Become a Tastemaker
Insider Experience
Tastemakers is the Columbia Food & Wine Festival’s new patron giving circle — an elevated, insider experience for those who champion Columbia’s hospitality community and want to be first in line for our most sought-after moments. Designed as both a donor circle and an access pass, Tastemakers offers members early ticket purchasing, guaranteed VIP access for one to the Grand Tasting, invitations to exclusive preview events, and first looks at festival announcements and programming.
Support the Hospitality Industry
Open to a select group of supporters each year, Tastemakers help drive early festival momentum, support hospitality talent, and ensure the continued growth of one of the city’s most beloved culinary celebrations. With a $500 annual contribution, members receive unparalleled access while directly supporting the festival that spotlights Columbia’s chefs, beverage pros, and food-driven experiences. Through unique revenue-sharing models, the festival has collaborated directly with local restaurants, returning nearly $275,000 to talent partners and over $61,000 to local nonprofits, further strengthening its connection to the vibrant food scene it celebrates.
Benefits
- 1 VIP Grand Tasting Ticket (Sun., April 26)
- 1 ticket to a private, invitation-only Preview Party (Tues., April 21)
- Early access to purchase Signature Event tickets before they are released to the public
- 15% discount on festival merchandise
- Concierge Service — white-glove ticketing support, first-in-line waitlist priority, and a dedicated festival-week concierge.
- Exclusive first access to all festival announcements
- Recognition on the festival website
- A portion of your Tastemaker membership is tax-deductible
Insider access.
Community impact.
Reserved for you.
Get Involved
Interested in becoming a sponsor for the Columbia Food and Wine Festival? We would love to collaborate with you to make future events even more spectacular. Contact us to explore sponsorship opportunities.