Downtown Columbus comes alive with flavor for Saucebox event

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – Downtown Columbus was full of flavor Sunday as local chefs and wine lovers came together for one big toast to the city.

Saucebox, formerly known as the Columbus Natural Wine Festival, was reimagined this year with a new name, more vendors, and an even bigger footprint.

On Sunday afternoon, 20 of Columbus’ top restaurants joined forces with more than 100 wines from around the world, creating a street festival that was part tasting tour, part celebration.

The event was hosted by the Columbus Wine Alliance, serving as a love letter to the city’s culinary scene. Winemakers from as far as Milan, Croatia, and Spain joined the event.

"Restaurants are a community,” Saucebox founder Gregory Stokes said. “Wine is supposed to be shared. So, we created this with the idea that bring people from all over the city, Pickerington, New Albany, Powell. Bring them all downtown to celebrate Columbus."

The event’s new name was inspired by a Victorian term meaning “the mouth,” capturing the festival’s passion for bold flavors and exciting sips.