Grand Strand business folks have brewed up a fresh promotion for Myrtle Beach and are gearing up for the first Coastal Uncorked Food and Wine Festival this May.

Heidi Vukov, owner of Croissants Bistro and Bakery, is part of a panel of local restaurateurs and marketing gurus spearheading the project. Aimed at tourists and locals, the festival is a community effort “to benefit our city, bring people to our city, and keep money in our city—a very ‘green’ idea,” she says. Featured wine dinners, food demonstrations from grilling to ice carving, and a golf tournament are just a handful of happenings sure to keep everything well seasoned.

The likes of Marina Inn, Travinia, and Gordon Biersch will offer fixed tasting menus, $20 a piece, while the signature event of the week will be a tasting trolley. Guests will be transported from The Market Common to Broadway at the Beach—stopping at various locations for wine, beer, spirits, and food.

Southern Living will offer a special food presentation and take good notes for its readership. Besides turning out top-notch cuisine, Coastal Uncorked is sure to have a generous turnout and bound to inspire more than one gathering of your closest beach pals. Proceeds will benefit future marketing of the festival and area culinary programs, so raise a glass and uncork a new Grand Strand tradition.

Coastal Uncorked
May 16-23
Locations and costs vary. For more information, go to www.coastaluncorked.com