Undiscovered Charleston: Half Day Food, Wine & History Tour with Cooking Class
Recommended by 100% of travelers
Charleston, USA
- 4 hours (approx.)
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
This walking tour and interactive lunch combo provides a two-in-one experience in Charleston. With a celebrated local chef, Forrest Parker, you'll start with a 1.5-hour historical walking tour about the influences of Lowcountry food in the city of Charleston. Then watch a cooking demonstration from Parker before enjoying lunch paired with wine.
- Explore Charleston's historic district with a certified chef-guide so you won't miss the top sights
- Learn about the history of food and Lowcountry cuisine in the region
- Take home chef Forrest Parker's recipes so you can duplicate your experience
- Enjoy lunch prepared by Parker
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
- LunchChef 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
- Alcoholic BeveragesBistro Au Vin provides wine tasting pours paired with Chef Forrest's recipes. (Additional wine available for purchase on consumption.)
- Coffee and/or TeaFor 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
- Gratuities
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- Pineapple Fountain1 Vendue Range, Charleston, SC 29401, USA
Waterfront 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 in the middle of the park.
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.Operating hours.9:00 am
What To Expect
1
Charleston Waterfront Park
2
Rainbow Row
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Stroller accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Near public transportation
- Travelers 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 tour/activity will have a maximum of 11 travelers
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Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Featured review
Claire_S
This is the best experience you can do on your trip to Charleston. Chef was great, hilarious quips through the entire time. The food was amazing and your will learn so much from this tour! It was perfectly balanced amount of time and wondering as the food you got to endive in at the end. I would recommend this tour to anyone !!
Reviews
5.0
based on 979 reviews
Monica_D, Apr 2026
Very informative and enjoyable and food was delicious. Wasn’t too much walking, nice history about Charleston and would definitely recommend.
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Thanks, Monica! I’m so glad you enjoyed the pace of the walk and found the history as satisfying as the meal. It was a pleasure sharing the stories of Charleston with you. For those looking for the perfect balance of discovery and dining, book direct at Undiscovered Charleston for widest availability and preferred seating.
Taste the history of Undiscovered Charleston; it's DELICIOUS!
— Chef Forrest Parker
Andrea_B, Apr 2026
Amazing experience from a local history and food expert. Great blend of history and dining. Recipes too!
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Thanks, Andrea! I'm so glad you enjoyed the blend of local history and dining—and I'm thrilled you're taking the recipes home with you! That’s the best way to keep the flavors of Charleston alive in your own kitchen. For those ready to join the experience and get the 'inside scoop' on our city, book direct at Undiscovered Charleston for widest availability and preferred seating.
Taste the history of Undiscovered Charleston!
— Chef Forrest Parker
Shari_N, Apr 2026
This tour is well worth every penny! Chef Parker was knowledgeable about the history of Charleston, articulate and engaging with all of the tour members, as well as personable and willing to share culinary tips and secrets throughout the cooking demonstration. Every moment of this event was top notch!
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Thanks, Shari! I’m so glad you enjoyed the "top notch" blend of history and kitchen secrets. It was a pleasure sharing those culinary tips with the group—I always hope guests leave with a little extra inspiration for their own cooking. For those ready to experience the best of the Holy City, book direct at Undiscovered Charleston for widest availability and preferred seating.
Angela_B, Apr 2026
Come hungry! Chef Forrest treats you to a multi course lunch that is sure to please! Such a great experience all around.
Response from Host, Apr 2026
"Come hungry" is the best advice anyone can give for this tour! I’m so glad you enjoyed the multi-course lunch and the full experience. It was a pleasure having you at the table. For those ready to bring their appetite and dive into the city's history, book direct at Undiscovered Charleston for widest availability and preferred seating.
Scott_M, Apr 2026
Without question the single best thing you will do while visiting Charleston. Awesome tour, great food. Can accommodate allergies. Chef is also funny which is warmly welcome and in contrast with the other tours you will find around town. Would give it 10 stars if you could
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Thanks for the 10-star sentiment, Scott! I’m glad the humor landed well—I try to keep the history as lively as the flavors. Making sure everyone can enjoy the meal safely, allergies and all, is always a priority for me. For those ready for a tour that’s as fun as it is filling, book direct at Undiscovered Charleston for widest availability and preferred seating.
