EASTON, Md., October 18, 2012 —Euphoria is described in the Miriam-Webster’s dictionary as a feeling of well-being or elation. It seems the perfect name for the three day festival in Greenville, South Carolina focused on the appreciation of food, wine, beer and music that took place September 20-23, 2012. Euphoria has the style and substance of better known festivals while retaining its small town charm.
In the picturesque downtown of Greenville, over 4,000 attendees enjoyed this year’s festival which featured over 250 wines, 50 restaurants and numerous musical acts, including hometown favorite Edwin McCain, known best for his hit song, ‘I Could Not ask for More.’
Wine flowed steadily along with craft beers and spirits at the 2012 Euphoria event in Greenville, SC. (Photo Credit: Stephen Stinson)
The event kicked off on Thursday night with an intimate event called The Songwriter’s Recipe: Songs and Stories from Euphoria Unplugged where guests enjoyed cocktails and hors d’oeuvres while enjoying music and stories by award-winning song writers Edwin McCain, Shawn Mullins and Chuck Cannon.
Friday night’s Taste of the South was held at the TD Peace Center where attendees sampled culinary creations from the area’s best restaurants along with beer and wine. The Peace Center was a gorgeous backdrop for this event which concluded with a concert by Edwin McCain.
Saturday’s events were centered on three activities Eat, Sip or Listen and schedules were organized accordingly. The Eat track included tastings from some of the best local restaurants, food vendors and included cooking demonstrations. The Sip track included wine and beer vendors as well as seminars led by Master Sommeliers. Those who just wanted to Listen pulled up a chair and enjoyed the entertainment line-up on the Tasting Showcase Main Stage.
Saturday evening wine and beer dinners were held all over Greenville, co-hosted by one local and one guest Chef at each restaurant. One of Greenville’s best restaurants, The Lazy Goat, offered a seven course wine dinner co-created by visiting Chef George Mendes from New York’s City’s Aldea Restaurant. The dinner was paired with the Spanish wines of Juan Gil. Lazy Goat’s Chef Victoria Moore created tantalizing courses like the Braised Lamb Stuffed Piquilo Peppers. Chef Gorge Mendes’ Diver Scallops with coconut milk, coriander radish and lime was equally delightful.
Sunday’s festivities concluded with a Jazz Brunch, Culinary Cookoff and Bartender competition. There were also many restaurants offering brunch in Greenville, including Larkin’s on the River, just steps from the TD Peace Center and historic Falls Park. Bloody Marys were made table side with a choice of tomato or clamato juice and additions could be chosen, including garlic stuffed olives and shrimp. The food at Larkin’s is just as delicious as the cocktails, the service fabulous and the wine list is extensive.
Walking through downtown Greenville throughout the weekend was wonderful with lots of options for dining, shopping and entertainment. Greenville has all the energy and options of a big town but with a friendly, small town atmosphere. Two large anchor hotels are at either end of the main street the Hyatt on one end and the Westin on the other. Both are beautiful properties that allow you to be within walking distance of all the action. Plus, the Hyatt hosts live outdoor Jazz every Friday in the warmer months.
After just a few days in Greenville it’s hard not to fall in love with this town. Lucky for all of us, Euphoria is not the only festival that goes on here. For a complete list of events and information regarding visits to Greenville and other Upstate locations in South Carolina, visit: www.greenvillecvb.com
Save the date for next year’s Euphoria which is set to take place September 26-29, 2013. If you love food and wine this is a Not-to-Miss event.
About Laurie:
Laurie Forster, The Wine Coach is an award-winning sommelier, author, TV personality and comedian. Her edgy approach to demystifying wine caught the eye of major networks and led her to guest appearances on FOX Morning News, Martha Stewart Living Today and ABC News at Noon.
Forster is also the host of her own radio show, The Sipping Point on WBAL 1090AM and has created an award-winning mobile application. “The Wine Coach” was listed as one of the Top 8 Wine Apps in Wine Enthusiast, Top 5 Wine Apps in the World by Departures International Magazine and 2012 App of the Year from Go Mobile Solutions.
You can reach her on twitter @thewinecoach or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/winecoach.
Read more of Laurie’s work at The Sipping Point in the Communities at the Washington Times.
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