Cape Fear Wine and Food Experience Returns to Wilmington

Annual event supports local education initiatives with celebrity chef appearances and gourmet tastings.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 6:05am

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A bold, colorful silkscreen-style illustration featuring a repeating grid of a single iconic food item, such as a wine glass or plate of deviled eggs, rendered in a high-contrast, neon-infused pop art style that captures the celebratory energy of the annual Cape Fear culinary festival.The Cape Fear Wine and Food Experience celebrates the region's vibrant culinary culture while supporting local education initiatives.Wilmington Today

The annual Cape Fear Wine and Food Experience is returning to Wilmington, North Carolina from April 16-18, featuring a variety of culinary events and tastings to support the Beacon Education non-profit and its GLOW Academy and Spark Academy programs. The marquee event is the Grand Tasting and Auction on April 18, showcasing small plates from local restaurants and curated wines, with proceeds benefiting the schools.

Why it matters

The Cape Fear Wine and Food Experience is a highly anticipated annual event that brings the community together to celebrate the region's vibrant food and drink scene while also raising funds for important local education initiatives. By supporting Beacon Education's GLOW Academy and Spark Academy, the event helps provide educational opportunities and resources for underserved students in the Wilmington area.

The details

The Cape Fear Wine and Food Experience will feature a range of events over the three-day weekend, including community dinners, a private dinner with celebrity chef Virginia Willis, and the marquee Grand Tasting and Auction on April 18. At the Grand Tasting, local restaurants and chefs will serve exceptional small plates, while a curated selection of wines from around the world will be available for sampling. Attendees can also participate in a silent and live auction to further support Beacon Education's initiatives.

  • The Cape Fear Wine and Food Experience will take place from April 16-18, 2026.
  • The Grand Tasting and Auction is scheduled for Saturday, April 18 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

The players

Beacon Education

A non-profit organization that runs the GLOW Academy, an all-girls charter school, and the Spark Academy, an early childhood education center, in Wilmington, North Carolina.

Virginia Willis

A James Beard award-winning cookbook author and chef from Atlanta who will be involved in multiple events during the Cape Fear Wine and Food Experience, including helping students from GLOW Academy cook and serve food at the Grand Tasting.

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What they’re saying

“If you're a fan of food festivals, then you must attend the Cape Fear Wine and Food Experience grand tasting. Tickets are available here. Plus, know that each bite and every sip you take, helps plant the seed for the next generation of students to blossom into leaders of tomorrow. That's something we can all get behind with spring in full bloom.”

— Corey Preece, Food Columnist

What’s next

Tickets for the Cape Fear Wine and Food Experience Grand Tasting and Auction on April 18 are available for purchase online.

The takeaway

The Cape Fear Wine and Food Experience is an annual celebration of the region's vibrant culinary scene that also supports important educational initiatives in the Wilmington community. By attending the event and participating in the food, wine, and auction, attendees can enjoy an exceptional experience while also making a meaningful impact on local students and their futures.