Ellie_L, Apr 2026
Chef Forest leads you on a unique culinary experience that includes a tour through Charleston with history, local color, and culinary antidotes and just when your stomach starts to growl, he inspires you with local farm to table cooking. This tour was pure joy.
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Thank you, Ellie! I love that the transition from history to the kitchen hit that "sweet spot" for you—there’s nothing like a little local color to work up an appetite for farm-to-table cooking. It was pure joy having you along! For those ready to experience this unique gem, book direct at Undiscovered Charleston for widest availability and preferred seating.
Carolyn_H, Apr 2026
Fabulous experience walking through Charlestons French Quarter and more. Forrest was a delightful tour guide and an amazing chef and sommelier. We highly recommend!
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Thank you so much, Carolyn! I'm thrilled you enjoyed the walk through the French Quarter and the full 'chef and somm' treatment. It was a pleasure sharing those pours and stories with you. For those reading along, you can find our full calendar and availability by searching for Undiscovered Charleston online—we'd love to have you at our table!"
Andrea_Y, Mar 2026
One of the best tours we have had! Loved learning about the history and the food was delicious. Would highly recommend.
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Hey Andrea,Thanks for hanging out with us! So glad you enjoyed the deep dive into the history. For the best rates, dates, and preferred seating, definitely book your next one directly at our website!
Kind regards,
Chef
geraldinemartin, Mar 2026
Very informative, and lots of fun stories! Saw things we would never have found on our own. Food and wine were amazing. Highly recommend.
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Thanks for hanging out with us! So glad you loved those hidden stories. For the best rates, dates & preferred seating definitely book your next one directly at our website!
sternperlman, Mar 2026
Chef Forest’s Foodie Tour is an absolute must-do for any traveler—hands down one of the best culinary tour experiences I’ve ever had!
Chef Forest, a true chef-scholar with a Charlestonian heart, led our small group through an unforgettable journey of local flavors, history, and insider stories, all delivered with hilarious wit and genuine warmth that made us feel like family. We savored perfectly prepared dishes—from fresh, farm-to-table bites to wine pairings he expertly curated—each one bursting with authenticity and his personal touch, while he shared profound insights into the culture behind the cuisine. The intimate setting, seamless service, and his warm, engaging presence elevated this beyond a typical tour into something transformative and joyful.
Don’t miss this gem- perfect for foodies or those interested in the history of Charlestonian cuisine.
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Wow, what an incredible review! Thank you so much for the kind words. It was truly my pleasure to have you in our small group. I always say that food is the best way to tell Charleston’s story, and I’m thrilled that the history, the wine, and the flavors resonated with you so deeply.
Hearing that you felt like family is the highest compliment I can receive. For anyone else looking to join our table, booking directly through our website ensures the best rates, up-to-date tour availability & preferred seating.
We’ll keep a seat ready for your next visit to the Holy City!
Warmly,
Chef Gump
Donald_M, Mar 2026
You will do plenty of walking. At least a couple hours worth. Chef points out areas of interest and small details in the city. It is followed by a great lunch. My travel group of friends could not stop talking about this meal. Once we had this, we held other similar items to this standard. Like the shrimp n grits. No other place came close to his. Amazingly good.
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Thanks for hanging out Donald! I love showing guests the hidden details of the French Quarter that most people walk right past. Hearing that my shrimp & grits set the bar for your group is the best compliment I could ask for! It was a blast hosting y'all, and it's so rad to have been a highlight of your time in Charleston. Come back and let me cook for you the next time you're in the Lowcountry!
Mark_P, Feb 2026
Chef Forrest has created a perfect blend of Charleston History lesson/tour, and wonderful culinary experience. He is very knowledgable and the food and wine pairings were exceptional.
Response from Host, Feb 2026
Thanks so much for joining me to explore Charleston’s delicious history. I’m thrilled the small-group, chef-led experience resonated. Telling the Holy City’s story through food (and a little wine) never gets old for me. Hope we can do it again soon — and yes, booking directly always guarantees the best seating and availability.
David_P, Jan 2026
Wow this was one of the best tours we have experienced. From start to finish was a wonderful walking history tour followed by one of the best meals you could ask for on a food tour. Simply the best thing we could have done in Charleston.
