Politics & Government
Where to eat, sip and celebrate in metro Atlanta this August
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Published in Food and Wine on Wednesday, July 30th 2025 at 8:28 GMT by Atlanta Journal-Constitution🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
August 2025 events include wine tastings, a tuna cutting & tasting, Grant Park's Summer Shade Festival, a Hatch green chile cheeseburger cookout and Black Restaurant Week.
Wine Tastings and Festivals Abound This August in Metro Atlanta
Metro Atlanta is set to become a haven for oenophiles this August, with a vibrant lineup of wine tastings, festivals, and immersive experiences that celebrate everything from bold reds to crisp whites. As the summer heat lingers, these events offer the perfect escape, blending educational sessions, gourmet pairings, and lively gatherings across the city's diverse neighborhoods and beyond. Whether you're a seasoned sommelier or a casual sipper, August 2025 promises an array of opportunities to explore global vintages, local Georgia wines, and innovative blends. From intimate tastings in cozy wine bars to sprawling outdoor festivals, the metro area is buzzing with options that cater to all palates and budgets.
Kicking off the month is the annual Atlanta Wine & Jazz Festival, returning to Piedmont Park on August 2-3. This two-day extravaganza transforms the iconic green space into a symphony of flavors and sounds, featuring over 100 wines from regions like Napa Valley, Bordeaux, and even emerging Georgia vineyards. Attendees can expect live jazz performances from local and national artists, including headliners like the smooth saxophone stylings of Atlanta's own Marcus Johnson. Festival-goers will navigate themed tasting zones, such as the "Old World Classics" area showcasing Italian Chianti and Spanish Rioja, and a "New World Innovations" section highlighting sustainable wines from California and Australia. Food trucks and pop-up eateries will offer pairings like artisanal cheeses, charcuterie boards, and gourmet sliders, ensuring that every sip is complemented by a bite. Tickets start at $50 for general admission, with VIP options at $150 including exclusive lounge access and priority tastings. Organizers emphasize sustainability this year, partnering with local farms for zero-waste initiatives, making it a feel-good event for eco-conscious wine lovers.
For those seeking a more refined, indoor experience, the Decatur Wine Tasting Series at the historic Decatur Square runs every Thursday evening from August 7 through 28. Hosted by the Decatur Wine Merchants Association, these sessions focus on thematic explorations, such as "Wines of the Mediterranean" on August 7, featuring Greek Assyrtiko and Turkish Öküzgözü varietals. Each event includes guided tastings led by certified sommeliers, who delve into the history, terroir, and production methods of the featured wines. Participants receive a flight of six to eight pours, accompanied by small plates from nearby restaurants like Iberian Pig, which might pair a robust Tempranillo with tapas-style chorizo. The series is designed for education as much as enjoyment, with interactive Q&A segments where attendees can learn about wine storage, decanting techniques, and even how climate change is affecting global vineyards. Priced at $40 per session, it's an accessible entry point for novices, and advance registration is recommended due to limited spots. One highlight is the August 21 session on "Women in Winemaking," spotlighting female-led estates and their empowering stories, adding a layer of social consciousness to the sips.
Venturing north, the North Georgia Wine Country Festival takes center stage at Chateau Elan Winery & Resort in Braselton on August 9-10. This event celebrates the burgeoning Georgia wine scene, with over 20 local wineries pouring samples of peach-infused whites, robust muscadine reds, and experimental hybrids. Set against the backdrop of rolling vineyards and the resort's elegant chateau, the festival includes vineyard tours, barrel tastings, and even a grape-stomping competition for a fun, interactive twist. Culinary demonstrations by celebrity chefs will showcase pairings like Vidalia onion tarts with Chardonnay or smoked brisket with Cabernet Sauvignon. Live music from folk and bluegrass bands adds to the rustic charm, while family-friendly activities ensure it's not just for adults—think non-alcoholic grape juice tastings for kids. General admission is $60, with overnight packages available for those wanting to extend the experience into a weekend getaway. Attendees rave about the educational seminars, such as "From Vine to Glass: Georgia's Wine Evolution," which traces the state's viticultural history from colonial times to modern sustainable practices.
