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Archive for the ‘WinEvents’ Category

The 9th Annual Big Reds & Bubbles was, as usual, a beautiful evening filled with festive spirits and smiles! The clock hit the chimes, and the red carpet rolled out. In one of Austin’s most distinguished hotels, The Driskill on 6th Street – one can only but imagine walking from the lively, student and tourist filled [not to mention the bars] street and sidewalk into this gorgeous building of architectural presence.

As guests walked up the stairs onto the second level, they were greeted by “Mademoiselle Champagne de Pompadour” – a Diva in a starry attire and surrounded by flute glasses, ready to serve the thirsty bacchalans, promising a night filled with great bubbles, and more!

Those who attended were treated to delicious tasty bites from over 20 Austin chefs and wine samples galore. Master Sommelier Devon Broglie, with Glazer’s Master Somms Guy Stout and Craig Collins, Master candidate Daniel Kelada of Gusto Tastings along with Exec. Sommeliers Oscar A. Montes Iga & Shawn Croft and Sommelier Bill Elsey with Wines.com, and many other colleagues partook in this adventure.

The Dylan Jones trio provided an interesting set of background music that could have hypnotized those who had their hands in the sweet nectar of the vines – and guests bid for unique items at the silent auction. One guest took home a bottle of 1955 port with their winning big!

As always, The Wine & Food Foundation of Texas, with the creative mind of Jennifer Grathwohl made this a fantastic sold out event!

Keep your head up for the 10th Anniversary of Big Reds & Bubbles, as it will surely be in every aficionado’s list to attend, so don’t miss out on your ticket!

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Westcave Cellars and the Austin Hill Country Chapter

20 Jun

On June 17th, 2011 – Members of the Austin Hill Country Chapter of the American Wine Society met at Westcave Cellars Winery for a presentation led by Executive Chef of Wine Arts, Oscar A. Montes Iga, who prepared a technical sensory evaluation for attendees, and members of Westcave Cellars Wine Club. The function served as the First Official Meeting of the Chapter, as well as launched the special type of events that Wine Club Members at Westcave can expect in the future.

Margaret and Allan Fetty, owners of Westcave Cellars Winery were present during the component tasting, and it was a great opportunity to meet with them – they offered barrel samples for our guests and disclosed details on winemaking methodology, making this even a more extraordinary evening.

Chapter Founder, Oscar A. Montes, chose the line up of 5 wines made on site, and paired them with 8 simple foods to evaluate the pairing characteristics of wine and food.

Guests got to learn hands on, and experience what wine professionals have to think about and go through when selecting wine for food events. The list that follows is the wines selected for this specific pairing.

Westcave Cellars Winery, Texas High Plains, Blanc de Merlot Noir, 2010

A clear orange-red rosé made with Merlot from the Panhandle of Texas. It has a nose showcasing aromas of rose petals, strawberry, cranberry and a lemon zest. Flavors of raspberry, cherry, ripe strawberry, apricot and orange zest fill the mouth. It is finished medium-sweet balanced with a smooth yet lively acidity in this medium-full body wine with a pleasant long finish.

Westcave Cellars Winery, Texas High Plains, Muscat Blanc, 2010

Grown in the Texas High Plains, this white Muscat is clear straw to yellow canary hue. Simple aromas of ripe peach, honeysuckle and pineapple, and more developed aromas of lily, kiwi and wet stone. A pleasant quality of white peach, pear and apple flavors. Medium –dry and velvety to the tongue, medium-full body with a lively smooth acidity and a pleasant long finish.

Westcave Cellars Winery, Texas High Plains, Viognier, 2010 [light oak]

Medium-full body and medium-dry Viogner. Clear medium straw color. It has powerful and complex aromas of white peach, lychee fruit, citrus, pear and apple, floral notes, herbal tones, and grassy accents. It has supple and lively acidity, and it fills the mouth with flavors of green apple, grapefruit, lemon and lime. Pleasant long finish.

