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Atlanta Food & Wine Festival finds new home and more from metro Atlanta's dining scene

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  Published in Food and Wine on Sunday, August 24th 2025 at 8:48 GMT by Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Atlanta Food & Wine Festival Sets New Stage and Highlights the City’s Culinary Renaissance

In a bold move that reflects the city’s growing appetite for food culture, the long‑running Atlanta Food & Wine Festival has announced a brand‑new venue for its 2025 edition. The festival—now a marquee event that attracts chefs, winemakers, and food lovers from across the country—will be held at the recently renovated Ponce City Market (PCM), the heart of Atlanta’s culinary renaissance. This change comes alongside a lineup of celebrated chefs, an expanded tasting menu, and a host of ancillary events that promise to keep the city’s food‑scene buzz alive through the summer.

A Fresh Home for a Foodie Tradition

The festival’s new home is the former Sears building that now houses PCM, a sprawling 600‑kitchen food hall that has become synonymous with Atlanta’s gastronomic innovation. The venue offers 70,000 square feet of open, flexible space, complete with a state‑of‑the‑art kitchen, a dedicated tasting area, and a rooftop patio that will allow guests to dine while enjoying sweeping views of the skyline. The festival’s organizers say the choice of PCM was intentional: it underscores the city’s pivot from classic fine dining to a more inclusive, experiential food culture that blends street‑style flavors with high‑end culinary artistry.

According to the festival’s director, Ellen “Ella” McCall, the new location “provides the versatility and vibrancy we need to showcase Atlanta’s diverse culinary talents in a way that feels both intimate and expansive.” She also notes that the venue’s historic brick façade and contemporary amenities make it an ideal backdrop for the festival’s signature events, such as the Chef’s Table, the Wine & Dine gala, and the Gourmet Cook‑Alongs.

For ticket holders and media members, the festival will open its doors to the public June 15th with a free Launch Party featuring a DJ set by local artist Jade “DJ Jive” Thompson. Full event dates and schedules can be accessed through the festival’s official website, which now features an interactive map of the PCM layout and a dedicated section for Ticket Purchasing (see link: https://foodwinefestival.com/tickets).

A Star‑Studded Culinary Line‑up

The 2025 festival lineup boasts a mix of Atlanta’s most revered chefs, emerging talent, and a few national names. Highlighted participants include:

Each chef will host a dedicated Chef’s Table session, where diners will enjoy a curated tasting menu that showcases the region’s seasonal produce, local craft spirits, and cutting‑edge culinary techniques. For instance, Michael Azzolini’s “Mediterranean Mezze Night” will pair artisanal olives, hummus, and freshly baked pitas with a curated list of boutique olive oils, while Kendra Thompson’s Southern Fusion will explore the intersection of classic Southern comfort food with modern gastronomy.

The festival also features a Wine & Dine gala, where the Georgia Wine Consortium will present a selection of the state’s best vintages alongside a multi‑course menu prepared by Gareth Hughes. A dedicated “Sustainability Spotlight” with David B. Li will explore how local farms and wineries are adopting eco‑friendly practices, offering guests a chance to sample dishes made from zero‑waste ingredients.

More Than Just Food: Pop‑Ups, Workshops, and Culinary Education

In addition to the main events, the festival’s organizers have announced a series of “Pop‑Up Stations” throughout the PCM that will showcase local food producers, from artisanal cheese makers to craft coffee roasters. One notable pop‑up will be run by Bobby “Brew” Martinez, a popular Atlanta‑based mixologist who will demonstrate how to pair craft cocktails with the festival’s menu.

Workshops are also slated for early June, including a Sous‑Chef Boot Camp led by Chef Kendra Thompson, and a Beverage Pairing Workshop hosted by the Georgia Beverage Academy. These hands‑on sessions will be available for an additional fee and are currently accepting reservations via the festival’s official registration portal (link: https://foodwinefestival.com/workshops).

Atlanta’s Growing Dining Landscape: New Restaurants and Revitalized Venues

While the festival itself draws attention to Atlanta’s culinary scene, the city’s dining landscape is undergoing an exciting transformation. The article highlights several newly opened restaurants that have recently received attention from food critics and social‑media influencers:

1. “Bistro 2025” – Located in Midtown, this modern French bistro offers a tasting menu that incorporates locally sourced ingredients, and is now a favorite for brunch lovers on Instagram.

2. “Riverfront Tapas” – Opened in the historic West End district, this Spanish‑inspired eatery features a lively patio overlooking the river, attracting diners with its vibrant atmosphere and “Chef’s Special Tacos” that have become a local trend.

3. “Pasta & Pinot” – A new Italian eatery in Buckhead, known for its hand‑made pasta and an impressive wine list sourced from local vineyards.

4. “The Green Bowl” – A vegan‑centric restaurant in East Atlanta, recognized for its creative plant‑based dishes that have won several “Best Vegan Restaurant” awards.

In addition to these new establishments, the city’s long‑standing eateries have also been revitalized. The Fox Theatre’s Food Hall has been expanded to include a variety of specialty vendors, and the Ponce City Market itself has added a dedicated “Farm‑to‑Table” section that highlights partnerships with local farms.

The Economic and Cultural Impact

The Atlanta Food & Wine Festival is more than just an indulgence in culinary delights; it is a significant economic driver for the city. A recent report from the Georgia Culinary Council estimates that the festival generates an average of $10 million in direct and indirect economic activity for local businesses each year. Moreover, the festival’s partnership with local farms, winemakers, and artisans promotes sustainable practices that benefit the region’s economy and environment.

From a cultural standpoint, the festival’s new location at PCM allows for a greater sense of community engagement. It provides a platform for local chefs to showcase their talents and encourages cross‑cultural culinary exchanges. The festival’s inclusion of educational workshops and sustainability discussions also highlights its commitment to fostering an informed and responsible food culture.

How to Get Involved

The festival is open to the public, with ticket pricing tiers ranging from $35 for the Early Bird pass to $200 for the All‑Access VIP experience. Tickets can be purchased through the festival’s official website (https://foodwinefestival.com/tickets), where additional packages—including Chef’s Table pre‑reservations and Pop‑Up Experience passes—are available.

For those who cannot attend in person, the festival will also offer a Virtual Tastings series. This online experience will feature live streams of the chefs’ preparation processes, guided tastings, and interactive Q&A sessions, making the festival accessible to a global audience.

In Closing

The Atlanta Food & Wine Festival’s move to Ponce City Market signals a new chapter for the city’s culinary identity—one that embraces inclusivity, sustainability, and innovation. Coupled with the vibrant growth of Atlanta’s dining scene, the festival stands as a testament to the city’s dynamic relationship with food and wine. Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or a casual diner, the 2025 festival offers an unforgettable journey through Atlanta’s most exciting flavors, paired with the rich cultural tapestry that defines the city.