Undiscovered Charleston: Half Day Food, Wine & History Tour with Cooking Class
5
Undiscovered Charleston: Half Day Food, Wine & History Tour with Cooking Class
By Undiscovered Charleston
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About
Enjoy a half day interactive Charleston experience with celebrated local chef, Forrest Parker. Start your day with a 1.5-hour historical walking tour and learn about the culinary influences that shaped Charleston into one of the world’s top food destinations. Tours conclude at a local bistro for a live cooking demonstration followed by a lunch and wine pairing.
Lowest price guaranteeReserve now & pay laterFree cancellation
Ages 18-95, max of 12 per group
Duration: 4h
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Live guide: English
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Highlights
- Half-day food, wine, and history tour of Charleston with cooking demonstration
- Learn about the history of food and Lowcountry cuisine in the region
- Visit a local bistro for a live cooking demonstration followed by a lunch and wine pairing
- Take home chef Forrest Parker's original recipes
Travellers’ Choice Best of the Best
2024
- 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.
- Cooking Demonstration by Chef Forrest Parker
- Bistro Au Vin provides wine tasting pours paired with Chef Forrest's recipes. (Additional wine available for purchase on consumption.)
- 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.
- 90-minute walking tour of Charleston's historic district
What's not included- Gratuities
- Start:
- 1 Vendue Range, Charleston, SC 29401, USAWaterfront Park, also called Joe Riley Waterfront Park is at the end of a street called Vendue Range. We'll meet at the famous Pineapple fountain.
End:This activity ends back at the meeting point. - Not wheelchair accessible
- Pushchair accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Near public transportation
If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 135016P1- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Travellers should have a moderate physical fitness level
- 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.
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s cancelled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
- This experience requires a minimum number of travellers. If it’s cancelled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 12 travellers
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
- If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 135016P1
From
£199.45
per adult
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About the operator
Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
- Bonniesal0 contributionsAmazing city tour, cooking class and 5 star lunch!A perfectly wonderful way to Visit this beautiful city. Chef took us first on a walking tour through the city, giving historical as well as a culinary perspective. Then we went to the most amazing lunch and food demonstration.! The food could not have been better, and the experience could not have been better. I can't think of a better way to spend a day!!!Written 14 September 2024
- Jason K0 contributionsFantastic tourChef Parker gave us a great walking tour and culinary experience. His historical knowledge of the city combined with his professional culinary skills make this a can’t miss event if you’re in Charleston. On top of that he’s a great guy as well. Very friendly and engaging.Written 29 January 2024
- Debbie C0 contributionsGreat tourGreat tour with a lot of history. Forrest was full of knowledge, the food was amazing and full of flavor and creativity. Highly recommend this tour if you are visiting Charleston.Written 9 December 2023
- Elaine U0 contributionsPerfect blend of history and hospitalityThis was a fabulous tour that was both informative and delicious. It was a fantastic combination of history and Southern hospitality. Highly recommend.Written 5 November 2023
- Brian S0 contributionsForest did not disappoint.The walking tour was very informative. Learned a lot. But the best was yet to come. Chef Forest prepared up an excellent meal that he paired with excellent wine choices. Would definitely recommend.Written 6 October 2023
- JHtx50 contributionsTake the walk!Perfect weather. Delightful guided walk. Mouthwatering dishes prepared by Chef as he shares his knowledge of Charleston, its history and culinary culture. If you’re a foodie visiting the area, you should definitely take a walk with Chef Forrest Parker.Written 8 May 2023
- Dvidio0 contributionsAn experience of taste and historical knowledge.A one of a kind tour ending in a meal you will never forget. Chef has an amazing depth of knowledge of Charleston and mixing it with the different cuisine nationalities that have been influential in Charleston made history come to life.Written 24 April 2023
- katiegL6438NH0 contributionsBest culinary tour!Such an amazing experience, chef forest was very funny and wanted to make sure we had the best experience and incredible food!Written 7 April 2023
- FloridaGtr100 contributionsBring Your Appetite!This tour is fantastic! We truly can’t say enough about Chef Forrest! We enjoyed the walking tour and history of the city, but the cooking demonstration was definitely the highlight! Everything Chef Forrest cooked was fantastic. He even went out of his way to prepare me a separate main course due to a food restriction. We’d recommend this experience to anyone looking to learn a bit of history, and satisfy their inner foodie. :)Written 4 April 2023
- chloeaA5215XC0 contributionsChef Forest tourMe and my parents went to this experience and it was amazing. Chef forest was so nice and funny and the food was delicious!Written 3 April 2023
