Barnsley Resort to Host Friends of James Beard Weekend Featuring Acclaimed Southern Chefs & Elevated Experiences
Barnsley Resort, a 3,000-acre destination located just 60 miles outside of Atlanta, invites guests to enjoy a culinary-focused weekend from February 27 through March 1, 2026. In partnership with the James Beard Foundation, Barnsley Resort and Executive Chef Shaun Doty of Jules, the resort’s new signature restaurant, will welcome a celebrated group of Southeast-based culinary talent. Participating chefs and experts include Brandon Carter, Executive Chef & Partner, Farm Bluffton (Bluffton, SC) & Common Thread (Savannah); Duane Nutter, Owner & Innovator, Southern National Restaurants (Atlanta); Meridith Ford, Chef Owner, Cremalosa (Atlanta); and Michael McNeill, Master Sommelier, Georgia Crown.
Throughout the weekend, guests can enjoy a curated series of experiences, from guided tastings and historical explorations to chef-driven conversations and an intimate five-course dinner at Jules, each thoughtfully designed to honor the South’s culinary legacy. Guests are invited to join the Friends of James Beard Weekend for select events or stay overnight in one of Barnsley Resort’s sophisticated cottages, each of which received a top-to-bottom redesign at the close of 2024.
For the complete weekend itinerary, see below. For more information and to make a reservation, visit the website and follow along on Instagram @barnsleyresort.
Signature Event
Friends of James Beard Dinner at Jules
On Saturday, February 28, at 6 p.m., guests will gather at Jules for a five-course Friends of James Beard Dinner inspired by each participating chef’s signature style. Thoughtfully paired wines curated by Master Sommelier Michael McNeill will complement a menu rooted in regional ingredients, sustainability and local sourcing. The experience is $220 per adult, excluding tax and service fee, and reservations can be made here.
Additional Experiences
Guided History Tour & Wine Tasting with Master Sommelier Michael McNeill
On Friday, February 27, at 2 p.m., guests are invited to join Georgia’s only Master Sommelier, Michael McNeill, for a guided wine tasting paired with a private tour of Barnsley Resort’s historic Manor House Ruins, museum and gardens. Led by a dedicated history expert, the experience brings to life the story of Godfrey and Julia Barnsley and the enduring legacy of their original estate, Woodlands. The experience is $85 per adult, excluding tax and service fee, and reservations can be found here.
Book Signing with Duane Nutter
On Saturday, February 28, at 10 a.m., guests are invited to stop by The Outpost, Barnsley Resort’s experience center, for a book signing with seven-time James Beard semi-finalist Duane Nutter. A celebrated culinary artist, Nutter is the co-owner of Southern National in Atlanta and author of Cutting Up in the Kitchen: Food and Fun. Guests can enjoy an opportunity to meet Nutter and learn more about his innovative take on Southern cuisine.
Sporting Clays Shoot with the Chefs & Field Lunch
The weekend concludes on Sunday, March 1, with a one-of-a-kind Sporting Clays Shoot & Field lunch at the Beretta Shooting Grounds. Guests will join the featured chefs for a friendly competition followed by a relaxed outdoor lunch, offering an authentic Southern sendoff to the Friends of James Beard Weekend.
Photo credit: Barnsley Resort
ABOUT BARNSLEY RESORT
Situated just 60 miles outside of Atlanta on the awe-inspiring site of an 1840s estate, Barnsley Resort offers a 3,000-acre destination brimming with elevated Southern experiences. Exuding sophisticated excellence, a hallmark experience of the resort is the 85 cottage guest rooms and suites, all of which received a top-to-bottom redesign at the close of 2024. Recreational choices include a world-class Jim Fazio-designed golf course, two 15-station sporting clays courses and wingshooting at the recently renovated Beretta Shooting Grounds, six pickleball courts, an expansive saltwater pool, large family pool with lazy river, archery, axe throwing, air rifles, and horseback riding along picturesque trails. With pursuits for every passion, Barnsley Resort promises a wholehearted escape to nurture deep connections and set life alight. For more information, visit www.barnsleyresort.com.
ABOUT JAMES BEARD FOUNDATION
The James Beard Foundation (JBF) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit dedicated to leading chefs and the broader culinary industry towards a new standard of excellence. Our guiding principle, Good Food for Good®, informs our vision of a vibrant, equitable, and sustainable independent restaurant industry that stands as a cornerstone of American culture and drives towards a better food system. For nearly 40 years, JBF has been instrumental in recognizing, amplifying, educating, and training the individuals who shape American food culture. Today, our mission comes to life through the prestigious James Beard Awards, industry and community-focused programming, advocacy and policy initiatives, and exciting culinary events and partnerships around the country—including at our new Platform by JBF® event space in New York City. Learn more at jamesbeard.org, sign up for our emails, and follow @beardfoundation on social media.