No matter your palate’s persuasion—whether you crave the smoky embrace of slow-cooked barbecue, the delicate artistry of handcrafted pastries, or the fiery thrill of global spices—one thing is certain: everyone is a foodie at heart. And there may be no better place to indulge that truth than at the Georgia Food + Wine Festival, returning this spring with a three-day celebration of flavors, craft, and community.
The Festival - held at Jim Miller Park - is more than a showcase of incredible dishes and drinks—it’s a gathering of stories, talents, and traditions that unite around the table. From street food favorites to gourmet masterpieces, every bite tells a story, and every sip raises a glass to Georgia’s growing culinary reputation.
The festival owes much of its success to JRM Management, who helped bring the vision to life after seeing an opportunity to create a statewide celebration of food, wine, and spirits. A partnership with Georgia Grown, the festival’s presenting sponsor, was pivotal in shaping the event into what it is today. Missy Miller of JRM Management explains, “We have been lucky enough to partner with Georgia Grown as our presenting sponsor the last few years. They bring so much to the table and are the perfect fit for this event.”
That partnership flourishes in the Georgia Grown Member Village, a curated marketplace of homegrown products ranging from decadent desserts and bold hot sauces to fresh farm produce and artisanal goods. Here, festival-goers can explore and invest in the best of Georgia’s local flavors and craftsmanship.
Sponsors also play a key role in shaping the experience, helping to bring the Festival to life in meaningful ways. Their support not only makes the event possible, but also enriches it by helping to ensure guests enjoy an unforgettable celebration of food, wine and community. Legendary spirits brand Beam Suntory returns, bringing both their portfolio of classics and inspiring new innovations. “We are excited to be a part of the Georgia Food + Wine Festival for the fifth year,” shares Krisie Dry, Senior Field Marketing Manager. “We look forward to the Best Whiskey Cocktail competition that brings out Atlanta’s top talent to create extraordinary cocktails.”
The flavors, however, go well beyond beverages. Chefs are the heartbeat of the festival, transforming ingredients into unforgettable experiences. Enter award-winning Chef Jernard Wells - nationally recognized chef, TV personality, best-selling author and long-time friend of the Festival. What Chef Jernard loves most is the connection. Whether he’s cooking on television, writing a book that finds its way into someone’s kitchen, or standing in front of a live audience at the Georgia Food + Wine Festival, his goal is always the same—to inspire and bring people together through food. Each platform offers him a way to share not just recipes, but the stories, love, and culture behind them. To know he can reach someone in their living room, at their dinner table, or even in their own city and spark a moment of joy or togetherness—that’s the most rewarding part of it all.
For Chef Jernard food has always been bigger than the plate—it’s about culture, family, and creating spaces where people feel seen, loved, and celebrated. That’s why he’s so excited about opening his new upscale Southern brunch and dinner restaurant, Cornbread & Butter, in Grayson, GA. "It’s a way for me to share not only the flavors I grew up with, but also the values of hospitality, togetherness, and joy that have shaped my life. Beyond recipes, I love sharing stories of resilience, love, and community with fans, because those are the things that truly connect us,” shares Chef Jernard. "Participating in national and regional culinary festivals is another extension of that—it gives me the chance to meet people face to face, hear their stories, and celebrate the richness of our food culture together. What I love most is that exchange of energy—when fans walk away inspired by me, I walk away just as inspired by them."
While Chef Jernard celebrates culture and connection through the comforts of Southern cuisine, Chef Alejandro Valdivia, widely known as the Adventure Chef, takes festival-goers on a wilder journey - infusing his cooking with the untamed spirit of the outdoors. What makes him so unique is the way he blurs the line between chef and outdoorsman — he hunts, fishes, forages, and then cooks what he finds, bringing truly wild flavors to the table. From rustic backwoods fire pits to immersive outdoor dining experiences, Alex has built a lifestyle and brand rooted in authenticity, culture, and respect for the land. His passion for cooking over open flames with fresh, wild ingredients creates food that tells a story and connects people in unforgettable ways. Looking ahead, his new project Chasing Wild Flavor and upcoming cookbook promise to share even more of his journey. “For me, food is about connection, culture, and honoring where it really comes from. He invites us to follow along on his journey at @awildchef and be on the look out - as you just might see him on another TV show soon!
Each day the Festival offers a unique experience:
Friday Fired Up kicks things off with an all-inclusive evening of bold barbecue, fire-kissed flavors, craft beverages, and live music.
Saturday Savor invites guests to enjoy beverage samplings, chef demos, live entertainment, and shopping—complete with a souvenir glass and tasting tokens. A highlight is the Publix VIP Lounge, an elevated experience featuring air-conditioned comfort, acoustic music, hors d’oeuvres, and an open bar.
Sunday Family Day offers food trucks, kid-friendly activities, inflatables, and plenty of room for families to savor the fun together.
When you invest in the Georgia Food + Wine Festival, you’re doing more than enjoying delicious food and drink—you’re supporting local businesses, celebrating Georgia’s culinary talent, and contributing to community-based charities that uplift families and children in need. It’s a festival with heart where every ticket purchased makes a positive impact across the community.
So come hungry, leave inspired, and let your senses guide you through one of Georgia’s most anticipated celebrations.
Georgia Food + Wine Festival | March 27-29, 2006 | georgiafoodandwinefestival.com