Westcave Cellars Winery, Texas Hill Country, Estate Cuvée, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2010

A proprietor’s select blend of Cabernet grown on the Estate. A clear, medium garnet to brick red hue. It has aromas of red berries, dark plum, and clove with a hint of toasted coffee. Fills the tongue with flavors of dark cherry, raspberry and spice. Supple full body with soft tannins and a pleasant long finish.

Westcave Cellars Winery, Texas Hill Country, Estate Tannat, 2010 [unbottled]

This estate grown Tannat is clear, with a dark opaque purple to red violet colors. Releases aromas of plum and black currant, and dark cherry. It brings flavors of black cherry, blueberry, dark plum and a nice anise or licorice finish. Smooth full body with balanced tannins and a pleasant very long finish.

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Cowboys and Gauchos; Tejas Style

18 May

The Wine & Food Foundation of Texas shines yet again with this innovative first annual event, produced by Jennifer Grathwohl. This took place in Driftwood, Texas – May 16th, 2011.

GUSTO Tastings Group was a sponsor of the event, and it furnished Certified Sommeliers to take guests through a journey of the wines sampled, they were given small informative tours on the regions and grapes, and basic wine knowledge that made this feature a memorable learning experience for those who participated.

Participatiing in this event were several regional wineries, as well as producers from South America. The foods crafted for this particular occasion had a major ’Brazilian Churrascaria’ theme going on, aside from many local vendors that brought forth their best products. I sampled some wild boar burger, and antelope chilli.

The ambiance was set in a Hill Country pavillion, located near a creek and amongst vineyards. The people were all well taken care of with the wine choices, local brews, and the meat – nonetheless, it is worth mentioning the whole ambiance came together with the live music program. I missed most of the early event, but towards the end a lively group of Flamenco Gypsies took the stage and everyone was enthranced by their rythm and sincere passion for their craft. Ole’!

This is one event to remember, and I certianly look forward to the next one! I’ll have my badge and chaps ready.

Visit the Wine & Food Foundation of Texas Official Site to keep updated on events and membership benefits. Also visit www.gustotastings.com to learn more about GUSTO and your Ultimate Tasting Experience!

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Zinfandel Grand Tasting – ZAP!

09 Mar

On Sunday, March 6th, 2011 in Austin, Texas – At AT&T Executive Education and Conference Center – Presented by The Wine & Food Foundation of Texas and The Zinfandel Advocates & Producers.

A most grand tasting involving the wineries and producers of the Greater Bay Area, Central Coast, Central Valley, Napa, Sierra Foothills, and Sonoma.

It involved local Austin Chef paticipants as prevalent as Executive Chef Erick Nixon and Chef Shane Stark. Many local wine professionals and sommeliers attended the event, such were Sommelier Christie Lynn Radcliff; Jane Nickles, writer of WineSpeak 101; Chef Sommelier Brian Hay; and Wine Educator Shields Hood amongst many others and myself. I must thank Jennifer Westfall, Event Director, for the precious function, and for a welcoming invitation.

The wineries and winemakers brought over 60 different wines to sample, and I can say that I tasted over 90% of the offerings. Many light, many bright, many great and grand wines – but surely I can pick my favorites for the night.

To start up, Opolo Vineyards, they presented three offerings, including;

Mountain Zin, Paso Robles, 2008
Summit Creek, Paso Robles, 2008
Late Harvest, Paso Robles,2008.

They were all artfuly crafted, all packed with great flavors, and extraordinary aromas. Cheers!

Other favorites and classics for me to taste at this event were – Gnarly Head Cellars; Brazin’ Cellars; Ravenswood Winery; Bogle Vineyards; Atezin Wines. And some new finds worth trying were – Tres Sabores; Wine Guerilla; XYZin Wines; Twisted Wines; Four Vines Winery.

Ofcourse, an evening to rember! And I can only wait patiently for the next Wine & Fooud Foundation event! And cheers to every behind the curtain!