- 832camib0 contributionsHistory and Fabulous Food....what's not to love!This was truly an incredible and unique experience. The historic walking tour was so interesting and Chef tells some good dad jokes. The dining experience was 5 stars. He explained the prep for every dish and holy cow were they fantastic. I highly recommend this experience!Written 5 March 2023
- Inspiration5623360 contributionsI’m full!!!A fun tour and AMAZING food! If you enjoy cooking and learning about history this tour is a must!! The chef was knowledgeable and has a lot of Dad jokes 😆Written 3 March 2023
- Y6085TRcindyg0 contributionsFabulous!!!Favorite part - impossible to decide! The history, commentary and food were all amazing. Bring your appetite! Forrest and Joe create a memorable, delicious, educational experience!Written 25 February 2023
- S203AXcatheriner0 contributionsIncredible tour and food!!The tour was fantastic and I learned so much! The food was incredible! I would recommend this tour to anyone!!Written 23 February 2023
- Rorydivin0 contributionsA great time in charlestonChef Parker is a very down to earth and funny guy. There is a fair amount of walking for a couple of hours over sometimes uneven surfaces. He tells great stories and made an astounding lunch. I definitely recommend. Rory DivinWritten 20 February 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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5.0
710 reviews
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TripGuyOhio
Ohio17 contributions
Oct 2020
Chef Forrest Parker is very knowledgable about Charleston, its history and the food of the area.He is also very likable and a very good story teller. The tour had six participants and maintained social distancing - five of the six and Forrest wore masks. The food and wine were excellent and plentiful. Go hungry and make a late dinner reservation. Forrest relates information in an enthusiastic and approachable manner. We felt much safer participating in this tour than we would have felt crammed into the close seating on a carriage tour. We highly recommend this tour, you will learn a lot about Charleston, its food scene, and the history of both.
Written 19 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Junebug
Crown Point, IN7 contributions
Dec 2020 • Couples
This is a “must do” in Charleston!! I planned this trip for my husband and adult children while spending the Christmas holiday there. Chef captured our attention from the beginning while touring historic Charleston and then ending at the bistro where he prepared the most fabulous meal paired with sumptuous wines...even accommodated a gluten issue. We started at 9 am and ended at 3 pm...every minute was worth it! Also loved the stories he shared about his family and how he came about his love of food. Also need to add that his music playlist couldn’t have been more perfect while enjoying the cooking experience! This tour is worth the cost and I highly recommend doing this while in Charleston.
Written 3 January 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mike B
46 contributions
Mar 2021
I have traveled extensively throughout the US, Europe and the Caribbean, and have been on many many tours and excursions. The guided walking tour and subsequent four course meal, with wine pairings, provided by the Chef, was absolutely one of the best I have been on. If you want to learn about Charleston, the city, history, culture, architecture, cuisine and how they all shape the city, this is the tour for you. Chef Gump provided amazing insight and shared great stories that brings everything together. He then cooked up an amazing four course meal, utilizing local ingredients and thoroughly explained how those ingredients and food molded Charleston over time. Not only was it a great experience and great value, but being able to learn so much from such a passionate native and professional chef, who I know I will reach out to in the future, made this the ideal tour and worth every penny. I would recommend doing this early in your trip, so that you can apply all of the guidance and suggestions that Chef Gump provides.
Written 24 March 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
unobtanium
Huntsville, AL119 contributions
Feb 2020
This tour is truly a wonderful experience and one not to be missed. Chef Forrest has created a tour as unique as his recipes. Buying tickets was extremely easy and the communication was timely and accurate. We had a group of 10 folks and it was not too large. The tour started with a walking discussion of the history of Charleston. The walking tour itself was well worth the price. Then we arrived at the restaurant and Chef Forrest's magic began! He weaved a story of how food is a vehicle to bring people together and how what was lost in the past can be made new again. He effortlessly accommodated the food sensitivities in our group. He is committed to using as much of the local food suppliers as possible. The wine pairings were perfect. Chef Forrest prepared 3 courses. Each course was outstanding. The fresh ingredients were amazing. His shrimp and grits were outstanding. Honestly, the best I ever had and the desert was equally amazing. I would highly recommend this tour to anyone that wants to learn about Charleston 's history and the role food played in its development and some of the folks who have been overlooked by history. If you want a tour that is fast this is probably not for you. However, if you want to learn and enjoy some absolutely wonderful food in a novel way then this is the tour for you.