Response from Host, Feb 2026
Hey David! Thanks for coming along and hanging out to explore Charleston's history through the lens of its food. I’m pumped to hear it was one of the best experiences of your trip. The Undiscovered Charleston experience is designed to begin with a thoughtful walk through the city’s history and end around the table with a meal prepared fresh. Many guests tell me it becomes the standout thing they did while visiting. Booking direct is always the best way to secure availability and value.
Warm regards,
Chef
Linda_H, Jan 2026
History, 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.
Response from Host, Feb 2026
Thank you SO MUCH Linda— being called a top Charleston experience means a great deal. Undiscovered Charleston blends history, storytelling, and gastronomy into a walk that ends with a lunch cooked fresh and shared over wine. Booking direct offers the best availability and value.
Shari_J, Dec 2025
This was a fun activity with a nice historic walk and a yummy lunch!
Chef Forrest was very entertaining with lots of great information.
Response from Host, Feb 2026
Appreciate it — a historic stroll, great stories, and a lunch cooked fresh is exactly the spirit of the experience. Charleston history through the lens of our food & Charleston food through the lens of our history. Many guests tell me it becomes a highlight of their Charleston visit. Booking direct offers the best availability and value. Come back and hang out again soon!
Warm regards,
Chef
Lisa_W, Nov 2025
Excellent 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!
Response from Host, Feb 2026
Thanks Lisa — being named the best meal of a Charleston trip is an honor. Small groups, a historic walk, and a three-course meal cooked fresh. Undiscovered Charleston is our history through the lens of our food and our food through the lens of our history. TripAdvisor's #1 Food Experience in the World in 2021.
Booking direct offers the best availability and value.
Katie_G, Nov 2025
Our group of 4 had the absolute best time with Chef Forest! We enjoyed the beautiful tour- and saw such beautiful areas of Charleston. Many were off the beaten path that we would have missed ourselves. It was such a lovely, educational time. But the meal he served was hands down one of the best we’d ever had. Absolutely amazing food with so many great tips and lessons throughout. An absolutely must do when visiting Charleston!
Response from Host, Feb 2026
KATIE! Thank y'all SO MUCH — I’m so glad you enjoyed both the walk and the meal. Showing guests corners of Charleston they’d never find on their own, then bringing everyone together for a dish cooked fresh and rooted in local history, is what this experience is all about. I was honored to be named a South Carolina Chef Ambassador in 2016, and the tour was recognized by Food & Wine as the Best Food Experience in the World in 2021. If you’re planning a visit, booking direct is always the best way to secure availability and value.
Hope to cook for you again.
Meghan_M, Nov 2025
Chef Forrest is such a phenomenal experience. He’s funny, kind and tells some hard truths. His food is amazing and he pours heavy. It truly was an amazing experience. I went with my husband for my birthday and I have zero regrets. He’s such a great guy!
Response from Host, Nov 2025
Hey Meghan,Thank you so much for celebrating your birthday with us! I’m truly honored you chose to spend such a special day exploring Charleston’s history, cuisine, and a few hard truths along the way. I’m glad the stories, the cooking, and the (generously poured!) wine all came together to make the experience memorable for you and your husband.
Hearing that you left with zero regrets means more than you know. Small, chef-led groups are at the heart of Undiscovered Charleston, and guests like you make each tour a joy.
If your friends or family are planning a trip to Charleston, feel free to point them toward the Undiscovered Charleston website for the best rate and direct booking options. I’d love to cook for them—and for you—again whenever you’re back in the Holy City.
Thank you again for the kind words. It truly made my day.
Warm regards,
Chef
Dale_L, Oct 2025
Chef gave us an informative tour followed by a wonderful meal. I would highly recommend this experience.
Response from Host, Nov 2025
Thanks so much for joining me! I’m glad you enjoyed both the history and the meal — it’s always a joy to share Charleston’s story through its food.
Proudly recognized as a Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best Food Experience, ranked among the Top 1% worldwide.
Warm regards,
Chef Forrest Parker
Founder & Chief Culinary Evangelist, Undiscovered Charleston
Justan_G, Oct 2025
Awesome experience, really cool to have the chef cooking and preparing the dishes in front of us and really explaining how we can make the items ourselves. The shrimp and grits was a real treat, I couldn't recommend this highly enough to anyone that loves food and a good time!!!