To Learn More:

http://www.winefoodfoundation.org/become

http://www.zinfandel.org/default.asp?n1=3&n2=7&member=

http://www.internationalwineguild.com/becoming-a-guild-member

https://m360.americanwinesociety.org/frontend/portal/SignupOptions.aspx

http://gustotastings.com/

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Texas Wine Month

08 Oct

Texas Wine Month Trail tickets available!BUY NOW

2011 Calendar

2011 Season Passes will be available on our website in early November. Get all five 2011 trails at a discounted rate, Riedel stemless wine glass and no more worrying about getting your trail tickets before they sell out!

Wine Lovers Trail
February 11-13 & 18-20

Wine &
Wildflower Trail
April 1-3 & 8-10

Harvest Wine Trail
August 5-7 & 12-14

Texas Wine
Month Trail
October 1-31

Holiday Wine Trail
December 2-4, 9-11
& 16-18

Member
Wineries

Alamosa Wine CellarsBecker Vineyards

Bending Branch
Estate Vineyard

Chisholm Trail Winery

Comfort Cellars Winery

Driftwood Estate Winery

Dry Comal Creek Vineyards

Duchman Family Winery

Fall Creek Vineyards

Flat Creek Estate

Fredericksburg Winery

Grape Creek Vineyards

McReynold Winery

Pedernales Cellars

Perissos Vineyards & Winery

Pillar Bluff Vineyards

Rancho Ponte Vineyard

Singing Water Vineyards

Sister Creek Vineyards

Solaro Estate

Spicewood Vineyards

Stone House Vineyard

Texas Hills Vineyard

Texas Legato Winery

Torre di Pietra Vineyards

William Chris Vineyards

Woodrose Winery

_______________

Phone: 866.621.9463

Email:
thcwtrail@gmail.com

Website:
www.TexasWineTrail.com

Fall is a beautiful time to visit the Texas Hill Country Wineries. Harvest is over, the weather is cooler and the atmosphere is relaxing.

Texas Wine Month has begun!

Early morning on October 1, the Texas Wine Month Trail tickets were completely sold out. Due to the popularity of the trail, recent press
(#1 Hidden-Gem Wine Region and Top 10 Off-the-Path Wine Regions), and it is TEXAS WINE MONTH…we decided to release an additional 200 trail tickets! That’s right…now more people have the chance
to experience what the Hill Country Wineries have to offer all
month long. Don’t miss out on these extra tickets though,
we won’t be releasing anymore!

_________________________

20th Anniversary Brochures are HERE!

The new brochure includes all 27 member wineries and new advertisers. Be sure to keep a look out for them while on the trail.
_________________________

More National Recognition for
Texas Hill Country Wineries

The Texas Hill Country has received yet another national accolade as the #1 Hidden-Gem Wine Region by Away.com. Three years ago the region was named the #2 fastest-growing wine destination in the nation (2nd only to Napa) by Orbitz.com. As the Texas Hill Country AVA (American Viticultural Area) comes in to celebrating it’s 20th Anniversary in 2011, the move to a number 1 spot couldn’t be more fitting. With 27 member wineries and growing every year, the Texas Hill Country Wineries offer an unparalleled wine experience with hundreds of award-winning wines.

For the full article please visit: Hidden-Gem Wine Regions, Away.com

Fall Calendar Events

October 2

Winery U Food Pairing at Dry Comal Creek Vineyards
The Couple of the Century: Wine & Food Pairing: When it comes to matching food and wine, there’s only one rule – and no, it isn’t “White wine with fish, Red wine with steak.” It’s “drink and eat what you like.” Learn about the two fundamentals in the pairing of food and wine that will provide if not that proverbial “zing,” then at least a pleasant dining experience. Besides enduring our wonderful personalities and receiving a nifty Winery U! Diploma at the end of class, each participant will receive printed course materials, additional informational materials, and maybe even a surprise or two! ·Cost is $30.00 per person per class, or register for any four Winery U! classes for only $25.00 per person per class. To see all the class offerings visit www.drycomalcreek.com/winery-u-wine.html

