Your Guide to Wine and Food Festivals in Atlanta

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.

The Big Picture: How Wine and Food Festivals Work in Atlanta

Most wine and food festivals in Atlanta follow a similar format:

• Multiple tasting sessions over one or several days
• Unlimited or sample-size pours of wine, beer, and cocktails (within event rules)
• Bites from local restaurants, pop-ups, and food trucks
• Options for VIP access with early entry, special tastings, or lounge areas
• Often live music, chef demos, and themed experiences

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.

Major Wine and Food Festival Experiences in Atlanta

Atlanta Food & Wine–Style Events

Atlanta regularly hosts large-scale events that celebrate Southern food and wine with:

• Tasting tents or walk-around events
• Chef-curated dinners and brunches
• Wine, beer, and spirit tastings
• Educational panels or pairing classes

You can generally expect:

• Location: Often in central areas like Midtown, Buckhead, or popular event spaces around the city
• Audience: Mix of locals, out-of-town visitors, and serious food lovers
• Vibe: Upscale casual—people dress nicely but not formally

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.

Other Notable Wine & Food Experiences Around Atlanta

Beyond the large, branded festivals, Atlanta’s calendar often includes:

Neighborhood Food & Wine Tasting Events

Many neighborhoods and districts host their own tasting-style events that combine food and drinks:

• Walkable tasting routes
• Local restaurant booths
• Beer and wine sampling
• Live bands or DJs

You’ll see events pop up frequently in and around areas like:

• Midtown
• Inman Park / Old Fourth Ward
• West Midtown
• Buckhead
• Grant Park

These are especially appealing if you want something more local and laid-back than a huge citywide festival.

Wine Walks and Sip & Stroll Events

Some shopping and dining districts host wine walks, where you:

• Check in at a central registration spot
• Receive a wristband and tasting glass
• Stroll through shops and restaurants offering small pours and snacks

They’re usually:

• Shorter in duration (a few hours in the evening)
• Focused on socializing and exploring local businesses
• Less food-heavy than major festivals, but still offer snacks and bites

Typical Festival Locations & Logistics in Atlanta

Wine and food festivals in Atlanta tend to use central, transit-accessible areas or large event spaces. Common types of venues include:

• City parks and greenspaces (for tents and outdoor stages)
• Convention centers and large halls (for indoor tastings)
• Mixed-use developments like The Battery Atlanta or Atlantic Station
• Hotel ballrooms or rooftop spaces for more intimate events

Getting There

When planning your visit:

• MARTA: Many central events are accessible via MARTA rail and bus, which can be especially useful if you plan to drink.
• Rideshare and taxis: Widely used for festival nights; pickup zones are usually marked near large venues.
• Driving and parking: Large festivals often partner with nearby garages. Expect paid parking and leave extra time for traffic.

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.

What to Expect at an Atlanta Wine & Food Festival

Ticket Types

Most festivals in Atlanta offer several levels:

• General Admission (GA)

  • Standard entry time
  • Access to tasting areas
  • Unlimited small pours (within event rules)
  • Food tastings while supplies last

• VIP / Early Entry

  • Earlier access to tasting tents
  • Separate VIP areas or lounges
  • Sometimes upgraded food options or exclusive pours

• Add-On Experiences

  • Chef’s tables or seated dinners
  • Wine education classes
  • Special pairing events (wine + cheese, chocolate, etc.)

Atmosphere & Crowd

You can expect:

• A festive, social environment—perfect for groups of friends or couples
• A wide range of ages, mostly adults in their 20s–60s
• Music, photo ops, and branded activations

Most events are 21+, especially those focused on alcohol tastings. Check age rules carefully before planning to bring teens or children.

Local Tips to Make the Most of an Atlanta Wine & Food Festival

1. Plan Around the Weather 🌤️

Atlanta weather can be unpredictable, especially in spring and summer:

• For outdoor events, bring:
  • Light layers
  • Sunglasses and sunscreen
  • Comfortable shoes (you’ll be on your feet)
• For rainy forecasts, a compact poncho often works better than an umbrella in crowded tasting tents.

2. Eat Before You Go

Even though food is usually included, it may be:

• Served in small portions, and
• In high demand, especially at popular booths

Having a light meal beforehand can help you pace your drinking and enjoy the tastings more.

3. Pace Your Tastings

Festival pours are usually small, but they add up. To enjoy the experience:

• Start with lighter wines (sparkling, white) before moving to reds or spirits
• Use dump buckets provided at tasting tables—sniff, taste, and pour out the rest if you don’t love it
• Take breaks for water and food throughout the event

4. Transportation Planning

If you plan to drink, line up a sober way home:

• Pre-schedule rideshare pickups
• Use MARTA where possible
• Coordinate a designated driver

Planning this in advance makes the festival more relaxed and enjoyable.

Sample Comparison: Types of Atlanta Wine & Food Events

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:

Use this to decide whether you want a high-energy, all-day tasting or a more focused, sit-down experience.

How to Find Current Wine and Food Festivals in Atlanta

Because event names, sponsors, and formats change over time, it’s smart to:

• Search by season (e.g., “spring wine festival Atlanta” or “Atlanta food and wine event fall”)
• Check Atlanta-focused event calendars and tourism resources
• Look at local neighborhood associations and business districts, which often promote wine walks and food tastings

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.

Practical Packing Checklist for Atlanta Wine & Food Festivals

To stay comfortable and prepared:

• Photo ID (21+ verification is almost always required)
• Printed or digital tickets with a charged phone
• Comfortable, closed-toe shoes
• Weather-appropriate clothing (light, breathable fabrics for Atlanta heat)
• Small bag for personal items (some festivals have bag-size rules)
• Refillable water bottle if allowed (many events encourage hydration)
• Hand sanitizer and wipes

If You’re Visiting Atlanta for a Festival

To combine a wine and food festival in Atlanta with sightseeing:

• Consider staying in or near Midtown, Downtown, or Buckhead, which offer:
  • Better MARTA access
  • Restaurants, bars, and attractions within walking or short rideshare distance
• Build in time to explore:
  • Atlanta’s many neighborhood restaurants
  • Local wine bars and tasting rooms before or after the main event

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.