Invitation to the Natchez Table: A Night of Southern Flavor & Fine Wine at the Natchez Food & Wine Festival

Julia Rachel Palmer
Aug 1
3 min read

Each summer, Natchez, Mississippi, becomes a culinary playground during the Natchez Food & Wine Festival—a weekend-long celebration of Southern flavor, creativity, and hospitality. From mixology classes to walk-around tastings and elegant dinners, there’s no shortage of events to satisfy every kind of foodie. One event we never miss is the intimate and unforgettable “Invitation to the Natchez Table.”

Dunlieth Historic Inn - White building with tall columns, black railings, and symmetrical windows. Surrounded by green bushes and a large tree. Classic Southern architecture. — Dunleith Historic Inn | Venue for "Invitation to the Natchez Table"

This year’s dinner was set in one of Natchez’s most iconic venues—Dunleith Historic Inn, a beautifully preserved antebellum mansion that has long served as a centerpiece of Southern hospitality. Aaron and I hosted our wedding reception there, making the return feel especially meaningful. Surrounded by grand columns, antique chandeliers, and the scent of expertly prepared courses drifting from the kitchen, the setting offered the perfect blend of history and culinary excellence. It was a fitting stage for an evening that honored both tradition and innovation in Southern food.

A Culinary Journey Through the South

“Invitation to the Natchez Table” is more than a meal—it’s a storytelling experience. Each course, crafted by a celebrated chef from across the South, is paired with a wine from Coquerel Estate’s Walnut Wash Vineyard in Calistoga, California. Together, they weave a narrative of place, memory, and flavor. Here is a look at the 2025 menu:

Menu titled "Invitation to the Natchez Table" on a white tablecloth with silverware. Includes pairings and chef names in elegant script.

Chef Jon Davis – City Grocery in Oxford, MS

Small Plate: Shrimp Louie with Little Gem Lettuce, Heirloom Tomatoes, Asparagus, Avocado, Egg, Capers, and Remoulade

Pairing: Coquerel Estate, Le Petit Sauvignon Blanc (2024)

Lettuce wrap with shrimp, egg, and asparagus on a white plate. Set on a table with a menu and glassware in the background. — The crisp Sauvignon Blanc elevated the shrimp and remoulade beautifully—an elegant, refreshing start to the night.

Chef David Leathers – Foodsmith in Nashville, TN

Salad: Cherry Creek Orchard Peach, Cherokee Purple Tomato, Buttermilk-Marinated Mozzarella, and 12-Month Benton’s Country Ham served with Brown Butter Cornbread and Smoked Olive Oil

Pairing: Coquerel Estate, Rosé (2024)

Gourmet plate with prosciutto, peach, greens, and cheese on a white table setting. Elegant ambiance. — A celebration of summer on a plate. The peaches and ham played perfectly off the rosé’s crispness.

Chef Kate Brasher – The Castle in Natchez, MS

Appetizer: Arancini with Smoked Gouda and Roasted Red Pepper Purée

Pairing: Coquerel Estate, Tempranillo (2022)

Two arancini balls on a white plate with creamy orange sauce and green garnish. Elegant table setting with glassware in background. — Comforting yet elevated, the richness of the gouda and vibrant pepper puree met their match in the bold Tempranillo.

Chef Phillip Lopez – Galatoire's in New Orleans, LA

Small Plate: Wagyu Striploin with Moroccan Black Olive, Smoked Eggplant Purée, and Chipotle Sweet Potato

Pairing: Coquerel Estate, Cabernet Sauvignon (2021)

Elegant dining scene with a plated dessert, featuring dark waygu steak, caramelized carrot, sauce, and wine glasses in the background. — This dish was layered, flavorful, and bold—an ideal pairing for a complex Cabernet.

Chefs Molly Robertson – Natchez, MS & Christian Velez – Ft. Lauderdale, FL

Dessert: Black Pepper Financier with Beet Mousse and Compressed Blueberries

Pairing: Coquerel Estate, La Douce Revanche (2012)

Hexagonal dessert topped with a blueberry, surrounded by crumbs and red sauce. Lilac macarons add a playful touch on a white plate. — Surprising and stunning, this dessert was as artful as it was delicious—a daring way to end the evening.

Why You Should Put Natchez on Your Culinary Map

The Natchez Food & Wine Festival offers more than a meal—it offers a full weekend of experiences. You can learn from talented mixologists, meet award-winning chefs, and savor thoughtfully curated menus in some of the city’s most historic settings. And while the food is divine, it’s the Southern hospitality and deep sense of place that make it unforgettable.

Whether you’re a wine enthusiast, a curious foodie, or someone who simply loves to eat well in beautiful places, Natchez serves it all—charm, flavor, and a little magic on the side.

Planning Your Natchez Food & Wine Festival Trip

Want to experience the Natchez Food & Wine Festival for yourself? It’s typically held in late July each year, and premium events like this one sell out fast.

I’d love to help you plan a custom foodie getaway filled with historic stays, unforgettable meals, and scenic moments along the Mississippi River.

Click here to start planning your Natchez weekend!