Whether you’re talking about denim or hot sauce or banjos, some of the best things in the world are made in the South, and that’s precisely why we launched the Garden & Gun Made in the South Awards. With the help of four expert judges—award-winning chef Robert Stehling of Hominy Grill, Grace Bonney of Design Sponge, and G&G contributors Julia Reed and Donovan Webster—the magazine whittled hundreds of entries down to winners in five categories (Food, Sporting, Style, Home, and Etc.) and fifteen runners-up. From a self-taught fly rod craftsman who builds bamboo rods for the likes of an American president to a father of two who makes the South’s most beautiful bags in his garage at night, the winners were a diverse group united by a passion for what they do.

Congratulations to this year’s overall winner, luthier Jay Lichty from Tryon, North Carolina, whose handcrafted ukuleles and guitars wowed the panel of judges, and to all twenty artisans profiled in the December/January issue (which should be arriving in your mailbox shortly).

To see a gallery of all of the winners and to read their stories, click here.