Sunset Live Music & Wine Evening at
Driftwood Estate Winery
Join us for an amazing sunset, live music and Award Winning Wine! Select your favorite glass of Driftwood Wine and select a cozy place under the pavilion or large oak trees to watch the sun dip below the Texas Hill Country Skyline. Pack a picnic or snack on meat and cheese trays available in the Tasting Room. Karen Abrahams will be playing from 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM. Only wine purchased from Driftwood Estate Winery is allowed on our grounds. No beer or hard alcohol is allowed as well. We look forward to your visit.

Lavender Day at Becker Vineyards
Lavender Day at Becker Vineyards! Becker Vineyards is part of a lavender trail of farms in the Hill Country. A three-course luncheon featuring lavender in each course will be held in our Lavender Haus Reception Hall beginning at 11:30 a.m. Reservations: 830-644-2681 x 230. $65 per person, plus tax. Soylights, Imagine Lavender, Old Stone Market, and Botanical Art will be vendors.

October 3

Live Music at Solaro Estate
3:00pm-6:00pm

Stone House Harvest Dinner
We’ve just brought in the grapes! Come and celebrate with us with a harvest dinner! Three wonderful course paired with our wines: Appetizer, Spinach salad with pecan brittle, goats cheese and sherry vinaigrette; Exotic chicken baked with chorizo, sweet potato, smoked paprika, olives and pickled lemons: fregula with herbed roasted butternut squash and cherry tomatoes; and for dessert, individual apple tartlets with salted caramel and cream. Paired with Stone House Semillon/Sauvignon Blanc, Tempranillo and Chardonnay. Price: $58 per person inclusive. For reservations please call 512-264-2530 or email info@stonehousevineyard.com

October 8

Sip Into Sunset at Driftwood Estate Winery
Sip Into Sunset is our Friday night celebration for the end of the work week! Come and begin your weekend with Driftwood Estate Winery. Feel the work week melt away as the sun dips below the Texas Hill Country Skyline while you sip on your favorite glass of Driftwood Wine! Jeff Wood will be playing from 4 pm to 7 pm. Pack a picnic or snack on meat and cheese trays available in the Tasting Room. You can purchase wine by the glass or bottle. Only wine purchased from Driftwood Estate Winery is allowed on our grounds. No beer or hard alcohol are allowed. We look forward to celebrating the weekend with you!

October 9

Murder in the Cellar Dinner Theater at Flat Creek Estate
Murder in the Cellar October 9, 2010 6pm-8pm $60/Person Enjoy an entertaining evening of murder, mystery and suspense. You’re invited to dinner at The Bistro with our group of comedic murder mystery entertainers. Chef Sean Fulford will prepare a fabulous 3-course meal to compliment the show. Pricing includes entertainment, dinner, a glass of wine & prizes. Reserve Today! 512-267-6310

October 15

Sip Into Sunset at Driftwood Estate Winery
Sip Into Sunset is our Friday night celebration for the end of the work week! Come and begin your weekend with Driftwood Estate Winery. Feel the work week melt away as the sun dips below the Texas Hill Country Skyline while you sip on your favorite glass of Driftwood Wine! Chris Winkler will be playing from 5 to 7:30 pm. Pack a picnic or snack on meat and cheese trays available in the Tasting Room. You can purchase wine by the glass or bottle. Only wine purchased from Driftwood Estate Winery is allowed on our grounds. No beer or hard alcohol are allowed. We look forward to celebrating the weekend with you!

