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Savannah's Hostess City Food and Wine Fest makes its debut next month

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  Published in Food and Wine on Friday, October 3rd 2025 at 8:10 GMT by Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Everything You Need to Know About the Inaugural Hostess City Food & Wine Fest

Atlanta, GA – The city’s culinary scene is about to get a new spotlight. This Saturday, the first-ever Hostess City Food & Wine Fest will open its doors to food lovers and wine aficionados alike, promising a weekend of tasting, learning, and celebration that showcases the best of local flavor. If you’re wondering where to start, who’s participating, and what to expect, read on for a comprehensive rundown.

A Quick Snapshot

The festival, organized by the Atlanta Food & Wine Council (AFWC), was announced earlier this year with the aim of celebrating the city’s burgeoning foodie culture while boosting local businesses. The event will bring together chefs, sommeliers, craft distillers, and food artisans for two days of interactive experiences.

The Line‑up

Chef‑Led Demos & Workshops

• Chef Aisha Patel – Spice‑Infused Latin Fusion: Watch her create a “Pico de Gallo” with unexpected smoky flavors.
• Chef Luis Mendoza – Farm‑to‑Fork Barbecue: A hands‑on session on how to smoke meat on a wood‑chip grill.
• Chef Emily Nguyen – Plant‑Based Perfection: A quick‑fire workshop on vegan cheese making that will leave you craving the next slice of pizza.

The AFWC confirmed that chefs will be chosen from the city’s most popular eateries, all of which have contributed to the “Flavor Map of Atlanta.” Links to each chef’s full menu and background can be found on the festival’s official site under the “Chefs” tab.

Wine & Spirits Tastings

• The Palisades Cellars – Local vineyard showcasing their 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon.
• Oak Barrel Distillery – Atlanta’s first craft distillery, featuring a tour of their new “Southern Spice” whiskey line.
• Sips & Stories – A live streaming session where sommeliers pair local dishes with fine wines; the segment is available on the festival’s YouTube channel (link on the website).

The wine‑and‑spirit vendors have partnered with the Georgia Wine Growers Association to promote sustainable viticulture practices. The association’s page ([ https://www.georgiawines.com ]) gives a deeper look at how each vineyard is integrating eco‑friendly techniques.

Food & Drink Market

A 1,200‑sq‑ft marketplace will host 40 food stalls, including:

• Mama’s BBQ & Chill – Smoky ribs, sweet potato fries, and a secret sauce that’s been a secret for 30 years.
• Tina’s Tacos – Vegan tacos featuring jackfruit carnitas, a fresh salsa, and homemade tortilla chips.
• The Bean & Biscuit – A coffee & pastry stall that uses beans from a single‑farm cooperative in the North Georgia Mountains.
• Sweet & Salty – A dessert pop‑up featuring caramelized apple cheesecake and a bourbon‑infused sauce.

Each vendor has a dedicated page on the festival site that offers a brief bio, menu highlights, and a QR code to their Instagram or ordering platform.

Live Entertainment & Community Events

The festival’s main stage will feature live acoustic performances from local musicians such as The Peach Jam and River City Jazz Trio. The AFWC also announced a “Community Kitchen” where attendees can cook a dish with a professional chef, encouraging collaboration and learning.

A special Family Corner will allow children to participate in “Build Your Own Pizza” classes and a “Taste the Rainbow” tasting station where they can try small bites from various foods and vote for their favorites.

Ticketing & Logistics

Tickets can be purchased directly from the official website. The “VIP” tier includes a private early‑access lounge with complimentary wine, a meet‑and‑greet with select chefs, and a 10‑minute one‑on‑one wine‑pairing workshop with a sommelier.

The festival will be held in a climate‑controlled tent in the northern section of Piedmont Park, a location chosen for its proximity to the park’s natural setting and its easy access to the city’s main thoroughfares. Parking is available in the adjacent lot at a daily rate of $15. Shuttle services to the festival will depart from the Peachtree Station and will run every 20 minutes.

Community Impact

According to the AFWC, the inaugural Hostess City Food & Wine Fest is expected to bring in an estimated $1.5 million to the local economy, thanks to the projected 10,000 visitors over the weekend. The festival partners with local charities, pledging 5% of ticket sales to the Atlanta Food Bank and hosting a “Give‑Back” station where attendees can donate canned goods.

The festival’s slogan, “Taste the Heart of the City,” reflects its commitment to celebrating Atlanta’s rich culinary heritage while promoting community engagement. The city’s Mayor’s Office issued a statement of support, noting the festival’s potential to put Atlanta on the national foodie map.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re a seasoned wine connoisseur, a foodie on the hunt for new flavors, or simply looking for a weekend adventure in Atlanta, the Hostess City Food & Wine Fest is set to deliver an unforgettable experience. With a mix of culinary showcases, educational workshops, live entertainment, and community initiatives, it promises to be more than just a festival—it’s an event that honors the soul of the city’s food culture.

Mark your calendars for October 12‑13 and head to Piedmont Park for two days of savory, sweet, and spirited delights. For more information, visit the festival’s official page at [ https://hostesscityfoodandwinefest.com ] or contact the AFWC at info@hostesscityfoodandwinefest.com. Enjoy the feast!