The Columbus Symphony Orchestra (CSO) is thrilled to announce the return of one of Columbus’ premier events, the Toast of the Town. The Toast of the Town is scheduled for Friday, March 1, 2024, 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. Guests can participate in both Wine Walls, sponsored by The Bottle Shop, and a silent auction filled with a variety of wines, hard-to-find bourbons, experiences, and unique treasures.

“For more than a decade, Toast of the Town has evolved into one of Columbus' most celebrated events. What a joy it is to enjoy the best food and drink in the region while coming together to support one of the pillars of the Columbus arts community — the Columbus Symphony Orchestra.” said Kern Wadkins, Executive Director of the Columbus Symphony Orchestra.  “We are extremely appreciative of the support of our wonderful sponsors and vendors, who make this event so successful.”

As of this printing, the Toast of the Town is proud to announce almost 100 vendors will participate. Guests will taste samples from Columbus favorites and event loyalists, including Abbey Sanders at Cathead Distillery. "Toast of the Town has always been such an incredible event for Cathead Distillery, and we are thrilled to participate in 2024! Being a small family-owned and operated craft distillery, we love being able to sample our handmade spirits to guests, and connect with them on a personal level. This event allows Columbus to experience innovation in the beverage industry on a hands-on basis, and helps attendees find their new favorite cocktail - like a Cathead Honeysuckle Vodka and Lemonade!" 

New to the event in 2024 include Bell’s Brewery, Better than Booze, Blake’s Hard Cider, Castle & Key Distillery, Chef E’s Catering, Graze Craze, JellyBean Cupcakes, Parsons Cookie Co., Pour Decisions Sports Bar, Peach Cobbler Factory, Renegade Lemonade Wine, T-Bones Steakhouse & Grill, The Brick and Mortar Cafe, UrbanTree Hard Cider, West Georgia Farms Cooperative and The Wimberly Collection. Columbus favorites, such as Stock Market Dueling Kitchens, Country’s Barbeque, Millhouse Restaurant + Bar, Parker’s Pantry, Chicken Salad Chick, Wicked Hen, Charred Oak Kitchen and Bar, and 11th and Bay Southern Table will again be offering their culinary samplings. “We have participated at the Toast of the Town several times, and my entire staff loves doing it with me each year. We all look forward to deciding which menu items we want to showcase at the event and always come away with fantastic feedback, which generates new business for us.  In addition, Toast is a wonderful way to support our community while promoting our growing business. We look forward to it every year!” said Parker Mullins, chef and owner of Parker’s Pantry.  Specialty vendors like Derby Mule, How Sweet It Is Cake Studio, German Food, Gifts and More, Native Nut Company, and Midtown Cakes will provide guests with the opportunity to try something unique.  

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 Co., Eagle Rock Distributing Co., Prime Wine & Spirits, United 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 be pouring several of their favorite wines and spirits at the event as well. In addition, 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, guests can peruse the silent auction filled with unique and hard-to-find items beginning at 7:00pm, as well as the  2 Wine Walls sponsored by The Bottle Shop, one at 7:00pm 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+.  

For tickets and information visit www.ToastColumbus.com. Grand Tasting tickets are $110 per person. If the event is not sold out prior to March 1st, Grand Tasting tickets will be $130 at the door plus taxes and fees. Tickets are non-refundable/ non-exchangeable.  Please note that the Toast of the Town is a 21+ event.