Undiscovered Charleston: Half Day Food, Wine & History Tour with Cooking Class
Overview
Available languages
4 hours
Mobile ticket
Charleston's only chef led historic walking tour, cooking demonstration and lunch! Our experience begins with a 90 minute food history walking tour in the historic district, followed by a cooking demonstration, lunch & paired wine tasting at the popular local's spot Bistro a Vin. It's led by Charleston's only South Carolina Chef Ambassador & Palmetto Guild Certified tour guide, Forrest Parker. Leading the teams at some of Charleston's most iconic restaurants, Parker has been called a "visionary who calls upon the culture, history & flavor traditions of South Carolina to create heritage-infused experiences." Parker was recognized by then Governor Nikki Haley as a S.C. Chef Ambassador in 2016, a capstone for a culinary career that began in 1995.
Chef Forrest invites you to take the path less traveled; to see, touch, sip and taste the Undiscovered Charleston!
Additional Info
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Guests must be 21 or older, with the exception of older teenagers accompanying parents
FOOD ALLERGIES! I regulary cook, handle, prepare and serve meats, shellfish, eggs, dairy, nuts and gluten. That said, if you require reasonable accommodation of any food allergies, aversions or special diets: most common special diets etc. can be accommodated, provided I'm aware in advance. Vegetarians, vegans, pescatarians, dairy allergies, nut allergies & celiacs are all welcome, provided I'm aware in advance. I'm not a restaurant and if I'm not aware in advance I will not be prepared. If you are requesting reasonable accommodation, I STRONGLY URGE YOU TO MESSAGE ME DIRECTLY.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Charleston's acclaimed Chef Forrest Parker guides you along an undiscovered path where food and history meet on in historic Charleston, distilling 400 years into a walking tour experience culminating with a cooking demonstration and three course tasting of the iconic flavors of the South Carolina Lowcountry. Chef Forrest leads you on a 90 minute walking tour unlike any other in the city, as the only certified chef tour guide, exploring the complicated history of the Holy City and the culinary influences that shaped Charleston into one of the world's top food destinations. You'll visit the not-to be missed sights, but also the lesser known and understood locations where, for example, an enslaved chef created a recipe that still helps define local menus. The tour concludes at a cozy bistro where you relax while Chef Forrest demonstrates how to prepare the recipes he wrote interpreting definitive Lowcountry classics, and prepared using techniques he mastered over two decades. You'll enjoy a lunch with each of those courses carefully paired with wine, and then take his recipes home with you as our gift to you.
Sample Menu
main
Lunch
Tours conclude at a cozy bistro where Chef Forrest demonstrates how to prepare Lowcountry classics. Enjoy a lunch carefully paired with wine.
What‘s Included
For those who do not wish to have wine, Charleston sweet tea and filtered water will be available.
Each guest will leave with copies of Chef Forrest's recipes.
Cooking Demonstration by Chef Forrest Parker
90-minute walking tour of Charleston's historic district
Bistro Au Vin provides wine tasting pours paired with Chef Forrest's recipes. (Additional wine available for purchase on consumption.)
Chef Forrest will demonstrate how to prepare three of his recipes with heritage Lowcountry ingredients then serve you lunch with carefully curated wine pairings from Bistro a Vin.
Gratuities
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Undiscovered Charleston: Half Day Food, Wine & History Tour with Cooking Class
Reviews
948 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Unique History and Exceptional Culinary Experience in Charleston!
Kathleen L,,Jan 25, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00What an amazing way to learn about the history of Charleston and enjoy an amazing culinary experience! Chef Forrest is knowledgeable, personable and a seasoned Chef! Best dessert we ever had! This tour is a “must do” when visiting Charleston! 5 ⭐️
This is the one tour experience to take...you will not be disappointed.
Linda H,,Jan 23, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00History, humor, culture, gastronomy...Chef Forrest Parker has it all for you in this fabulous walking tour with lunch & wine! Easily our top experience in Charleston.
Informative, interesting and a great time.
Wayne E,,Dec 27, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We went on this walking food tour with Chef Forrest Parker on December 12. He started the tour at the Pineapple Fountain and gave us a very detailed description of the food and history of Charleston,SC. As he took us thru the historic district we were shown many historic houses and sites within the district and how the food culture became so diverse and unique to the area. As we made our way thru the district we end up at what Chef Forrest called the shop and there he prepared us a delicious three course meal paired with wine. He was very interactive with everyone as he prepared the meal. He made everyone feel at home and part of the conversation. As Chef made it a point that his main focus was to make sure all left a bit tipsy and full from the meal. Definitely a tour we will do again.
WONDERFUL EXPERIENCE!
Meander311995,,Dec 16, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We often plan our vacations around meals and have been to many upscale restaurants, hands down this was one of the best meals we’ve had! Chef Forrest is very knowledgeable and we learned a tremendous amount of information about the city of Charleston. Chef Forrest is a highly talented chef, I only wish I could replicate his amazing food! Best authentic shrimp and grits ever! Do not hesitate!!
Informative and Yummy
Shari J,,Dec 9, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00This was a fun activity with a nice historic walk and a yummy lunch! Chef Forrest was very entertaining with lots of great information.
Educational and Yummy
sharikdb,,Dec 8, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was such an educational and yummy experience. The morning started with a nice walk in the French Quarters of Charleston. Along the way we learned a good bit of history. The experience ended with a very yummy lunch served with wine and great conversation.
Don’t Miss This Spectacular Adventure!
Terri G,,Dec 8, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00You are missing out if you don’t experience this fabulous half day of Charleston history and food! Chef Forrest Parker is not only an exceptional chef, but provides a wealth of knowledge about Charleston while strolling the beautiful streets. He’s extremely entertaining. The dishes he prepared for us were delicious and we enjoyed watching his expertise in the kitchen. Well worth the half day…come hungry! Thank you Chef Forrest!
Fun and fascinating.
mindm2025,,Dec 7, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This is a must! Chef starts with a wonderful tour of the city. The tour ends with a cooking demo and wine pairing. His love of Charleston and food and his craft shined through. This was way more than a cooking demo. This was a fun, immersive experience and the food and wine were outstanding.
Delicious and fun experience
Q805FCdeborahs,,Dec 6, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Fun and informative tour. Chef Forrest is very engaging and a talented chef! Lunch was delicious and learned some new tips.
Highly recommend
Lisa W,,Nov 30, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Excellent experience. Chef Forrest is a wonderful historian and and even more phenomenal as a chef. He walked us through the historical city center and back to his restaurant where he prepared a 3 course meal for us with wine pairings. This was a small group of about 8 and I will absolutely take this tour again when I visit Charleston in the future. 5 days in Charleston and this was absolutely our best meal in a city full of amazing food!
From US$250.00
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