Culinary Talent of Georgia Food + Wine
Meet the chefs shaping this year’s experience
Our Chefs
Jernard Wells
Chef Jernard Wells is an acclaimed Southern chef, television personality, and culinary storyteller known for blending soulful tradition with modern creativity. A familiar face on the Food Network, Chef Jernard has built a national following through his passion for comfort-driven cuisine and heartfelt hospitality.
Inspired by the meals he grew up sharing with family, Chef Jernard founded Cornbread & Butter as a tribute to the rich culinary traditions of the South. Each dish reflects his belief that food should tell a story—of culture, connection, and purpose.
As Brand Ambassador of the Georgia Food + Wine Festival, Chef Jernard brings both star power and sincerity to the table, welcoming guests to experience Southern cuisine reimagined.
Brand Ambassador
Nick Leahy
Chef Nick Leahy is the owner and creative force behind Vice Kitchen, Vice Steak Bar, and Vice Smash Burgers, known for bold flavors, high-quality ingredients, and a chef-driven approach to elevated comfort food. His concepts blend refined technique with an approachable, modern edge.
With extensive experience leading high-volume kitchens, Chef Nick brings precision, organization, and culinary vision to every operation. As Kitchen Manager for the Georgia Food + Wine Festival, he oversees execution across the festival’s culinary experiences, ensuring consistency, quality, and an exceptional guest experience throughout the weekend.
Chef Liaison 
Chef Richard Ingraham is a nationally acclaimed culinary expert whose career masterfully fuses gourmet artistry with the science of sports nutrition. Best known as the personal chef to NBA legend Dwyane Wade and his family, Chef Richard has carved out a unique space in the culinary world, setting the gold standard for performance-based cuisine.
Chef Ingraham’s approach is rooted in the belief that food should nourish both the body and the soul. His first cookbook, Eating Well to Win, reflects this holistic philosophy, offering insight into the vital connection between nutrition and optimal performance.
Chef
Richard Ingraham
Growing up, Chef Tregaye’s first influence in the kitchen was her grandmother, whose home-cooked meals she describes as “heaven on a dish.” Those early memories sparked a lifelong passion for food and hospitality, leading her to pursue a culinary degree from Le Cordon Bleu and build a nationally recognized career rooted in joy, flavor, and connection.
Chef Tregaye made history as the first African American woman to win Food Network Star and was among the first chefs to bring original culinary programming to the OWN Network with her show Tregaye’s Way.
Chef
Tregaye Wright
Chef Alejandro Valdivia, known as the Adventure Chef, is a culinary explorer and television competitor who gained national recognition on MasterChef. His cooking style is shaped by global travel, open-fire techniques, and a passion for bold, experiential flavors.
Blending culinary creativity with an adventurous spirit, Chef Alejandro crafts dishes inspired by culture, landscape, and discovery. At the Georgia Food + Wine Festival, he brings a dynamic, story-driven approach to the kitchen—inviting guests to experience food as both a journey and a celebration.
Chef
Alejandro Valdivia
Originally from Danbury, Connecticut, Chef Shawn discovered his love for cooking at a young age before pursuing formal training at the Connecticut Culinary Institute. His career later took him to Las Vegas, where he refined his craft working alongside renowned chefs and in top kitchens including Charlie Palmer’s Steak House, the iconic Tao at The Venetian, and executive chef roles at The Mirage and Aria Hotels.
Chef Shawn has showcased his culinary talents on national platforms including Food Network’s Chopped, the OWN Network’s Checked Inn, and Good Morning America, while continuing to bring his signature style to festivals, events, and dining experiences across the country.
Chef
Shawn Osbey
Chef Nick Liberato is a world-renowned restaurateur, culinary entrepreneur, and television personality with more than 28 years of experience in the hospitality industry. He has appeared on Bravo’s Top Chef Masters and Spike TV’s Bar Rescue, and serves as executive producer and co-creator of Netflix’s Restaurants on the Edge, where he helps transform struggling restaurants around the globe.
Rising from humble beginnings in South Philadelphia’s Italian Market, Chef Nick built a thriving catering business that led to preparing meals for top celebrities and eventually acquiring and revitalizing major restaurant concepts. Known for blending business strategy with culinary vision, he brings global expertise and hands-on leadership to every kitchen he touches.
Chef