By Clara Bosonetto Maerz

For ajc.com

Nashville is holding its first Food Network Southern Food & Wine Festival at the Gaylord Opryland Resort July 31-Aug. 2.

Participate in celebrity chef seminars, wine tastings, demonstrations from the resort’s executive chefs and some of Nashville’s other favorite foodies including The Loveless Café's "Biscuit Lady." The festival also will be on the lookout for the country’s top amateur Slow Cooker.

Festival celebrity chefs include Bobby & Jamie Deen and The Neelys.

Purchase discounted general admission passes or tickets to the Food Network Chefs’ seminars at the web site of the festival sponsor, WSIX .

Stay at the Gaylord Opryland Resort on a one-night basic package at $135 per person, based on double occupancy. Two-night packages range from $194, $308 or $333, depending on the number of attended events.

Reserved seating tickets to attend one celebrity chef seminar is $55.

A one-day pass into the Exhibit Hall includes admission to cooking demonstrations, seminars and competitions on Stages 1, 2 and 3; kids' area; food samplings; and vendor booths. Price is $20 adults; $12 children. A separate admission ticket to wine tastings for those 21 and up is $15.

Enjoy another special package from the Gaylord Opryland Resort, priced at $169, single or double occupancy, including breakfast.

Relax in the beautiful resort surroundings, then take a short walk around the corner to a free shuttle ride to the Grand Ole Opry to see and experience the best performances country music has to offer.

Request code 169RGB to obtain this offer during August.