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 will host its 16th year on Friday, March 6, 2026, from 7:00pm-10:00pm 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  Warehouse 9. "As we gear up for the 2026 Toast of the Town, we’re reflecting on the incredible  journey of the last five years," says Chef Derek of Warehouse 9. "The event has had a profound  impact on our business and our connection to the community. We are ready to bring that same  energy back this year and can't wait to see everyone in Columbus for another unforgettable  turnout.” 

We are thrilled to welcome several new vendors to the Grand Tasting in 2026 including Eighteen85 Rooftop Bar + Kitchen, AC Hotel Columbus Downtown, Bonefish Grill, Café 405 and  Bakery, Essence Craft Beverages, Frey Ranch Distillery, It’s Tamale Time, Lou Lou’s Bistro +  Foster’s Bar, New York Butcher Shoppe & Wine Bar, Star Spangled Tea & Coffee Co., The Buzz  Board, The Cookie Co., and USA Cajun Station. Columbus-area favorites, such as B Merrell’s,  Country’s Barbeque, Parker’s Pantry, Chicken Salad Chick, Clean Eatz, My Boulánge & Tower Pizza,  Warehouse 9, and 11th and Bay Southern Table, as well as private clubs; Country Club of  Columbus and Green Island Country Club, will again be offering their culinary samplings.  Specialty vendors like Custom Cake Studio, Dani’s Cheesecakes, Derby Mule, German Food, Gifts  and More, Graze Craze, Native Nut Company, Peach Cobbler Factory, Sarah’s Sweet Sensations

and West Georgia Farmers’ Cooperative will provide guests with the opportunity to try something  unique. While caterers Chef E’s Catering, Classic Fare Catering and LA’s To Go & Catering offer  an additional culinary twist. 

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, Savannah Distributing, and  Winebow Fine Wines & Craft 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 and seltzers from local and national  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+.  

To complement the 16th Annual Grand Tasting on Friday, March 7th, the Toast of the Town, the  2nd annual pre-event: The Bottle Shop Bay & Barrel: A Southern Bourbon & Wine Dinner  presented by Georgia Crown. This kick-off event will be held at 11th and Bay Southern Table on  Thursday, March 5, 2026. The evening will begin at 6:00 pm with a cocktail reception, featuring a  Frey Ranch Distillery specialty bourbon drink. At 6:30pm, guests will then be seated to enjoy a 4- 

course dinner prepared by 11th and Bay’s Head Chef, Heather Harrell. Each course will be paired  with a bourbon and wine specifically chosen by Frey Ranch Distillery and Georgia Crown. Chris  Helmly from Frey Ranch, and Georgia Crown’s Master Sommelier, Michael McNeil, will provide  their expertise about each bourbon and wine as guests enjoy this unique dining experience. You  will not want to miss this exclusive event! Tickets are limited to 100 guests. 

Miles Jordon, owner of the The Bottle Shop, comments, "The Bottle Shop is beyond excited to  have the opportunity to showcase one of the most unique and popular distilleries in the US at  the 2nd annual Bay & Barrel event! Toast of the Town is one of our favorite events every year, and  we look forward to enhancing the overall experience this year by partnering with 11th & Bay and  Frey Ranch to create a one-of-a-kind experience. Combining 11th & Bay's culinary skills and  amazing atmosphere, with the true farm-to-bottle whiskies from Frey Ranch, is a pairing that we  are thrilled to see in action!"

For tickets and information for both events visit www.ToastColumbus.com. Grand Tasting price  per picket through 02/28/26 is $125 plus taxes and fees. The per ticket price increases on  03/01/26 to $150 plus taxes and fees. Tickets to The Bottle Shop Bay & Barrel: A Southern  Bourbon & Wine Dinner presented by Georgia Crown are $250 plus taxes and fees per person.  Tickets are non-refundable/ non-exchangeable. Please note that both Toast of the Town events  are 21+ events.