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Atlanta Food & Wine Festival Finds a New Groove (and Location!)

  //food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2025/08/23 .. ne-festival-finds-a-new-groove-and-location.html
  Published in Food and Wine on Saturday, August 23rd 2025 at 8:46 GMT by Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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The beloved Atlanta Food & Wine Festival is undergoing some significant changes, signaling a fresh chapter for this cornerstone culinary event. After years at Centennial Olympic Park, the festival has announced a move to Pullman Yards, a historic industrial complex in Little Five Points, and unveiled several other updates aimed at enhancing the experience for both attendees and participating vendors. This shift promises a more intimate atmosphere, expanded programming, and a renewed focus on showcasing Georgia’s vibrant food and beverage scene.

For years, Centennial Olympic Park served as the festival's bustling hub, drawing crowds eager to sample dishes from Atlanta’s top restaurants and sip wines and spirits from across the globe. However, the sheer scale of the park presented logistical challenges, impacting vendor visibility and attendee flow. The move to Pullman Yards addresses these concerns directly. The sprawling complex offers a unique blend of industrial history and modern amenities, providing ample space for expanded tasting areas, cooking demonstrations, live music stages, and more. Its brick buildings and open-air spaces create a distinct ambiance that organizers hope will foster a stronger sense of community and discovery.

"We've listened to our vendors and attendees," said festival director Kimberly Jones in an interview with the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. "Pullman Yards allows us to create a more curated, intimate experience while still maintaining the scale and excitement that makes the Atlanta Food & Wine Festival so special."

Beyond the location change, the 2025 festival promises several other noteworthy updates. A significant focus will be placed on highlighting Georgia’s agricultural bounty and showcasing local producers. This includes expanding the “Georgia Grown” pavilion, featuring farmers, artisans, and food entrepreneurs from across the state. Attendees can expect to encounter unique products like artisanal cheeses, locally-sourced honey, heirloom tomatoes, and handcrafted spirits – all directly connecting them with the people behind the ingredients.

The festival’s signature events are also receiving a refresh. The Grand Tasting, the festival's largest event, will be reorganized to improve flow and provide more opportunities for attendees to interact with vendors. Smaller, more focused tasting sessions, such as those dedicated to specific wine regions or culinary themes, will be introduced to cater to diverse interests. The popular cooking demonstrations, led by renowned chefs (including returning favorites like Chef Kevin Gillespie – see his Wood Valley Kitchen website), are also being expanded and enhanced, offering attendees a chance to learn new techniques and gain insights into the creative process behind some of Atlanta’s most celebrated dishes.

This year's festival will also feature a renewed emphasis on education and engagement. Workshops led by industry experts will cover topics ranging from wine pairing to sustainable farming practices. These sessions aim to deepen attendees’ appreciation for food and beverage production, fostering a greater understanding of the complexities and nuances within the culinary world. The festival is actively partnering with local organizations like Georgia Grown (learn more about their initiatives here) to promote responsible sourcing and support the state's agricultural community.

The move to Pullman Yards represents more than just a change in scenery; it signifies a strategic shift for the Atlanta Food & Wine Festival, reflecting a commitment to growth, innovation, and a deeper connection with the local food and beverage landscape. By embracing its Georgia roots and prioritizing attendee experience, the festival aims to solidify its position as a premier culinary destination, attracting both seasoned foodies and those just beginning their gastronomic journey.

Tickets for the 2025 Atlanta Food & Wine Festival are expected to go on sale in early 2025. For more information about the event, including dates, ticket pricing, and participating vendors, visit the festival's official website (www.atlantafoodandwinefest.com). The organizers encourage attendees to follow their social media channels for updates and behind-the-scenes glimpses of preparations leading up to the big event. The future looks bright – and delicious – for Atlanta’s premier food and wine celebration.