Written 19 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
"He weaved a story of how ...what was lost in the past can be made new again."
So are you suggesting I'm espousing the greatest hits of the mid-century? Like congealed salad, perhaps?
LOL Ha Ha! But of course you're right. Though we are living in a divided time in this country, our shared & frequently tumultuous history also tells us that we CAN come back from the brink. That though we may agree to disagree, that we can do so agreeably, and still find grace at a shared table.
It gives me pause, and hope, to know if we can find that grace here in Charleston, we can find it anywhere.
It's not easy saving our country through cooking, but I love my work! (After all, to eat shrimp & grits is patriotic.)
Thanks again for hangin' out!
Chef Gump
Written 20 February 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
rekooka99
Southeast US37 contributions
Nov 2020
Chef Forrest is in his element with this 1/2 day walking tour of Charleston and cooking demonstration with 3 course meal. My wife and I thoroughly enjoyed the experience and would highly recommend this. It's expensive but you get what you pay for - high quality ingredients and a small group size with plenty of opportunities to get your questions answered. Chef is a gifted communicator and clearly has a passion for both history and good cuisine. He gave our tour in the rain and had such a cheerful disposition despite the poor weather. He also checked in on the comfort of the guests a few times during the walking portion which demonstrated genuine care for his customers. Book it today - you won't be disappointed.
Written 13 November 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Katherine J
Charleston, United States8 contributions
Aug 2020 • Friends
Myself and 2 other friends joined Chef Parker on the walking tour and lunch and had a great time overall!
First of all, Chef Parker is entertaining and very knowledgeable about the history of Charleston. He had a nice culinary take on the history of our city that I had not heard previously (all 3 of us are locals and have been on multiple other tours in the past). Lunch was truly amazing and paired with some delicious wines as well. I am a vegetarian, unlike my friends, and Chef did a wonderful job accommodating for me and kept us entertained throughout the entire time!
Would highly recommend for those who love Charleston and learning about our beautiful city, enjoy creative & delicious food, and of course wine!
First of all, Chef Parker is entertaining and very knowledgeable about the history of Charleston. He had a nice culinary take on the history of our city that I had not heard previously (all 3 of us are locals and have been on multiple other tours in the past). Lunch was truly amazing and paired with some delicious wines as well. I am a vegetarian, unlike my friends, and Chef did a wonderful job accommodating for me and kept us entertained throughout the entire time!
Would highly recommend for those who love Charleston and learning about our beautiful city, enjoy creative & delicious food, and of course wine!
Written 31 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Luke
1 contribution
Jun 2021
The "Half Day Food & Wine Tour" was my highlight of the trip. We started by the bay at the Pineapple Fountain and walked around the city while Chef Forrest gave insight about the city's culture, food, and history. Everything he talked about was tied into with food of southern living. The tour lasted for about three hours and then we went back to the "Bistro A Vin" for the food demonstration and wine pairing. Chef Forrest cooked in front of the group and demonstrated how he prepared the food and cook it. While cooking, he talked more about the city and his personal life of cooking.He prepared 3 to 4 course meal and each course was paired nicely with a glass of wine. The owner of the bistro helped Chef Forrest pair each course with a different type of wine. The cooking demonstration was another 3 to 4 hours. The entire experience was close to 7 hours and was worth the time and money. I would highly recommend this tour to anybody who is passionate about food and enjoying a day with a Chef!
Written 7 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Zzba
Big Canoe, GA85 contributions
Undiscovered Charleston is the most complete cooking adventure we have ever taken. Chief Foster walks you thru the history and food history of Charleston. He is highly qualified as one of the top Chiefs in Charleston and his passion for food and history are contagious. After a 1 1/2 hour tour you sit down to a tasting of wines. He then prepared outstanding low country dishes. As he cooks, he explains what ingredients he is using and how each had its roots in the low country. This is a chief with a passion and a gift. The tour and meal took about four hours. Don’t miss the tour. We have taken food tours and this is one we will never forget. Thank you Chief Foster.
