One of the highlights of the year in South Carolina’s Upstate returns in mid-September and it’s a must-do for anyone who loves food, wine, and music.
Now in its 16th year, euphoria is a unique four-day festival featuring a plethora of Michelin-starred chefs, exclusive tasting events, cooking demonstrations, wine seminars, multi-course dinners and live music concerts.
Appreciated for its intimacy, euphoria distinguishes itself from big-city festivals with quaint gatherings as small as 24 people, which facilitate more personal interactions with chefs and sommeliers. Co-founded by musician Edwin McCain and prominent restaurateur Carl Sobocinski, the event features more than 40 unique experiences, 60+ chefs and musicians, and a focus on promoting the Upstate food scene while offering glimpses beyond.
Among the highlights of euphoria, set to take place September 16-19, is Feast by the Field, which is held on the concourse of Fluor Field at the West End on both Saturday and Sunday afternoons. With more than four dozen tasting tables, Feast by the Field offers an opportunity for festival first-timers and veterans alike to sample food and beverages from some of the best chefs and mixologists across the Southeast. The tasting event provides culinary inspiration in a variety of flavors and textures, with a festive undertone sharpened by wine and Southern-flavored music.
Tickets for Feast by the Field are still available for Sunday, so hurry and order yours before they’re gone. In fact, many events have sold out, as have all the package deals. You will want to make your arrangements right away to enjoy a part of this decadent culinary weekend.
Some of the notable events at euphoria 2021 include Bubbles and Bon Bons, (how to pair wine with sweet confections) Stars of the Far East, (Omakase-style dining experience with wine pairings), Whiskey Business, (an hour-long class with tastings),
Living on the Veg, (an organic, plant-based dinner), and Wine Mythbusters (where misconceptions about wine get busted).
Seven Michelin-starred chefs will share their expertise and cuisine at exclusive dinners where attendees will have opportunities to learn best practices and get their questions answered by some of the world’s most renowned culinary masters.
But euphoria is more than just food, wine and music. It is a convergence of people around the gastronomic experience in an atmosphere of joy and celebration.
Because last year’s festival was truncated due to Covid, demand for tickets this year has been robust. To protect the safety of attendees and participants, euphoria is reducing capacity limits and hosting all larger, signature events at outdoor venues, encouraging social distancing whenever possible, and asking everyone to wear masks indoors when not eating or drinking. Because the situation with the Delta variant remains fluid, those protocols could change at the last minute.
“We’re happy to have the festival again this year,” says Morgan Allen, euphoria’s executive director. “We can tell from ticket sales that people are really looking forward to a weekend of euphoria.”
euphoria’s mission is to support local restaurants, have a strong economic impact, and give back to the community. In 2018, the festival had a $3.8 million economic impact.
euphoria is a nonprofit organization. Festival proceeds benefit local charities. Through its annual grant program, euphoria has funded projects for more than 40 Greenville-area organizations that help children, provide education through music or performing arts, and work to eliminate hunger. For more information, visit euphoriagreenville.com.