The Atlanta Food & Wine Festival surprised me this year. As an Atlanta native who has lived in Charleston for my entire adult life, I expected good food and excellent drinks — but I didn’t expect Atlanta to feel so vibrant and distinct from Charleston.
Charleston has become a culinary touchstone for Southern food, and we tend to think of it as the place to see the best of the region. We deserve that praise — we’re very good at what we do. But the Atlanta festival reminded me that Charleston isn’t the only city doing remarkable work.
Before the weekend, Atlanta hadn’t always felt like a major food destination to me, though I love many of its restaurants (Bistro Niko and the Buckhead Life group among them). After this festival, I think differently. The event gave me a renewed appreciation for Atlanta’s food scene — its energy, creativity, and breadth.
The Knob Creek and Big Green Egg tent stood out. With a lineup of inventive cocktails and well-executed bites, plus a smart “enjoy your drink while waiting for your food” flow, the tent felt like an upscale backyard barbecue. A roped-off line kept things orderly and comfortable.
Hattie B’s brought rows of hot chicken (quail, perhaps) that were unapologetically Southern and absolutely delicious. A sudden rain pause cut my tasting short, or I might have gone back for seconds — or thirds.
Throughout the grounds, tent after tent offered small bites and full-size drinks, ensuring there was something for every palate. Whiskey brands and Southern-style dishes were especially prominent, but the festival showcased much more than classic comfort food.
Hendricks Gin delivered a standout installation: a steam-punk inspired cocktail setup that was both theatrical and delicious. From a crank-operated suitcase that mixed gin and tonics to a styled motorcycle and sidecar and a towering Negroni machine, their presentation was one of the festival’s most memorable spectacles.
Among local and national brands, Charleston was well represented. Chef Blair Machado from Indaco served savory, cheesy breadsticks that paired perfectly with the nearby cocktail tents. Those breadsticks, along with Hattie B’s hot chicken, were among my favorite solid bites of the evening. Other Charleston favorites — The Darling, Virgil Kaine, Home Team BBQ, and Brown’s Court Bakery — also made strong showings, reminding everyone that Charleston remains a culinary force.
From organization to vendor selection and event flow, the Atlanta Food & Wine Festival was one of my favorite foodie events of the year. It balanced big-name brands and local talent while creating an engaging environment for discovery. I’m already looking forward to next year to see how the festival continues to evolve and celebrate Southern cuisine.
What are some of your favorite foodie cities and events?
P.S. I heard that a skillet belonging to Sean Brock was stolen during the festival. That sounds like the setup for an outrageous story — or a terrible bit of theft. Either way, I hope it’s recovered and handled appropriately.