Stone House Harvest Dinner
We’ve just brought in the grapes! Come and celebrate with us with a harvest dinner! Three wonderful course paired with our wines: Appetizer, Spinach salad with pecan brittle, goats cheese and sherry vinaigrette; Exotic chicken baked with chorizo, sweet potato, smoked paprika, olives and pickled lemons: fregula with herbed roasted butternut squash and cherry tomatoes; and for dessert, individual apple tartlets with salted caramel and cream. Paired with Stone House Semillon/Sauvignon Blanc, Tempranillo and Chardonnay. Price: $58 per person inclusive. For reservations please call 512-264-2530 or email info@stonehousevineyard.com

October 16

Wine Til Nine at Pedernales Cellars
Join us for Wine Til Nine on October 16, 2010 from 6 pm until 9 pm at Pedernales Cellars. Music will be played outside on our deck by the Billy Nash Band. Bring out your family and friends, have a glass of wine and listen to some great Texas Hill Country music all in one place-Pedernales Cellars! See you soon.

Dungeness Crab Pick at Dry Comal Creek Vineyards
Come enjoy Fresh Dungeness Crab flown in overnight from the icy waters of the Pacific Northwest, along with Sour Dough Bread, European Butter, and homemade Chocolate Truffles paired of course, with the Texas Style wines from Dry Comal Creek Vineyards. This meal is not for the faint hearted. You will be required to work at crushing and cracking the crustaceans. Your utensils will be mallets, crackers, picks and bibs, but your reward will be the delicately sweet meat of the Dungeness Crab. This is a casual feast full of whimsical fun. Saturday, October 16, 2010, 6:30 p.m. sharp go to: http://www.drycomalcreek.com/event-crab-pick.html for more details.

October 17

Live Music Overlooking the Vineyard at
Driftwood Estate Winery
Enjoy the amazing view of the vineyard from our Tasting Room while listening to music by Mike McGrew. The performance will run from 2 pm to 5 pm. Pack a picnic or snack on meat and cheese trays available in the Tasting Room. Select your favorite Driftwood Estate Winery wine and sit under the large oak trees or under the pavilion. Only wines purchased from Driftwood are allowed on our grounds and no beer or hard alcohol allowed. Children and dogs are welcome to join you. We look forward to your visit!

Stone House Harvest Dinner
We’ve just brought in the grapes! Come and celebrate with us with a harvest dinner! Three wonderful course paired with our wines: Appetizer, Spinach salad with pecan brittle, goats cheese and sherry vinaigrette; Exotic chicken baked with chorizo, sweet potato, smoked paprika, olives and pickled lemons: fregula with herbed roasted butternut squash and cherry tomatoes; and for dessert, individual apple tartlets with salted caramel and cream. Paired with Stone House Semillon/Sauvignon Blanc, Tempranillo and Chardonnay. Price: $58 per person inclusive. For reservations please call 512-264-2530 or email info@stonehousevineyard.com

October 22

Sip Into Sunset at Driftwood Estate Winery
Sip Into Sunset is our Friday night celebration for the end of the work week! Come and begin your weekend with Driftwood Estate Winery. Feel the work week melt away as the sun dips below the Texas Hill Country Skyline while you sip on your favorite glass of Driftwood Wine! Chris Winkler will be playing from 4:30 pm to 7 pm. Pack a picnic or snack on meat and cheese trays available in the Tasting Room. You can purchase wine by the glass or bottle. Only wine purchased from Driftwood Estate Winery is allowed on our grounds. No beer or hard alcohol are allowed. We look forward to celebrating the weekend with you!

October 23

Live Music Overlooking the Vineyard at
Driftwood Estate Winery
Enjoy the amazing view of the vineyard from our Tasting Room while listening to music by The Sundogs. The performance will run from 2 pm to 5 pm. Pack a picnic or snack on meat and cheese trays available in the Tasting Room. Select your favorite Driftwood Estate Winery wine and sit under the large oak trees or under the pavilion. Only wines purchased from Driftwood are allowed on our grounds and no beer or hard alcohol allowed. Children and dogs are welcome to join you. We look forward to your visit!

