An Afternoon of Pours and Plates
at Ballantyne's Backyard.
The fall Charlotte Wine and Food Festival lands at Ballantyne's Backyard on Saturday, September 26, 2026, from noon to 5 PM. It is a 21-plus, open-air tasting afternoon: a long lineup of wineries, small plates from local restaurants, live music, and one of the best lawns in south Charlotte. Tickets are on the official event page, and this one sells out. Here is what to expect.
The essentials, fast.
What makes this festival special?
Produced by Drink Eat Relax, the festival turns the lawn outside Ballantyne's hotel into a tasting room under the sky. It is elegant without being fussy, and the combination of pours and plates is the point.
Wine Tastings
A rotating lineup of wineries pours through the afternoon, with something for every palate from crisp whites to big reds.
Local Food Bites
Charlotte restaurants serve small plates and grazing portions designed to pair with the glass in your hand.
Live Music
A live act provides the soundtrack on the lawn, keeping it lounge-y rather than loud.
Great People-Watching
The Backyard crowd is a mix of Ballantyne locals, birthday groups, and date-night couples, all in festival mood.
How much does it cost?
Tickets are on the official Ballantyne event page, and pricing tiers are listed there as they are released. This event is 21 and older, and the organizers recommend a designated driver or rideshare. General admission usually includes tasting pours with food available from the restaurants on site.
Official Event PageGood to know.
September can still be warm, but the Backyard's shade and the festival tents keep it comfortable.
Arrive at noon to beat the lines and catch the full wine list before the crowd thins it out.
There is also a spring edition elsewhere in the metro; September is the one for Ballantyne.
Curious about the neighborhood?
Ballantyne is the south Charlotte hub of neighborhoods, offices, and one very nice lawn. If you are considering this side of town, a festival afternoon is a lovely way to see the area at its best.
More fall festivals.
Fall Festivals Guide 2026
Every festival post in one place, from the Renaissance Fair to the Thanksgiving Eve Parade.
Charlotte Margarita Festival (Fall)
Mecktoberfest at OMB
Sources: Drink Eat Relax / Uncork the Fun, Ballantyne's Backyard. Dates and details were verified against official event pages in September 2026; always double-check the official site before you go, since event details can change.
Festival season is my favorite
time to show off Charlotte.
If you are thinking about moving to the Charlotte area, or just wondering which neighborhood fits you best, I would love to help. Reach out any time, and I will bring the neighborhood cheat sheet.