Mid-month brings the Urban Wine Walk in Midtown Atlanta on August 16, a self-guided tour that turns the bustling streets into a progressive tasting adventure. Starting at the High Museum of Art, participants receive a map and passport to visit 15 participating venues, including wine bars like Barcelona Wine Bar and specialty shops such as Perrine's Wine Shop. Each stop offers two complimentary tastings, ranging from South African Pinotage to Argentine Malbec, with optional food pairings available for purchase. The event encourages exploration of Midtown's cultural hotspots, with discounts on museum entry for passport holders. It's a social affair, perfect for groups, and includes shuttle services to ease navigation. At $35, it's one of the more affordable options, and the walk promotes local businesses while highlighting Atlanta's growing reputation as a wine destination. Pro tip: Wear comfortable shoes, as the route covers about three miles, and don't miss the pop-up sommelier stations for quick tips on wine etiquette.
For a more exclusive vibe, the Roswell Wine & Food Festival on August 23 at the Roswell Cultural Arts Center promises an upscale affair. This ticketed event features premium tastings from international importers, with a focus on rare finds like vintage Bordeaux and boutique Oregon Pinot Noirs. Over 50 vendors will be on hand, paired with gourmet cuisine from top Atlanta chefs, including molecular gastronomy twists on classic dishes. Think foie gras lollipops with Sauternes or truffle-infused risotto alongside Barolo. The festival includes master classes, such as a blind tasting workshop led by Master Sommelier candidates, where participants learn to identify wines by aroma and flavor profiles alone. Entertainment comes in the form of a string quartet and art installations inspired by wine regions. Tickets range from $75 to $200 for VIP, which includes early access and a take-home bottle. Organizers highlight the charitable aspect, with proceeds benefiting local food banks, blending indulgence with philanthropy.
As August winds down, the East Atlanta Village Wine Crawl on August 30 offers a laid-back, neighborhood-centric close to the month's festivities. This community-driven event invites attendees to stroll through EAV's eclectic streets, stopping at bars, breweries, and pop-up tents for tastings of eclectic wines—think natural wines, orange varieties, and low-intervention options from small producers. It's less structured than other events, encouraging mingling with locals and discovering hidden gems like Elder Tree Public House, where you might sample a funky pét-nat paired with street tacos. Free to enter with pay-as-you-go tastings (around $5-10 per pour), it's ideal for budget-conscious explorers. The crawl often features live street performers and ends with a communal bonfire gathering, fostering a sense of camaraderie among wine enthusiasts.
Beyond these marquee events, metro Atlanta's wine scene thrives with ongoing offerings. Establishments like City Winery in Ponce City Market host weekly tastings, while spots like Vino Venue in Dunwoody offer build-your-own flight experiences. For those interested in deeper dives, consider enrolling in classes at the Atlanta Wine School, which ramps up its August schedule with sessions on wine and cheese pairings or introductory enology.
What ties these events together is Atlanta's unique blend of Southern hospitality and cosmopolitan flair. Local experts, like sommelier Elena Martinez from the Georgia Wine Producers Association, note that the region's humid climate influences wine preferences toward lighter, refreshing styles, but events like these expose attendees to a world of possibilities. "August is prime time for discovering new favorites," Martinez says. "With Georgia's own vineyards producing award-winning wines, it's exciting to see locals embracing both homegrown and international options."
Safety remains a priority amid the fun—many events provide designated driver tickets and partner with ride-sharing services. Hydration stations and non-alcoholic alternatives ensure inclusivity. As temperatures hover in the 80s, outdoor festivals recommend sunscreen and light attire.
In summary, August 2025 in metro Atlanta is a toast to wine culture, with events that educate, entertain, and unite. Whether you're swirling a glass in a vineyard or strolling urban streets, these gatherings promise memorable experiences. Grab your tickets early, as spots fill up fast, and prepare to uncork the best of what Atlanta has to offer. (Word count: 1,248)
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