October 24

Live Music Overlooking the Vineyard at
Driftwood Estate Winery
Enjoy the amazing view of the vineyard from our Tasting Room while listening to music by Doug Anthony. The performance will run from 2 pm to 5 pm. Pack a picnic or snack on meat and cheese trays available in the Tasting Room. Select your favorite Driftwood Estate Winery wine and sit under the large oak trees or under the pavilion. Only wines purchased from Driftwood are allowed on our grounds and no beer or hard alcohol allowed. Children and dogs are welcome to join you. We look forward to your visit!

October 30

Groove In The Grapes at Dry Comal Creek Vineyards
Held once a month on Saturdays, 1 – 4 p.m., in our spacious pavilion under the Big Ass Fan, enjoy an afternoon as the best of local bands, singers and song writers perform for your listening pleasure and for dancing on tree-shaded tables. In addition, we will be hosting local ‘traveling’ food vendors to add that special foodie treat. The Wine: Each concert will feature wine specials and of course, Franklin’s Cheap Sangria….Admission Charge: Absolutely FREE…. Come enjoy an afternoon with friends and family. Disconnect from all your electronic devices and see what life is like among the vines, in the sunshine, with fabulous wine and food, and of course, absolute fun. Seating and Group Guidelines. Seating is first come, first serve. We welcome those who are planning to host a group and recommend if you have 8 or more, that you reserve seating. Contact the winery office at 830/885-4076. Go to http://www.drycomalcreek.com/groovininthegrapes.html for the lineup. We are off of Hwy 46 West 7 Miles outside loop 337. Just look for the big yellow winery sign.

Live Music Saturday at Pedernales Cellars
Join us from 2pm until 6 pm for live music on our deck by Lonnie Lett. Lonnie will get the crowd going and the audience might even get to participate. Make plans now to join us for one great show and some really great wine.

Live Music at Solaro Estate
3:00pm-6:00pm

October 31

Halloween at Pedernales Cellars
Dress in your Halloween costume and make plans to spend it with Pedernales Cellars. We will have live entertainment outside on our deck by Lonnie Lett from 12 pm until 4 pm.

November 6

Winery U German Wines at Dry Comal Creek Vineyards
It’s Not Your Father’s Liebfraumilch: In honor of Wurstfest, we’ll examine the history and growing regions of Germany, as well as take some surprising tasting adventures. Hint: They’re not all sweet Besides enduring our wonderful personalities and receiving a nifty Winery U! Diploma at the end of class, each participant will receive printed course materials, additional informational materials, and maybe even a surprise or two! Cost is $30 per person per class, or register for any four Winery U! classes for only $25 per person per class. To see all the class offerings visit www.drycomalcreek.com/winery-u-wine.html

Divas and Diamonds at Flat Creek Estate
Divas & Diamonds November 6, 2010 7pm-10pm $129.95/Person Join Flat Creek Estate for an elegant four-course dinner paired with Flat Creek Estate wines; benefiting “A World for Children”. Ladies are encouraged to wear black dresses to showcase the jewelry Benold’s Jewelers will loan them for the evening. Texas tuxedos are appropriate for the Gentlemen. Reservations Please Call 512-267-6310. For information on “A World for Children”, visit the website www.awfc.org.

November 13

Wine and Food Pairing with the Winemaker at
Chisholm Trail Winery
Get ready for your Holiday entertaining with a food and wine pairing with Chisholm Trail owner and winemaker Paula Williamson on Saturday, November 13th. There will be seatings at 1 pm and 4pm. Event includes a taste of 5 of our wines paired with a specially selected food, topped off with a private tour of the winemaking facilities. Cost is $25 per person, plus sales tax and a 15% gratuity and includes all wine tasting, food pairings, winery tour, and a complimentary logo glass. 10% discount for Stetson Wine Club members. Seating is limited and reservations are required, so don’t miss out! Call us at (830)990-2675 to reserve your spot now.

Enjoy the festivities, taste award-winning wines,
enjoy exclusive discounts and take home your favorites for a whole month!

www.TexasWineTrail.com

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Tour de Vin -2010!

