Write Off the Vine: Texas Wine News – Upcoming Texas Wine Festivals

Write Off the Vine: Texas Wine News – Upcoming Texas Wine Festivals

FEBRUARY 2009

February 19-21

2009 Annual Conference & Trade Show of the Texas Wine and Grape Growers Association, Austin

This annual event hosted by the Texas Wine and Grape Growers Association is an opportunity to network with the Texas wine industry. Programming includes vineyard and winery seminars, trade show and Texas wine paired dining experiences. The conference concludes with the Annual Gala and Industry Auction which features wine from every region of Texas! Be sure to mark your calendars! For more information vist the web site at http://www.txwines.org/.

MARCH 2009

March 3-22

Houston Live Stock Rodeo Uncorked, Astrodome, Reliant Park, Houston

As a premier attraction at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo™, the Rodeo Uncorked! Wine Show attracts wines from across Texas, the United States and throughout the world. The Champion wines are presented for tasting and awards at the Roundup. More that 4,000 guests tasted the award-winning wines and sampled signature bites from the participating Houston-area restaurants, caterers, shops and hotels. For more information visit the web site at www.hlsr.com, or call (832) 667-1128

APRIL 2009

April 16-19

Texas Hill Country Wine & Food Festival – Austin

Established in 1986, the Texas Hill Country Wine & Food Festival is the oldest and largest wine and food festival in the Lone Star state and is distinctively defined by its connection to Texas culture, tradition, flavors and hospitality. Every April we host a four day-long celebration of food and wine throughout Austin and the scenic Hill Country. Over 30 events take place at a variety of unique local venues, ranging from black-tie to down home – but all with a true Texas attitude! For more information visit the web site at www.texaswineandfood.org or call (512) 249-6300.

April 18-20

Buffalo Gap Wine and Food Summit

The Buffalo Gap Wine & Food Summit, Inc. is a Texas non-profit organization founded by Tom Perini of Perini Ranch Steakhouse, Fess Parker of Fess Parker Winery & Vineyards, and Dr. Richard Becker of Becker Vineyards. Its mission is to cultivate the appreciation of fine wine and food through education and industry discussion, and to achieve its mission by hosting educational sessions, regional wine industry discussions, and special events. Buffalo Gap Wine & Food Summit, Perini Ranch Steakhouse, PO Box 728
Buffalo Gap, TX 79508; phone: 325.572.3339; toll free: 800.367.1721; email: info@periniranch.com; http://www.periniranch.com/summit/index.htm.

April 22-26

Grand Wine Affair – Sugar Land and Houston

The Grand Wine Affair celebrated its fifth year with more wineries, talented chefs and a host of culinary events to please the most persnickety palate. Fifty celebrated award-winning chefs from all over the United States to South Africa, New Zealand, Australia, Spain and many others proudly offered exotic and sumptuous samplings. Over 100 wineries were in attendance to make five inspiring days truly memorable. Promise yourself that April 22-26 of 2009 will be an opportunity you will not miss! For more information visit the web site at www.thegrandwineandfoodaffair.com or call (281) 491-0216.

MAY 2009

May 23-24

Rockport Festival of Wine, Rockport

What are you doing Memorial Day weekend? Why not come down to Rockport and join us at the Rockport Festival of Wines benefitting the Texas Maritime Museum. There will be, of course, LOTS of wines to sample from Texas’ own award-winning wineries and some from other places as well, a food court showcasing some excellent cuisine from local eateries, live music, friendly folks, all in a wonderful seaside resort setting. Visit the Web site at www.texasfestivalofwines.com or call 1-866-729-AHOY for more information.

Austin Wine Festival at The Domain

May 23-25 2009

Wineries from Lampasas to New Braunfels and Fredericksburg to Dripping Springs have bloomed from a pioneering few, into an internationally awarded and recognized wine region… The #1 place to Visit This Summer by The New York Times & The number 2 fastest growing wine destination in the nation, second only to Napa! Together they have created the now 3rd annual Austin Wine Festival, the first of its kind in Texas. AWF is the only direct to consumer wine sales festival in the history or state of Texas.  Meaning while your sampling wines over the course of 3 days from 30 plus wineries you can purchase what you like by the glass,bottle or case – on the spot!  Accompained by unqiue artizans, chef demos, and a rockin music line up it’s the place to be on Memorial Day Weekend. For more information: Katy Jane Bothum Austin, Texas www.texaswinetrail.com.