Written 8 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
needarest911
needarest91138 contributions
If you are looking for a unique experience in Charleston and if you love food—look no further! Chef Parker is a fun and charismatic person with extensive knowledge of the city’s history that he shared through the eyes of a local and bad “dad” jokes. Haha! Chef Parker is an amazing chef and provides lots of information and knowledge about the food that he prepares. The meal he prepared for our family was amazing! Even the kids (9, 15, 16) enjoyed it! Highly recommend this experience for those who want a unique and fun time with great food!
Written 22 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dave L
McKinney, TX95 contributions
My wife and I had an absolutely amazing time! We’d recommend this experience to anyone desiring to learn about Charleston, and desirous of engaging in its unique local cuisine. We learned about old Charleston, its history, and its local flavor, through a person who possesses a special insider’s view of the “food world” within this interesting city!
Chef Forrest is personable, knowledgeable, engaging and connected — the perfect guide and an awesome teaching Chef. Our time passed by amazingly quickly! Before we knew it we found ourselves seated at a cozy wine bar where Chef Forrest prepared a very special delectable lunch all enhanced by superb wine pairings. There was not a time during our four or five hours together where we weren’t learning and making memories, memories that we talked about together in the days following this special time.
Chef Forrest is personable, knowledgeable, engaging and connected — the perfect guide and an awesome teaching Chef. Our time passed by amazingly quickly! Before we knew it we found ourselves seated at a cozy wine bar where Chef Forrest prepared a very special delectable lunch all enhanced by superb wine pairings. There was not a time during our four or five hours together where we weren’t learning and making memories, memories that we talked about together in the days following this special time.
Written 9 November 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We will be coming from Savannah on Monday, 2/20. Do the tours always begin at a specific time since Monday, 2/20, will be the only day we'll be available for your tour?
Written 30 December 2022
My guess is that they always start at 9am. He cooks lunch and needs to be out of the restaurant so they can prep for the evening.
Get an early start in Savannah. It’s only a 2 hour drive. Park on Queen St and you will be close to the starting point for the tour.
Written 31 December 2022
I believe if you contact chef, he would be more then willing to provide any requested dietary option.
Written 5 May 2022
I was trying to find available dates and book this tour for 2 of us in April, 2022. I can't seem to find where to find this. Or, is there a phone number that we need to call to reserve this tour? Thank you.
Written 4 January 2022
They have a website.
If you search for Undiscovered Charleston on Trip Advisor there is a direct link to the site. I made my reservations there.
Hope this helps! It is awesome!!!
Written 5 January 2022
Do you have availability for 2 on Oct. 4 or Oct. 5, 2021?
Written 25 September 2021
We’re going to be in Charleston September 28 thru October 9. Is there any availability open during that time. App won’t let me reserve.
Written 15 September 2021
I booked about 6 weeks before and they were booked up for months. I just happened to get a date that was open. Good luck.
Written 16 September 2021
Approx How long is the walk 1 or 3 miles??? Need a knee replacement and wondering
Written 3 September 2021
Not far milage wise. It’s 1.3 miles total or 9 min walk. The tour also stop 3-4 times start to finish at various historical spots so you only walk for approximately 2-3 minutes at a time.
Written 4 September 2021
Departure53036125577
Charlotte, North Carolina
I have a group of 10 guests that are looking for a 2- 2.5 hour cooking class for southern food on Tuesday, November 2nd.
Can you accommodate something like this?
Bob Glaser
919-215-8137
Written 19 August 2021
I didn't see a starting time for the tour - I only saw that it's half day. What time does it start on Sunday
Written 13 August 2021
It's from 9-1 everyday except Tuesday and Wednesday. You meet at waterfront Park in front of the pineapple water fountain.
Written 14 August 2021
Steve B
Ames, Iowa
There are 4 of us coming in from Ames, Iowa. any possibility of booking into your cooking tour this coming wednesday, Thursday or Friday, August4-6th. sorry for such a late notice
Written 1 August 2021
How far is the walk? 1 mile? 2 miles? We have a group member with some mobility issues and he can fatigue at times. Are there intermittent stops with a a chance to sit for a few minutes?
Written 28 March 2021
About 3 I think. It was slow and easy but there are some cobblestones. I would message Chef Parker on his website and ask him. Or message him at +1 (615) 815-0541. If you were the entire party I’m sure he would do whatever required to accommodate. Max group size is 8. We were 6 and there was another couple with us. Now they are nee friends!
Written 1 April 2021
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