this year, and visitors can expect it to boast its incredible international wines, typical tasty fare, and a whole lot of fun. 

What started as a single-day event has become the largest outdoor tented wine festival on the east coast. The week-long festival celebrates the finest vines from around the world, and offers interactive educational and tasting events. Best of all, the festivities all support a good cause — the John and Valerie Curry Educational Scholarship Fund, which provides educational opportunities for students in the hospitality and tourism industry. 

How does it all work? Countless Cabernets, a myriad of Merlots, and plenty of Proseccos are entered into the International Wine Judging & Competition each year. Wines are judged by a panel of expert sommeliers and wine educators at the private judging event. The top wines are then awarded and auctioned off at the Public Tasting and Grand Tasting events at the Hilton Head Island Wine & Food Festival, with all proceeds from the auction going toward the scholarship fund. 

Beyond the Grand Tasting and Public Tasting, there are several other incredible events throughout the week for festival-goers to experience everything that the Hilton Head Island Wine & Food Festival has to offer.

We all know the importance of taking time away from work to escape the daily grind. Whether you're the type who likes to hit the links, bask on the beach, sample new flavors, or discover fascinating arts and culture, vacations offer essential time for you to make unforgettable memories and explore your interests. 

This is where National Plan for Vacation Day comes in. This annual holiday encourages all Americans to plan their time off right at the beginning of the year to ensure they take full advantage of their vacation time. Planning a vacation is also a great way to beat those post-holiday blues. In fact, according to the U.S. Travel Association, preparing for a trip "boosts morale, reduces stress, and prevents burnout." So go ahead and start planning your vacation to Hilton Head Island in 2023! In no time, you'll be ready to set that out-of-office message and embark on an unforgettable trip to the Lowcountry. Here's a suggested 5-day itinerary to get you started.