Euphoria: For the good of food

What began as event known as Southern Exposure eight years ago quickly took shape as an international celebration of culinary arts. Built on the belief that food and wine are meant to be understood, savored and truly appreciated, the founders wanted Greenville to showcase talent and share the harvest.

These days we refer to this getaway for grown-ups as Euphoria around here, and recently we spent some time with the people behind the annual event. We left with a quick guide to everything Euphoria, and of course a very big appetite for what's coming.

Who's who?

Euphoria was founded in September 2006 by Edwin McCain, platinum-selling singer songwriter, and Carl Sobocinski, local restaurateur. Since then, Euphoria has become an event highly anticipated by thousands of food lovers from all around the world. What started with two men and a vision now takes an executive team, a board of directors, and a slew of volunteers to ensure every detail is in place for the event. Hungry and thirsty people from 30 states, three countries and 235 ZIP codes sampled their way through Euphoria last year.

Local Boys Do Good

The nonprofit organization Local Boys Do Good was organized ago with the intention of highlighting Greenville and supporting local charities with net profits from Euphoria. More than $150,000 in cash and in-kind gifts have been donated to deserving charitable organizations.

What's cooking?

Or, in this case, who's cooking? This year's event will feature such talented chefs as Ford Fry from The Optimist in Atlanta, which received rankings as the seventh best new restaurant in the country by Bon Appetite in 2013. He joins chefs from around the country who are regulars by now along with some new faces, all ready to share a love of food with the rest of us.

So what's the inside scoop on a don't-miss event of the weekend? We went straight to the top for an answer on that one.

"The Sunday Supper — a family style dinner with guest chef John Currence," saysSobocinski, who is also chairman of the board for Euphoria. "This event sells out every year. It's an intimate event that caps off the weekend with great food, spirits, fellowship and a proper feeling of Euphoria."

Rockin' it

Like a little music with your dinner? Songwriter's Recipe kicks the weekend off with legendary songwriters Tim Nichols, Rivers Rutherford and Bob DiPiero. They plan to warm up the weekend while sharing how words become songs and songs become platinum. With experience writing for Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, Brad Paisley and more, the trio promise plenty of entertainment for guests.

Sniff, swirl, swish

Attending a food and wine festival means sampling featured international and domestic wines alongside master sommeliers trained to discuss your thoughts and questions about the nose, the label and the process by which the wines you sample are made. This is a small piece of the Tasting Showcase. This package features an entire Saturday filled with wine and beer tastings as well as cooking demonstrations because by all means, the eyes must feast too.

Taste of the South

Since the first Euphoria in 2006, Taste of the South has been a huge hit. It's a little music by the Reedy River and a whole lot of the Upstate's best food — 11 different restaurants to be exact — whipping up all that makes them local favorites.

"The name is the same, but Friday night's Taste of the South has a bit of a new vibe this year with live music from the Nashville-based band Sixwire, a high-energy party band whose members have toured with and written for some of the best musicians around," says Brianna Shaw, executive director of Euphoria. "Expect to see a lot of singing and dancing."

Down on the Bayou

Did someone say beignet? On the final day of the festival, we start the day with The South State Bank Jazz Brunch, swinging sounds and sumptuous flavors of New Orleans served up by Greenville's local chefs down by the Reedy River.

Grandma's table

This, the grand finale of the weekend, brings it all home providing the opportunity for chefs and patrons to meet and share highlights of what's sure to be another successful weekend of breaking bread together and giving back in the process. Fresh local ingredients make their way to the Wyche Pavilion, producing an event reminiscent of supper under the stars thanks to guest chef Currence, local chef Anthony Gray and host chef Shaun Garcia. Music will be provided by the band Crooked Pine.

Euphoria is Sept. 18 – 21. After eight years, the magic continues — and the appreciation for eating and drinking well does too.

I say we should all raise a glass to that.

For more: View itineraries, talent and purchase tickets at euphoriagreenville.com.