Hey Darlings! I have officially survived my first year as press attending the 2019 Atlanta Food & Wine Festival. Let me start by saying that the PR company that I worked with is absolutely amazing! I’ve attended thousands of events and their level of organization and swiftness of keeping the press afloat of changes or additions to the festival was “THE BEST” that I’ve ever experienced.
As I made my way to the Loews Atlanta Hotel I was so excited about what the day had in store. The moment that I entered the hotel and headed upstairs to grab my media credentials the halls were filled with Chefs, Foodies, Press, Wine Enthusiast and a plethora of really amazing people. I didn’t have the opportunity to attend any seminars or demonstrations this year but hopefully if I attend next year that will be additional coverage for you amazing Darlings.
The tasting tents officially opened at 7:30PM so most of us spent some time on the rooftop. The weather was beautiful and that cool Summer Breeze that I love made its way while we waited to head over to the Atlanta Food & Wine Festival. We received an email telling us that media could enter the tasting tents thirty minutes early so we all headed downstairs to grab a shuttle. The shuttle service was quick and efficient. The cost was $5.50 one way and $11 roundtrip.
How would I describe entering the Atlanta Food & Wine Festival? It’s like being in a Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory movie without the candy but with delicious food, wine and great people. If you’ve never been to Atlanta then let me tell you that Historic Fourth Ward Park is huge and the perfect place to host events. Add in the amazing weather and spirits trust me it was a very good day!
If your more of a strategic person then I highly suggest that you take full advantage of the books provided so that you have a copy of the map. The moment that you enter the tent one of my favorite tea companies, Pure Leaf was sampling their new mango peach. It wasn’t as sweet as their very sweet tea but it was good. My first food stop was the Southern Road Trip tent because Hey I’m a southern girl and I’m always up for some amazing comfort food. OMG! The slider that I had was topped with a delicious fried oyster, then I had a chocolate avocado mousse followed by a smoked devil egg topped with red cabbage. OMG! I was in food heaven!
As I was making my rounds I ran into one of the kids favorite doughnut shops, Sublime located in midtown. They always have the unique flavors available daily at their store front. If you have time make sure that you stop by to try some of their popular flavors.
Imagine how excited I was to see that my hometown and favorite bourbon company, Savannah Bourbon was there. I had the opportunity to meet one of the owners. I had to have my cup full of their sweet tea bourbon. It’s so smooth and taste just like the southern sweet tea that can only be found in Savannah, Georgia.
During the event I was introduced to Red Eye Rye, which was created in Nashville, Tennessee in 2013. What is Red Eye? Its a balance whiskey and coffee. It’s seriously a great match plus their branding is awesome!
As the night progressed there were countless stops throughout the nights that ranged from trying foods to signature wines and spirits. I especially loved that every Chef, Mixologist and/or representative of every brand tent that I visited all took out time to explain their brand, the dish, what makes it a signature dish, the ingredients to a cocktail and provide me with where I could learn more about them, the brand or restaurant. There wasn’t a sad face in the festival. There were so many cheerful faces and smiles that would last a lifetime. Hey it could have been the drinks that they consumed but I honest feel like it was the aura that floated around the event. There was nothing but positive vibes.
The Atlanta Food & Wine Festival has become known for their creative and innovative ways to bring food lovers and Chefs together from all over the world. This years event was made up 44 tasting tents to taste. The tents were designed to take the festivals guest on an epicurean journey through the Southern United States as well as other southern regions around the world. This was a day of southern hospitality, great bites and cheerful libations. I look forward to joining them again in 2020 and hitting more events and classes with a more strategic plan in mind since I was given the opportunity to get my feet wet with the event. This was by far one of my favorite events to attend. I think next year that its also a great idea to book a mini stay cation so that I can be immersed into the entire scenery. Thank you Atlanta Food & Wine Festival for this opportunity.