11 Sep

TourDeVinInvite1

Around the World with Wine + Food. Live Music Under the Stars Featuring Cienfuegos.

The Wine & Food Foundation of Texas invites you to get your passport stamped at Tour de Vin 2010, a world tour of the finest international wine and cuisine to be found in Central Texas. This year’s Tour de Vin focuses on the delicious food and exceptional wine found in Europe and South America. Join us on the rooftop plaza of Whole Foods Market on Thursday, October 7th for a truly world-class tasting and live music under the stars by Cienfuegos.

Tour de Vin
Thursday, October 7, 2010
6:30-9:00 PM
Whole Foods Market Rooftop Plaza
6th & Lamar, Austin
$50 Foundation Members
$75 General Public

See below for a complete list of the featured restaurants and wines offered at this year’s Tour de Vin.

Tour de Vin Pre-Tour Tasting
A pre-event global aperitif.
5:30 PM
Whole Foods’ Lamar Culinary Center
6th & Bowie, Austin
$25 Foundation Members
$35 General Public

The limited-seating Tour de Vin Pre-Tour Tasting features appetizers from Whole Foods Market Culinary Center and the following wine:

2006 Gaja Ca Marcanda Magari
2005 Ca’Rome’ Barbaresco
Achaval-Ferrer Altamira Malbec
Castello di Fonterutoli Siepi
2007 Sokol Blosser Estate Pinot Noir

Tour de Vin Main Event Wine & Cuisine List

Featured Cuisine:
Buenos Aires Cafe
Cipollina
Clay Pit
Cuvee Coffee
Dagar’s Catering
Ecstatic Cuisine
Fabi + Rosi
Fogo de Chao
Foreign & Domestic
Get Sum Dim Sum
Jack Allen’s Kitchen
Maria Maria
NoRTH
Portabla
Rio’s Brazilian Cafe
Sagra Trattoria
Satay
Silver Whisk
StrEAT
Tacos n Tequila
Thai Fresh
The Turtle

Featured Wine:
Achaval-Ferrer
Anything Goes
Aveleda Follies
Baguala
Belguardo
Bianchi
Boutari
Brancaia
Ca’Rome’
Canella
Casal Garcia
Casalnova
Chanson
Château de Chénas
Château Los Boldos
Colomé
Danielle de l’Ansee
Farnese
Fonterutoli
Gaja
Granrojo
Jermann
Kaiken
La Gioiosa
Le Faux Frog
M. Chapoutier
Machard Gramont
Mazzei
Mazzoni
Monte Antico
Montes
New Age
Norton
Otto Bestué
Pagos del Moncayo
Pascual Toso
Pieropan
Prima Perla
Schloss Vollrads
Sokol Blosser
Terrabianca
Thomas Schmitt
Toad Hollow
Tommasi
Vallemaggiore
Vallobera
Zisola

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Tequila Dinner @ Cantina Laredo ATX

06 Sep

This time was as memorable as the last two!

Meal consisted of

Ceviche Tostadas; shrimp and fish on a citrus marinade with avocado. Served with a Pink Lemonade Cocktail.
Cranberry Salad; apple slices and crumbly cheese. Served with a Silver Pinapple Martini.
Grilled Beef Tenderloin; spicy roasted potatoes, crunchy green beans and sauteed mushrooms. Paired with a Reposado Diamond Mandarin Margarita.
Pastel de Mango Tres Leches with a mango sauce.

Overall we had 100% Agave Azul Tequila Blanco, Reposado and A~ejo, as well as Gran Centenario ”Blush” and A~ejo – and the star of the night was Maestro Dobel; a blend artfully aged in Hungarian Oak casks.

It certianly was one of the best dinners yet! Looking forward to the next one -

Thanks Travis, Al and AB for having me!

Salud! Y felices Fiestas Patrias!

