Atlanta has quietly become one of the South’s best cities for wine and food festivals, blending serious culinary talent with a relaxed, social vibe. Whether you live in the city or are planning a visit, there are several Atlanta wine and food festivals worth knowing about, plus plenty of tips to help you plan.
Below is a practical guide to the major events, what to expect, and how to make the most of them.
Most wine and food festivals in Atlanta follow a similar format:
Events run year-round but tend to cluster in spring and fall, when the weather is more comfortable for outdoor tasting.
Because details change every year (dates, lineups, ticket types), always check the current year’s schedule and policies before you go.
Atlanta regularly hosts large-scale events that celebrate Southern food and wine with:
You can generally expect:
These events are where you’ll see top Atlanta restaurants, regional chefs, and a wide range of wine styles from classic regions to emerging producers.
Beyond the large, branded festivals, Atlanta’s calendar often includes:
Many neighborhoods and districts host their own tasting-style events that combine food and drinks:
You’ll see events pop up frequently in and around areas like:
These are especially appealing if you want something more local and laid-back than a huge citywide festival.
Some shopping and dining districts host wine walks, where you:
They’re usually:
Wine and food festivals in Atlanta tend to use central, transit-accessible areas or large event spaces. Common types of venues include:
When planning your visit:
If you want hard-copy help planning routes, you can visit:
MARTA Headquarters & Customer Service
2424 Piedmont Rd NE
Atlanta, GA 30324
Main phone: 404‑848‑5000
Customer service can provide up-to-date route and schedule info if you’re unsure how to reach a venue by transit.
Most festivals in Atlanta offer several levels:
General Admission (GA)
VIP / Early Entry
Add-On Experiences
You can expect:
Most events are 21+, especially those focused on alcohol tastings. Check age rules carefully before planning to bring teens or children.
Atlanta weather can be unpredictable, especially in spring and summer:
Even though food is usually included, it may be:
Having a light meal beforehand can help you pace your drinking and enjoy the tastings more.
Festival pours are usually small, but they add up. To enjoy the experience:
If you plan to drink, line up a sober way home:
Planning this in advance makes the festival more relaxed and enjoyable.
Below is a simple snapshot of the kinds of events you might see on an Atlanta calendar. Details vary by year and organizer, but this can help set expectations:
| Type of Event | Typical Size | Focus | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Large citywide festival | Thousands | Food + wine + cocktails | Big outing, trying many restaurants/wines |
| Neighborhood food & wine | Hundreds to ~1,000 | Local restaurants, casual | Staying closer to home, local vibes |
| Wine walk / sip & stroll | Smaller to mid-size | Wine tasting while shopping | Social night out, light bites |
| Chef dinner / pairing event | Dozens | Set menu + curated wines | Special occasions, serious food lovers |
Use this to decide whether you want a high-energy, all-day tasting or a more focused, sit-down experience.
Because event names, sponsors, and formats change over time, it’s smart to:
If you prefer in-person information, the City of Atlanta Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs can be a starting point for arts and event information:
Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs
233 Peachtree St NE, Suite 1700
Atlanta, GA 30303
Main phone: 404‑546‑6815
They don’t run wine festivals directly but can sometimes point you to larger cultural events happening around the city.
To stay comfortable and prepared:
To combine a wine and food festival in Atlanta with sightseeing:
Festival weekends can be busy, so it helps to book lodging and restaurant reservations well in advance.
Atlanta’s wine and food festival scene gives you plenty of ways to explore the city’s chefs, wineries, and neighborhoods in one place. Once you pick the type of event that fits your style—big festival, neighborhood tasting, or intimate pairing dinner—you can focus on planning your route, pacing your tastings, and enjoying what Atlanta’s food and drink culture has to offer.
