The Thursday before the festival I’d already had the perfect weekend lined up: Winston Salem Dash Baseball Game with my best friend. Knowing, with giddy anticipation, that we’d have good time at the old ball game. No more than 10 minutes after messaging him, something in me sparked a search for local festivals. It was warming up in NC but a predicition of gloom on Saturday… all day. I thrive in the sun so any activity that could put me with her was the goal. Then a miracle happened, the Beaufort Wine and Food Festival came across my feed.

FESTIVAL DETAILS

Name: Vin de Mer

Location: Beaufort, NC - Gallants Marina (address gicen takes you to a dead end)

Time: 1PM - 6PM

Date: April 27

Cost: $103 (extra perks + tasting events for addition cost)

The Beaufort Wine and Food Festival is an annual event that has become a beacon for gastronomes and wine enthusiasts alike, drawing visitors from near and far to the picturesque town of Beaufort, North Carolina. Celebrated for its blend of fine wines, delectable dishes, and the charming coastal ambiance, the festival offers a unique opportunity to explore a wide array of culinary delights and wine pairings in a setting that exudes Southern hospitality and culture.

By the end of the day on Thursday, I’d confirmed my tickets to the festival, reserved a rental car through AVIS/Budget Rental Cars, and reached out to 3 hotels who had no availability. On Friday morning I crafted my backup plan (because we don’t drink and drive) utilizing movie theaters as rest stops. The remaining of Friday was spent excitedly planning outfits, primping, and packing a light break-fast for the drive. Just in case the drive was harder on my 33 yr old bones, I planned a stay over at a hotel; it’s always good to have a backup plan.

FESTIVAL DAY

I snoozed my alarm a few times before dragging myself out of bed and starting my routine, which was unique only in that I boiled an egg hard to add to my snacks. After a light morning routine and setting up Yaari, my cat, for a day alone, we packed up the car and hit the road by 8:05am.

By 9:30 I was over it. We’d made it to the Raleigh/Durham conjunction and “mama was TIIIED”; ready to be at the festival. This is when I miss my tribe, a partnership, a connection. Someone(s) to lean on. But we powered through. As predicited, the Triad area was overcast and those clouds carried to the coast making the drive a bit dreary. Then, like the heavens were giving me a sign (also the weather persons predicited total sun domination on the coast), the rays peaked through the density about 10 minutes from the festival gates.

Over the course of several days, the festival unfolds a variety of events that cater to different tastes and interests. From the main ‘Vin de Mer’ festival, where attendees can sample hundreds of wines from around the globe, to intimate restaurant-hosted dinners that showcase the talents of renowned chefs paired with perfect wine accompaniments.

I arrived at the address provided at 1:10pm. After changing the address to the destination name provided, I made it to parking at around 1:18. Parking was plentiful and free. There were very little to no rules or rigid structure to the event. After parking I made my way to the adjacent tents and found signage for “General Admission” where I mosied into a loose line of middle aged white people and a woman donning a festival tshirt scanned my phone for the ticket code. Behind ticket check a table was stocked with branded wine glasses and unique tasting plates with a wine glass slot. This took about 90 seconds. 10/10

THE LAYOUT

Upon entry I noticed the festival was broken into sections to create one large riad style space - effective in constructing a central courtyard area where you could see everything. The main focus being wine, the festival also featured food vendors sponsor booths and exclusive perks set-up strategically for an enjoyable flow through the event.

FOOD

Seminars and cooking demonstrations add an educational element to the festivities, providing insights into wine selection, food preparation, and the art of palate pairing. The festival not only delights the taste buds but also enriches the mind. I had the pleasure of tasting:

Birria Wonton Cups - Prime Bistro, Stone House Farms

Bruschetta

Snapper Ceviche - 100/10 - The best thing i’ve put in my mouth in years

Chicken Gorditas with Cactus Salad and Queso

ENTERTAINMENT

Chef Demos

Cope and Co Fashion Show

Veternarian/ Pet Vendor

LOGISTICS

To the left; Chef Demos, Luxury Bathrooms, Vendor Restocking

Center: Circle Bar (Beaufort Event Rentals), Photo Wall, Spacious Seating

To the right: Green Room Lounge, Stage, Band

Towards the back: Food Tastings, Specialty Wines, Spirits

The whole set-up was pretty amazing!

The bathrooms were the best outdoor event bathroom; even better than some indoor facilities. Trailer style with full flushing and handwashing capabilities.

The location was ideal: on the water, not over crowded, close to the highway.

Communication via email leading up to the festival was basic at best. A text only email with the date, time and an address that led to the wrong place, a dead end.

ORDER BOTTLES

At every table you a QR code was displayed for the opportunity to order the bottles of wine you enjoyed tasting. Seeing as how my last wine festival was over 10 years ago, I HAD planned to use my new adult money to make a big girl purchase and to get one for my friend. However, not one volunteer/worker explained the process to me. After inquiring I learned there was no opportunity to buy the wine and take it home day of, you had to schedule a pickup in downtown Beaufort. Although most of the wines were readily available at common stores.

Experiences to Elevate

MUSIC - Nothing says a festival like music. Even if youre not a music festival there should be some light music playing and for three hours all you heard were other people. No opportunity to dance.

DIRECTIONS - clear concise directions and instructions.

COMMUNICATION - before and during the festival the comms were basic or non-existent.

DIVERSITY - There was ONE type of person in attendance. Even my 63 yr young white male friend commented “thats a lot of white people” when looking at the photos. Not just race but age demographics and region. I was the furthest traveller when a small group at the demo tent was asked. After 18 years people should revere the Baufort Wine and Food Festival as the best, and travel from as far as Virginia Beach and Jacksonville to attend.

PERKS - The green room lounge looked exclusive and relaxing. It was stationed near the food tents, the stage/band, and the photo wall. I would swap the chef demo tent and the Stage tent to create a perk for the Green room lounge attendees. They get the chef tatsings first and exclusive time with the chef to ask questions or chat. This way the stage can be more of a focus and standalone, so when music is playing it’s not blasting to the green room lounge. The music will also direct people parking where to head for checkin and the open courtyard acts as dancefloor.