Middleburg, Virginia – The Family Reunion, the epicurean experience celebrating diversity within the hospitality community, returns for a third year from August 17-20 at Salamander Resort & Spa in Middleburg, VA. Overnight packages and multi-event passes are now available at www.salamanderhotels.com/familyreunion or by calling 844-505-9235.  

Presented by Chef and Author Kwame Onwuachi in collaboration with Sheila Johnson’s Salamander Hotels & Resorts and Dotdash Meredith’s FOOD & WINE, the multi-day event crosses culinary boundaries and combines thought-provoking panel discussions, topical cooking demonstrations, inspiring recreational activities, daily “family” meals and vibrant evening parties. Since being launched in 2021, The Family Reunion has been lauded by guests and talent for its energetic and unique approach.

The event’s enriching programming is highlighted by some of the industry’s top talent including Nyesha Arrington, Mashama Bailey, Rodney Scott, Carla Hall, Gregory Gourdet, Tavel Bristol-Joseph, Alexander Smalls and surprise guests.

“We are gathering again to celebrate Black and Brown excellence within our industry, and throw one heck of a party,” said Onwuachi, who is also a contributing executive producer for FOOD & WINE. “The positive feedback from the past two years has really been incredible, and this year’s roster of talent is truly exceptional.”

The mission of The Family Reunion is to nurture, develop and celebrate racial and ethnic diversity within the next generation of hospitality professionals, while the event’s charity partner is Share Our Strength’s No Kid Hungry Campaign. The celebration takes place at Johnson’s Forbes Five-Star-rated property located in the heart of Virginia’s wine country and just one hour from Washington, D.C.  Experiences take place throughout Salamander’s 340 acres, including its Culinary Garden and Library. There is also a sweeping outdoor Grand Stage venue hosting a rotating lineup of meals and events.  

“Each year, The Family Reunion becomes larger, bolder and addresses even-more important issues. We look forward to an inspiring and inclusive weekend in the Virginia countryside.” said Johnson, who is the only African-American woman to wholly own a Forbes Five-Star resort and renowned for co-founding Black Entertainment Television.

A full schedule will be announced in the coming weeks. Additional and returning talent includes Andre Fowles, Bryan Furman, Virginia Ali, Melba Wilson, Douglass Williams, Osei
“Chef Picky” Blackett, Jessica B. Harris, Jamila Robinson, Lamar Moore, Nina Oduro, Erick Williams, Jonny Rhodes, Andrea McBride John, Robin McBride, JR Robinson, Julia Coney, Nadine Brown, Peter Prime, Tahiirah Habibi, Preston Clark, Tiffany Derry and Vallery Lomas. New talent includes Adrienne Cheatham, Damarr Brown, David and Tony Thomas, Toni Tipton-Martin, Justin Sutherland and Serigne Mbaye.

In addition to Sheila Johnson, Salamander Hotels & Resorts and FOOD & WINE, the 2023 event already enjoys sponsorship support from McBride Sisters Wine Company, Virginia Tourism Corporation, United, Coca-Cola, and McEnearney Associates, with more to be announced soon.

The Family Reunion is part of the FOOD & WINE Classic network of events anchored by the renowned FOOD & WINE Classic in Aspen, a mainstay in the culinary world celebrating its 40^th anniversary this year.

About Salamander Hotels & Resorts

Salamander Hotels & Resorts is privately owned and operated, and based in Middleburg, VA, just outside Washington, D.C. Founded by entrepreneur Sheila Johnson, it has a luxury portfolio featuring the Forbes Five-Star Salamander Resort & Spa in Middleburg, an equestrian-inspired property near Washington, D.C.; Salamander Washington DC, a grand luxury hotel located along the capital’s vibrant Southwest waterfront; Half Moon, the storied resort in Montego Bay, Jamaica, features three distinct experiences including the newly opened Eclipse; the newly renovated and reimagined Aurora Anguilla Resort & Golf Club on Rendezvous Bay, Anguilla; Aspen Meadows Resort, a sweeping destination property located on 40 beautiful acres in Aspen, CO; Hotel Bennett, a spectacular grand hotel in Charleston, SC, overlooking the city’s historic Marion Square; and Innisbrook Resort in the St. Petersburg/Clearwater area, which hosts the PGA TOUR’s Valspar Championship each year on its famed Copperhead Course. www.SalamanderHotels.com.

About FOOD & WINE

FOOD & WINE is the ultimate authority on the best of what's new in food, drink, travel, design, and entertaining. FOOD & WINE has an extensive social media following on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube. FOOD & WINE includes a magazine in print and digital; a website, foodandwine.com; a books division; plus newsletters, events, and more. At FOOD & WINE, we inspire and empower our wine- and food-obsessed community to eat, drink, entertain, and travel better—every day and everywhere. FOOD & WINE is part of the Dotdash Meredith publishing family.