Some of the South’s best chefs, restaurateurs, vintners and craft beer brewers will bring some of the best flavors of Mississippi and beyond to Natchez, Mississippi, a quaint riverside town known for its southern charm, significant architecture and fascinating history, from July 26-27 to take part in the Natchez Food & Wine Festival.

The annual festival, which attracts hundreds of food lovers to the banks of the Mississippi River, kicks off on Friday evening with Visit Mississippi’s “Tastings Along the River” event, with a number of additional experiences taking place throughout Saturday.

“The Food and Wine Festival is one of Natchez’s most beloved events, bringing together some of the finest culinary offerings from our region,” says Lynsey Gilbert, interim director at Visit Natchez. “Each year, the festival is an opportunity for us to showcase the essence of the destination through every bite and pour, and we are thrilled to welcome residents and visitors to this year’s event.”

Please see a full list of festival events below:

Ticketed
Visit Mississippi’s “Tastings Along the River” – Friday, July 26 at Natchez Convention Center
6:30 – 9:30 p.m.
The popular “Tastings Along the River” event offers delicious tidbits by scores of local and regional chefs, paired with premium wine and craft beer tastings and live music in a casual atmosphere, at the Natchez Convention Center. Guests are invited to taste dozens of wines alongside delicacies by restaurants and chefs from around the region.

Mixology at Smoot’s – Saturday, July 27 at Smoot’s Grocery
11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.
Two mixology classes will be hosted throughout the day: one by Hallelujah Wine and Spirits and one by Cathead Distillery. Attendees will receive four cocktails. Tickets cost $40 per person per class.

Wine and Cheese Tasting at The Castle – Saturday, July 27 at The Castle Restaurant
1:30 p.m.
Hosted in a circa 1790’s building that once served as the plantation’s carriage house, this event brings experts from New Orleans’ St. James Cheese Company to lead an international tour into the world of cheese. Castle manager and cocktail consultant Ricky Woolfolk will oversee wine pairings. Tickets cost $65 per person.

Cookbook Author Progressive Luncheon – Saturday, July 27 in Downtown Natchez
11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Guests are invited to partake in a self-guided walking tour of several downtown Natchez businesses on Franklin Street. Each venue will offer a pairing from the Author’s Cookbook and Book of Cocktails, prepared by a chef and mixologist. Tours begin at 11 a.m., 11:45 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 1:15 p.m. Tickets cost $70 per person and include a four-course meal and cocktail pairing. Signed cookbooks are available for purchase during the times.

Cooking Demos at Church Hill Variety – Saturday, July 27 at Church Hill Variety
3:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Attendees will experience 30-minute cooking demonstrations by three renowned chefs: Tori Loomis, Taylor Bowen Ricketts and Cory Bahr, complete with samples and a recipe card. Tickets cost $50 per person.

Brats, Beer & Bocce at Natchez Brewing Company – Saturday, July 27 at Natchez Brewing Company
5:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Guests are invited to join the fun at Natchez Brewing Company for a lighthearted bocce ball competition, craft beer and gourmet brats. Attendees can enjoy a variety of craft and regional beers provided by Southwest Distributors and Stokes Distributing, along with several home brews by Natchez Brewing Company. Live music will enhance the atmosphere, making it the perfect way to wind down a day of festival activities. Tickets cost $40 per person and include participation in the bocce ball competition, light bites and access to all the beer offerings. Guests can also grab a beer and take a short walk to the bluff to watch the sunset.

Summer Camp Dinner – Saturday, July 27 at Church Hill Variety
6:00 p.m.
Attendees will be treated to a four-course small-plate dinner, each course expertly paired with wine or cocktails. The attire is casual, and tickets cost $100 per person.

“Food is Art” – Saturday, July 27 at Conde Contemporary
7:00 p.m.
During this event, esteemed chefs, including Karen Carrier, Philip Lopez, David Leathers and Molly Manning Robertson, will prepare exquisite courses for participants who will dine with immersive art installations inside the Gallery. Tickets cost $125 per person.

Coquerel Wines Winemaker Dinner – Saturday, July 27 at The Briars
7:00 p.m.
This event includes a four-course dinner from chefs including Chaz Lindsey, Cooper Miller, Cory Bahr and Caylen Caldwell, expertly paired with winemaker selections and handcrafted cocktails, ensuring a comprehensive and delightful culinary experience. Tickets cost $150 per person.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit https://natchezfoodandwine.com/events.