Atlanta Food & Wine is back
The Atlanta Food & Wine Festival (AFWF) is back for its 12th year and it promises a stacked lineup of curated dining experiences, chef seminars, and spirited Tasting Tents celebrating all things Southern.
Kicking off on Wednesday, September 20th with events continuing through Sunday, September 24th, attendees can mix and mingle with the chefs behind beloved Atlanta restaurants like Alon’s Bakery, Talat Market, Le Bon Nosh, Lazy Betty, Little Bear, Humble Pie, and more. Taking place at Historic Fourth Ward Park, AFWF will benefit Children of Conservation’s school lunch program – feeding lunches to children who otherwise eat one meal per day and protein once per week.
This year’s theme is ‘all roads lead to Atlanta’ as the Festival brings together chefs, mixologists, farmers, and brands from all over the south to one of the regions most loved cities. Tickets are on sale now and are selling out fast.
If you love all things southern and want to treat yourself to some of the best Atlanta (and beyond) has to offer, here are 7 reasons to attend the Atlanta Food & Wine Festival.
You can score discounted tickets with group purchases or by treating yourself to an all-access pass
That’s right, if you purchase all-access weekend passes you’ll find yourself not only making the most of the Festival, but saving big. With both general admission and VIP passes available you could save up to $100. Planning on attending with friends? Opt for a group package — valid for groups of six people or more, you’ll get 20 percent off your purchase as long as it’s bought as part of the same transaction.
Enjoy chef demos at AFWF
Take part in the first-ever Friday night Tasting Tent event: Atlanta After Dark
Happening on Friday, September 22 from 7 to 10pm, this event is co-hosted by Alyssa Fagien of @atl_bucketlist. Here guests will feast on bites by Katsuji Tanabe of a’Verde, Trader Vic’s, Hattie B’s Hot Chicken, Hero Doughnuts & Buns, and many more. There will also be plenty of drinks from some of Atlanta’s best mixologists, cocktail establishments like Superica and Foundation Social Eatery, and spirits brands.
Enjoy some of the South’s staple dishes – from Atlanta and beyond
The Tasting Tents are truly the grand marquis event where attendees will find the signature tents and tables filled with chefs and restaurants from all over the south. Included in your ticket price is unlimited food, wine, and cocktails — plus live chef demos + interactive experiences from more than 60 top chefs including DAS BBQ, Delbar, Ladybird, Tiny Lou’s, TWO Urban Licks, The Southern Gentleman, and many more linked here!
Take advantage of exclusive room discounts at the InterContinental Buckhead Atlanta
Whether you’re visiting or looking for a last-minute staycation, the Intercontinental Buckhead Atlanta is offering up to 30 percent savings. The hotel is home to The Americano, an Italian-inspired steakhouse by celebrity chef Scott Conant which will be hosting a seated dinner on Saturday night (aka reason number five).
Scott Conant
Indulge in intimate seated dinners with local and celebrity chefs
New to the Festival this year are the Gourmet Gatherings events. This series of intimate, in-restaurant experiences give guests the chance to get up close and personal with some of their favorite chefs as they indulge in multi-course seated dinners complete with beverage pairings.
Gourmet Gatherings taking place this year include:
- The Iberian Pig Meets Music City with chef Josue Peña and chef Liron Eisenberg of Stateside Kitchen at The Iberian Pig Buckhead
- Mexico City Meets the Market Dinner with Chefs Santiago Gomez of Palo Santo and Parnass Savang of Talat Market at Palo Santo
- A Fine Affair with Chefs Aaron Phillips of Lazy Betty & Freddy Money of Atlas at Lazy Betty
- The Sound of Food, Taste of Music Dinner with Chefs Anthony Sanders of Atlanta Breakfast Club, John Thomas, Briana Riddock, Andre Gomez, George Lopez, and Christan Willis at Trolley Barn
- Western Europe Meets the South: A Global Approach on Local Ingredients with Chefs Jared Hucks and Pat Pascarella at The Alden
- Rough Draft Presents A Delicious Harvest Harmony with Chefs Olivia McCoy of The Daily Chew and Jarrett Stieber of Little Bear at The Daily Chew
- Not Your Average Southern Dinner with Robert Butts of Twisted Soul Cookhouse & Pours at Twisted Soul Cookhouse & Pours
- A Night at the Americano Atlanta with Scott Conant and surprise guest chef at The Americano Atlanta
Check out the full lineup at www.atlfoodandwinefestival.com/gourmet-gatherings.
Top the weekend off with a Sunday slice of Humble Pie
Are you more of a Sunday funday, brunch kind of person? Perfect. How about Sunday brunch at Humble Pie, a charming neighborhood haven nestled within The Interlock on Atlanta’s Westside? Chefs Ron Hsu, Lorien Vilchez, and Megan Allen of 7acre are teaming up to create a delicious menu that reimagines classic American fare with a creative twist. Dishes like fried green tomato with goat cheese, and fig jam and crispy chicken biscuits with spicy chili crisp and honey await at this decadent Sunday event.
Pop over to the Beltline straight from the Tasting Tents and explore some of Atlanta’s other attractions
You’re in Atlanta already, so you might as well explore other great spots in the city. Consider a visit to favorites like Ponce City Market, Krog Street Market, and New Realm Brewing, or check out the newest food hall – AlcoHall at Pullman Yards, one of the city’s most historic entertainment districts with an entire building dedicated to booze, games + live music.
For more information about the Festival, visit www.atlfoodandwinefestival.com.
