Charleston: Chef-Led Food Tour & Cooking Class with Wine

Summary

Walk Charleston’s streets taste Lowcountry flavors cook with a local chef and share stories over wine

You’ll walk through Charleston’s historic streets with Chef Forrest as your guide, hear stories behind Lowcountry cuisine, then join a relaxed cooking class at Bistro a Vin. Enjoy three Southern-inspired courses paired with wine (or sweet tea), plus take home recipes to try yourself. Expect laughter, local flavor, and moments you’ll want to remember long after lunch ends.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the way the air in Charleston’s historic district holds onto the morning — a little thick, carrying this faint sweetness from magnolia trees and something savory drifting out of kitchens. We met Chef Forrest right by an old brick church, and he just started talking — not like a tour guide but more like someone who actually lives and breathes this city. He pointed out details I’d never have spotted: the way certain bricks looked darker because of old fires, or how some alleyways still echo with stories nobody really tells in textbooks. It wasn’t rushed; if someone had a question about grits or what “Lowcountry” even means, he’d stop and explain. At one corner, he told us about an enslaved chef whose recipe is still on menus today — I didn’t expect that to hit so hard.

After the walk (about 90 minutes but honestly it felt shorter), we ducked into Bistro a Vin. It smelled like warm butter and garlic inside — you know that feeling when you suddenly realize you’re starving? Forrest set up his cooking demo right there in front of us, joking about how his accent gets thicker when he talks about food. He showed us how to make shrimp and grits (I tried to remember all the steps but got distracted by the sizzle), plus two other dishes I’d never heard of before coming to Charleston. The best part? Tasting each course with different wines — I’m not usually picky about pairings but now I get why people care. If you don’t drink wine, they bring sweet tea instead (which is its own kind of ritual here).

I left with a stack of recipes scribbled on paper, some new ideas about Southern food, and honestly just this weird sense of connection to Charleston that stuck with me longer than I thought it would. Chef Forrest said something about food being memory — maybe that’s why I still think about that first bite of cornbread weeks later. Anyway, if you want more than just photos for your day trip in Charleston…this is it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Historic walking tour and cooking class

• Join 90-minute food history walking tour
• Explore historic Charleston culinary sites
• Visit lesser known food history locations
• Arrive at cozy bistro for cooking demo
• Watch Chef Forrest prepare Lowcountry classics
• Enjoy three-course lunch with wine pairing
• Receive recipes to take home

Top questions

How long does the Undiscovered Charleston tour last?

The experience includes a 90-minute walking tour followed by a cooking demonstration and lunch; plan for around half a day.

Is wine included in the Charleston food tour?

Yes, each course at lunch comes paired with wine pours; sweet tea or water are available if you prefer non-alcoholic options.

Who leads the Undiscovered Charleston tour?

The tour is led by Chef Forrest Parker, South Carolina Chef Ambassador and certified Palmetto Guild guide.

Are dietary restrictions accommodated on this Charleston cooking class?

Most common dietary needs can be accommodated if you contact Chef Forrest in advance; message directly for allergies or special diets.

Where does the cooking demonstration take place?

The cooking class and lunch are held at Bistro a Vin in downtown Charleston.

Do I get recipes from the tour?

Yes, guests receive copies of Chef Forrest’s featured recipes to take home after lunch.

Is this suitable for teenagers or children?

You must be 21+ for wine tasting; older teens may join if accompanied by parents. Infants/children can attend in strollers but may not participate fully.

What’s included

Your day includes a chef-led walking tour through Charleston’s historic district, an interactive cooking demonstration at Bistro a Vin, three-course Southern lunch with carefully paired wines (or sweet tea), plus printed recipes to take home—just let them know ahead if you have any dietary needs.