The Columbus Symphony Orchestra (CSO) is thrilled to announce the return of one of Columbus’ premier events, the Synovus Toast of the Town. The Synovus Toast of the Town is scheduled for Friday, March 3, 2023 at the Columbus Georgia Convention and Trade Center. Savor world-class wines, handcrafted beers, and delicious Southern spirits and dine on food prepared by some of the region’s most celebrated chefs, all while mingling with the contributing brew-masters, vintners, master-distillers and culinary luminaries. A $5,000 certificate for a dream trip will be raffled and a silent auction filled with a variety of wines, hard-to-find bourbons, experiences, and unique treasures completes the evening.

“The Synovus Toast of the Town is one that everyone in Columbus looks forward to each year,” said CSO Executive Director Courtney Huffman. “What so many people don’t realize is that it’s a fundraising event that supports the CSO. All of the revenue generated from this event helps to support our concert season and various educational programs. We are extremely appreciative of the support of our wonderful sponsors and vendors, who make this event possible.” 

“At Synovus, our purpose is to enable people to reach their full potential,” said Synovus West Central Georgia and East Alabama division CEO Heath Schondelmayer. “Music can foster unity, and we’re proud to once again be the title sponsor of this incredible event supporting the Columbus Symphony Orchestra’s artistic programming, educational opportunities, and musical experiences."

As of this printing, the Synovus Toast of the Town is proud to announce almost 100 vendors will participate. Guests will taste samples from Columbus favorites and event loyalists, including the Atlanta Beverage Company.  “As a long-time supporter of the Synovus Toast of the Town, the event provides us with an opportunity to introduce newly released brands such as Fire Maker Brewing Co. and NUTRL vodka seltzers; as well as showcase many of our most popular brands like Wild Leap Brewing Company, Monday Night Brewing, New Belgium, and John Emerald Distilling Co.,” said Kenzie Marcellini, Director of Contemporary Marketing at Atlanta Beverage Company – Columbus, GA. “It's truly an exciting and wonderful event for Columbus, and our brands enjoy coming to share their support each year!” 

New to the event in 2023 include The Benning Club, Café Le Rue, Chicken Salad Chick, Filberto’s Authentic Filipino Cuisine, The Millhouse Kitchen + Bar, Modern Hops, Southern Roots Uptown, and Tuesdays Street Tacos. Columbus favorites, such as Country’s Barbeque, Parker’s Pantry, Wicked Hen, Charred Oak Kitchen and Bar, and 11th and Bay Southern Table will again be offering their culinary samplings. Specialty vendors like How Sweet It Is Cake Studio, German Food, Gifts and More, Batter Edible Cookie Dough, and Midtown Cakes will provide guests with the opportunity to try something unique. “After participating in the Synovus Toast of the Town for several years, I am incredibly excited for it each year. This event allows us the ability to meet new people face to face and introduce them to some of our newest flavors and confections as we showcase some of what we can do for their next event. We always have a great experience and come away with fantastic feedback. It is a wonderful way to support our community and be supported by growing our brand. We look forward to it every year!” said Chari Pitts, owner of How Sweet It Is Cake Studio. 

Among the many culinary options, event guests will enjoy tastes from regional, national, and international winemakers distributed by Georgia Crown, Atlanta Beverage Company, Empire Distributing, Eagle Rock Distributing Co., Winebow Fine Wines & Spirits, and more. For those guests who prefer a mixed drink, many of our Spirits vendors will showcase several of the newly popularized canned cocktails. As the Preferred Package Store, The Bottle Shop will also be pouring several of their favorite wines and spirits at the event as well.  A diverse array of beers, seltzers and brewing companies will offer samples of their products for guests to enjoy. There is truly something for every palette to taste!  For a full list of participating vendors, please visit the event website at ToastColumbus.com. 

In addition to an evening of amazing tastes and toasts, the Synovus Toast of the Toast will feature a silent auction filled with unique and hard-to-find items as well as 2 Wine Walls sponsored by The Bottle Shop, one at 7:30pm and the second at 8:30pm. Attendees will have the opportunity to buy a $25 ticket at the event to select a mystery bottle of wine provided by The Bottle Shop ranging from a value of $25 to $100+. Back by popular demand is a Trip Raffle! You can purchase a $50 raffle ticket for a chance to win a $5,000 travel certificate for the vacation of your dreams from Frances Boyce at Columbus Travel. The drawing is limited to 750 tickets and the winning ticket will be drawn at Synovus Toast of the Town on March 3, 2023 at 9:30pm. You need not be present to win. 

For tickets and information visit www.ToastColumbus.com. Grand Tasting tickets are $110 per person. Grand Tasting tickets will be $130 at the door plus taxes and fees. Tickets are non-refundable/ non-exchangeable.