5th annual celebration of Southern flavors.
By Hope S. Philbrick
Food lovers make an annual pilgrimage to Midtown Atlanta to celebrate, discover and learn about Southern cuisine.
Launched in 2011 by Atlanta entrepreneurs Dominique Love and Elizabeth Feichter, the Atlanta Food & Wine Festival is a four-day culinary experience celebrating the South. With an Advisory Council of more than 80 award-winning chefs and industry experts from 13 Southern states and the District of Columbia, it offers more than 100 cooking and cocktail classes, tasting seminars, panel discussions, tasting tents organized in a series of “trails”, plus dinners and special events.
What differentiates the Atlanta Food & Wine Festival from other culinary events across the South is that it’s “a full weekend experience,” says Love. “It’s not just about tasting but includes learning elements. Throughout the weekend there are hands-on classes plus cooking and cocktail demonstrations, tasting seminars, pairing sessions, panel discussions and exclusive dinners. It’s a very comprehensive weekend.”
In addition to the American South, the Festival also celebrates the flavors of other Southern regions around the globe including Southern Europe, South Africa, South America, Southern Hemisphere (Australia and New Zealand) and South-of-the-Border for Mexico.
“I liken it to a really fabulous all-you-can-eat-and-drink Southern buffet,” says Love.
Step into the tasting tents and one thing is clear: There’s no excuse to leave hungry.
Mark your calendars for the 6th annual Atlanta Food & Wine Festival, June 2-5, 2016.
21 Plus Salute! Guests must be 21 years or older to enter any AF&WF event. Absolutely no exceptions.
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– Photos © HSP Media LLC
Featured products, services and/or travel arrangements may have been complimentary in part or in full; this affords the research opportunity but does not sway opinion.
Hope S. Philbrick is founder and editor-in-chief of Getaways for Grownups. Her work has appeared in dozens of publications nationwide. She’s reviewed restaurants for several Atlanta-based newspapers and magazines for more than 12 years. When not writing, she can usually be found on the road or savoring something tasty.
