The 2025 Hostess City Food and Wine Fest Savannah — the city’s newest signature celebration of food, wine and Southern hospitality — is thrilled to announce the exciting line-up of top chefs, restaurants and beverage partners who will be featured on Friday, November 7 and Saturday, November 8 at the inaugural festival overlooking the Savannah River at Eastern Wharf in Savannah, Ga.

“The Hostess City Food and Wine Fest will showcase Savannah’s unique flavors, spirit and charm,” said event organizer Erica Baskin, Director of Events at Connect Savannah Events. “We can’t wait to welcome everyone to this delicious, inspiring culinary celebration that is sure to become an annual tradition for local residents and visitors alike. Whether you’re a foodie, a wine lover or just here for the atmosphere, this is your can’t-miss Savannah event.”

Attendees will enjoy a Grand Tasting Event on Saturday, November 8 from 3 to 6 p.m. with unlimited tastings from more than 45 acclaimed vendors, including Husk, Local 11ten/Sela, Ardsley Station, Common Restaurant, Zunzi’s, Jim ‘N Nicks Bar-B-Q, Churchill’s, Savannah Tap House, Perry Lane, Rhett at The Alida, A Taco Affair, Cone Ranger, Wexford, Nico Angelo’s Italiano, Savannah Bee Company, Plant Riverside District, Hyatt, The Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort and Spa, Pritchard & Co., Thompson Savannah and Nothing Bundt Cakes.   

In addition, the 2025 Hostess City Food and Wine Fest will feature signature sips from Savannah Wine Institute, Savannah Distributing, Locally Made Savannah, Archer Roose, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, INSÓLITO Tequila, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Blackberry, Tip Top Proper Cocktails, Louie Louie, Hampton Water Rosé, The Prisoner Wine Company, Antinori/Vinatierri 1385, Frey Vineyards, Kwaya Cellars, Winebow and Miner Family Wines. Johnny Ganem’s Wine & Package Shop will be a featured beverage retailer.

A highlight of the weekend will be guided wine tastings by acclaimed Sommelier Caleb Poppell with Slea/Daniel Reed Hospitality, showcasing his world-class wine expertise on November 7 and 8. Poppell has spent more than a decade in the food and beverage industry honing his craft as the Director of Operations for Daniel Reed Hospitality, which includes popular local restaurants, including Perch, Public Kitchen & Bar, Artillery, Franklin’s, Soho South and Local11Ten. He recently passed the challenging Advanced Sommelier exam and is currently pursuing the prestigious title of Master Sommelier.

Set along the Savannah River, the 2025 Hostess City Food and Wine Fest will offer two days of delicious experiences at Eastern Wharf:

VIP NIGHT

Friday, November 7 | 7-9 p.m.

Curated by Ardsley Station, this intimate evening will feature early chef’s tastings, specialty cocktails and a private acoustic performance by local singer-songwriter Brian Bazemore.

$150/person

GRAND TASTING EVENT
Saturday, November 8 | 3-6 p.m.

This all-inclusive afternoon will offer something to satisfy every craving with unlimited bites and sips from Savannah’s most beloved restaurants, chefs and beverage brands. Live music will be provided by Lyn Avenue featuring CC Witt, showcasing high-energy, Southern-inspired Americana at its finest. VIP ticket holders can elevate their experience with exclusive access to a VIP Lounge, featuring award-winning food, premium pours, chef-driven bites and exceptional hospitality in a private setting.

$99 General Admission | $150 Saturday VIP | $275 Weekend VIP Experience

Tickets are currently available for purchase by clicking HERE or at events.connectsavannah.com.

The Thompson Savannah at Eastern Wharf will offer discounts up to 30% off guest rooms from November 6-9 during the Hostess City Food and Wine Festival as well as access to the Unofficial After Party and Bar Julian at Thompson Savannah on Saturday, November 8. Attendees can click HERE to access discounted room options.

A portion of the proceeds from every ticket sold will be donated to Gilliard & Co., a Savannah-based nonprofit organization that supports youth who are aging out of Georgia’s foster care system. Founded by a former foster youth, Gilliard & Co. serves as a pillar of support for local residents ages 18-21 years old and creates positive change through transitional housing, trauma intervention programs, personalized mentorship and career development opportunities.

Sponsors for the 2025 Hostess City Food and Wine Fest Savannah include Land Rover Hilton Head, Royal Restrooms, Eastern Wharf, Capital A Productions, Savannah Downtown Business Association, Gilliard & Co., Iris & Pen, Caleb Poppell, Visit Savannah, Southern Recipe Small Batch, Coastal Care Partners, Penelope Moore/ART HAUS NAPA, Thompson Hotel, Tito’s and Insolito Tequila.