Don’t Miss the 2017 Bending Branch Derby Extravaganza
On May 6th, Bending Branch Winery will host its seventh annual Derby Extravaganza, one of the most anticipated events of the year. Attendees with be served winery owner Bob Young’s famous mint juleps. They are made with Bending Branch Winery Single Barrel Blanc, a special bourbon-barrel aged Picpoul Blanc wine, as well as a selection of other wines.
The 2017 Bending Branch Derby Extravaganza will be held in partnership with Frost Bank. According to Bob Young, “This year, we are giving back to our community with $2 from each ticket sold will be donated to the Comfort Area Foundation, whose mission is to improve the overall quality of life for all people residing in and around Comfort.”
Young also said, “What I find exciting is that Bending Branch Winery’s Derby Extravaganza has grown from a small local event with less than 100 attendees to a large Hill Country destination event with nearly 600 people that also includes sponsorship by Frost Bank. What began in 2011 with a few guests sipping Picpoul Blanc mint juleps on the patio of the tasting room has evolved into a premium celebration hosted on the winery’s crush pad.”
This classy Derby Day event now includes a VIP package, reserved tables and an outfield in which guests can bring their own pop-up tents and chairs. There is now a competition for the best hat that keeps getting better every year. Last year, it attracted more than 50 contestants.
The 2017 Derby Day festivities will include live music by George Eychner Jazz Quintet. And of course, there will be hats. Each year, the bar is set higher for the hat parade competition, which features three categories: Derby theme, wine theme, and most fanciful. San Antonio’s fiercest fashion fella, Michael Quintanilla, will emcee the event. If you forgot your hat… no worries. Guests will be able to shop at hat vendor Graciela Creations.
Bending Branch’s Derby Day admission costs $50 for a single ticket or $80 for a couple ticket and includes a catered meal by Jimmy Lyn’s, a mint julep, a bourbon ball, and parking. Additionally, reserved tables are available for $75 to $150; admission is sold separately. An all-inclusive VIP package costs $750 and includes admission for eight people, a reserved table, a VIP bar, and two bottles of Single Barrel Blanc.
Young also reminded, “Guests are allowed to bring chairs, pop-up tents, coolers, snacks and non-alcoholic beverages. No outside alcohol is allowed. The gate will open at 1 p.m. Prior entry is not permitted. We also recommend sunscreen. The event concludes at 6 p.m. It will be full afternoon of fun and activity, concluding with what I’m sure will be an exciting horse race.”
Tickets are available via Eventbrite: http://bit.ly/derby17
Bending Branch Winery, 142 Lindner Branch Trail, is nestled outside the historic Hill Country town of Comfort. The winery estate and tasting room will be closed for this special ticketed event. Our Branch on High bistro and tasting room will be open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. It is at 704 High St. in downtown Comfort Historic District.
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