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Thank you so much — I’m thrilled you loved the shrimp and grits and enjoyed learning how to bring a bit of Charleston’s flavor home!
For anyone reading — Undiscovered Charleston is a Tripadvisor Best of the Best Food Experience, ranked among the Top 1% worldwide. Come hungry, curious, and ready for great food, history, and fun!
Warm regards,
Chef Forrest Parker
Founder & Chef, Guide, Viceroy.
Undiscovered Charleston
2016 South Carolina Chef Ambassador
Linda_K, Oct 2025
Forest made the best of a rainy start to our walking tour! We really loved the stories and enthusiasm with which he shares the rich cultural history of Charleston. The highlight to our day was the foodie extravaganza he prepared for us! Can’t say enough about that experience. A great kickoff for 6 friends sharing some decade birthdays on this trip.
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Hey Linda!
Thank you so much — I’m thrilled you and your friends enjoyed celebrating your birthdays despite the rainy start! Sharing Charleston’s stories through food is what I love most, and it’s always wonderful when guests connect with both the history and the flavors.
For anyone reading — Undiscovered Charleston is honored to be a Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best Food Experience, placing us among the Top 1% of experiences worldwide. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, an anniversary, or just a love of great food and history, come hungry and ready to taste Charleston’s delicious story.
Warm regards,
Chef Forrest Parker
Founder, Chef, Guide, Raconteur, Ne'er-Do-Well.
Undiscovered Charleston
2016 South Carolina Chef Ambassador
Linda_F, Sep 2025
Six of us met in Charleston for a girls weekend. From the very beginning, Chef Forrest ("Gump") set the tone with his warm, engaging personality—he is not only entertaining but also deeply knowledgeable about Charleston’s history, food, and culture.
The walking portion of the tour was truly special. We explored lesser-known streets filled with stories that brought the city’s past to life. Chef wove together Charleston’s layered history with vivid detail, helping us appreciate the architecture and craftsmanship. This historical context gave us a much deeper understanding of how the city has evolved and why its culture is so unique today.
The tour culminated in a beautifully prepared meal that reflected everything we had just learned. Each course showcased Lowcountry cuisine at its best—thoughtful, flavorful, and rooted in tradition. Best gazpacho and grits I have every eaten!
Chef "Gump" is an exceptional guide—entertaining, insightful, and passionate about both food and history. This tour is a must for anyone who wants to go beyond the surface of Charleston and truly savor its past and present through incredible cuisineI. It was the perfect way to connect history, place, and taste in one seamless experience.
Response from Host, Sep 2025
Hey Linda!
“It didn’t suck!” might be my all-time favorite headline 😄 — thank you for letting me share Charleston’s stories (and a little gazpacho + shrimp & grits magic) with your girls’ weekend.
Undiscovered Charleston is one of the most fun ways to celebrate a girls’ trip, birthday, or special occasion. Come hungry and curious!
Cheers,
Forrest
HOLLY_H, Sep 2025
Enjoyed walking through Charleston off the beaten path! We learned some interesting tidbits of history from Chef Forrest, but our favorite part of the experience was going back to his private kitchen and watching him prepare an amazing meal for us while listening to him tell more stories and explain the food he was preparing! Definitely will recommend to friends and family!
Response from Host, Sep 2025
Hey Holly!
Thank you for joining me off the beaten path in Charleston! I’m so glad you enjoyed the hidden history and especially the time in my kitchen — bringing the stories and flavors together is my favorite part too. I truly appreciate your recommendation, and for anyone considering a tour, Undiscovered Charleston is the perfect way to experience the city’s history and cuisine in one unforgettable afternoon.
Charleston history sure is delicious!
Chef Gump
TJ_C, Sep 2025
This was simply amazing!!!! Chef Forrest took us on an informative walking tour, winding our way from the waterfront to his kitchen. We learned about the history of crops and food in Charleston and how it influenced culture and society. Chef then made us one of the best meals we’ve ever had. Three courses of delicious food reflecting the food culture and history of Charleston. The wines were perfectly paired. Chef was also reasonably able to accommodate food allergies, which was appreciated by several guests. We hope to come back to experience more! Thank you, Gump!
Response from Host, Sep 2025
Hey TJ! Thanks so much for hanging out with Undiscovered Charleston! I’m glad you enjoyed the walk, the stories of Charleston’s food history, and the three-course lunch with wine pairings. It’s always a pleasure to customize the experience—whether for food allergies, locals showing off the city, or special celebrations like birthdays and family visits. We’d love to welcome you back for another taste of Charleston’s culinary history!
I sure do appreciate you.
— Chef Forrest Parker
John_W, Sep 2025
Get on a plane or in your car now! Come to Charleston and do this tour! Queen City of the South with amazing food! Chef Forrest is the ambassador for all this. Entertained and fed by a master!
Response from Host, Sep 2025
Wow John! Thank you SO MUCH for such an enthusiastic review! I’m honored you see me as an ambassador for Charleston’s food and history. Sharing the stories and flavors of the Queen City of the South is my greatest joy, and I’m thrilled you found the tour both entertaining and delicious.
For anyone considering a visit: if you’re looking for an intimate, authentic Charleston food tour that blends history, culture, and flavor, I’d love to welcome you.
— Forrest
Susan_Z, Sep 2025
The food was fantabulous, the wine was excellent - the weather not so much. But 10 out of 10, would do it again even if I looked like a drowned rat. Chef had an excellent knowledge of Charleston and the food scene and was witty and charming. I ate every single note and have zero regrets. My sister and mom thought this was the highlight of our trip to Charleston despite getting soaked so thanks for making me a hero! Also for bringing umbrellas! Just wish I hadn't had to cut us a little short and could have enjoyed the full walking tour after.
Response from Host, Sep 2025
Thank you for such a fantastic review—I’m smiling as I read it! I’m so glad the history, food, and wine shone through despite the weather, and even happier to know the tour was a highlight of your Charleston trip. Guests like you prove that a little rain can’t wash away great stories and flavors.
On this tour, because the storm was so strong, we reversed the order and began with lunch before heading out for the walk once the skies cleared. Guest comfort always comes first, and I’m glad that flexibility helped you enjoy the day to the fullest. The recipes you took home are one of my favorite parts to share—it means the flavors of Charleston can live on in your own kitchen.
For future visitors: rain or shine, Undiscovered Charleston is about history, humor, and a chef-prepared meal with wine pairings—plus recipes to recreate at home—an experience worth savoring in any weather.
— Forrest
DeeAnna_B, Aug 2025
Everything about this tour was beyond our expectations. Chef Forrest was incredibly knowledgeable about the area and extremely personable and entertaining. Our group of 4 took a leisurely stroll through Charleston while Chef Forrest pointed out beautiful architecture and shared stories of each. The tour ended at his charming location where his hospitality really shined. I have worked with a well known caterer in Richmond Va for several years but have never had a better meal than I did that day. We were all very impressed and pleased. The wine pairings were point on and the food was incredible. If you have the opportunity to tour with Chef Forrest I highly recommend it. We all agreed this was our favorite activity during our stay in Charleston.
Response from Host, Sep 2025
DeAnne, thank you for such an extraordinary review! I’m delighted you enjoyed both the stroll through Charleston’s architecture and stories, and the meal that followed—it means so much to hear such praise from someone with a background in catering. Sharing Charleston’s history through food and wine is my greatest joy, and I’m thrilled it became the highlight of your trip. And, I might add, the dining scene in Richmond is no slouch lol!
For future visitors: Undiscovered Charleston is designed as an intimate experience that blends storytelling, landmarks, and a chef-prepared meal with wine pairings. I’d be honored to welcome you, your friends, or your family whenever you’re next in the Holy City!
— Forrest
Anthony_F, Jul 2025
Great
Chef Forest was a wonderful raconteur and outstanding chef. Highly, highly recommend this experience
Claire_S, Jul 2025
This is the best experience you can do on your trip to Charleston. Chef was great, hilarious quips through the entire time. The food was amazing and your will learn so much from this tour! It was perfectly balanced amount of time and wondering as the food you got to endive in at the end. I would recommend this tour to anyone !!
Reid_H, Jul 2025
Chef Forrest is great! He knows his history but he especially knows how the town’s history shapes its cuisines. I highly recommend this tour, if for nothing else the food you will enjoy!
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