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Musical Soiree at Driftwood Vineyards

20 Jun

Tasting Room Open
Daily 10:00 ~ 6:00
(512) 858-9667

Driftwood Estate Winery Presents: Classical Music Soiree Overlooking the Vineyard July 10th at 8 PM An evening of Music, Wine and a Stunning Sunset The newly formed Classical Musical Ensemble, The Central Texas Chamber Orchestra Conducted by Donald Miller, will be performing at Driftwood Estate Winery in their newly built Pavilion. The Orchestra will be playing Mozart Symphony Number Forty, String Serenade by Antonin Dvorak as well as other classical pieces. The Central Texas Chamber Orchestra is composed of eighteen local musicians with impressive resumes. The concert will begin at 8 PM and the Orchestra will perform for 1 hour and 45 minutes including an intermission. With your ticket, Driftwood Estate Winery is providing fine cheeses that pair well with wine. Wine may be purchased by the glass or bottle. Check In will begin at 7 PM. Ticket Price: $30 per person ~ Limited Seating All Ticket Sales are Final – purchase tickets on the website to follow.

For more information, visit DriftwoodVineyards.com

picnic area

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Harvest in the Hill Country

16 Jun

Come celebrate Harvest in the Texas Hill Country with your favorite wineries!

Harvest Wine Trail
August 6-8 & 13-15

The vitality of the wine industry in The Texas Hill Country begins each year in August with the birth of the next vintage. We invite you to savor the sight, sound, smell and taste of Harvest with the Texas Hill Country Wineries. Make your plans to join us for the 2010 Harvest Wine Trail, August 6-8 and 13-15, and enjoy a wealth of opportunities to immerse yourself in the experience and lifestyle of harvest.

Ticket prices are $60 per couple and $35 per person and good for Friday-Sunday of both weekends…That is SIX whole days to complete your wine trail journey!

As the wine trail should be, it’s all about the wine, each winery visit will include a minimum of 1 and up to 3 complimentary tastes of wine and a 15% discount on custom 3 bottle purchases. Taste, enjoy, choose your favorites and take them home! You will also have the option to add to your wine experience by printing off the down-loadable Label Collection Book from your confirmation email. Print this book, visit the wineries, take notes and collect labels or memorabilia from each winery as a great keepsake from your Harvest Trail trip.

We all love a little food with our wine…and what could be better than local offerings chosen by locals? Each winery has chosen a great local food company to partner with during the Harvest Wine Trail and will be offering perfection in wine and food pairing. Imagine the local favorites we’ve come to crave, including Bistro Blends, fresh fare cultivated from our winery gardens and Dutchman’s cheese, paired with award wining wines. (Please see event details to discover each wineries partner and offering).

Are you a great photographer? Do you take hundreds of photos on your trips? Want to share them with all Texas wine lovers and get rewarded? Of course you do!! New to the Harvest Trail each winery will offer a unique photo opportunity showcase for you to capture that perfect picture at all 26 wineries. After you catch that ‘just-right-pose’ at the wine bar, in the vineyard, in front of barrels or the grape stomping action shot, just download and send direct to us for the Photo Contest. Categories include: Wine Trail Troopers (most creative photo), Wine Lovers (any TWO people) and Viticulture Vagabonds (ex: Grape Stomps, vineyard or wine barrel shots. Not all wineries offer a grape stomp, a list of THCW grape stomps will be posted to event details below). Each category will include a Grand Prize of a Wine Country Getaway Package (lodging, dining and private tasting), 1^st and 2^nd runner up of upcoming 2011 upcoming Wine Trail tickets. (Always a sellout!) All entries will be reviewed by THCW Committee and narrowed down to semi-finals. Finals will be voted on by public vote on THCW website.

Harvest is the season when wineries bring to the forefront those rarely seen vineyard and crush activities for wine enthusiasts to appreciate. Ticket holders traverse the twenty-six participating wineries sprinkled throughout the Hill Country debuting exciting new wines, watching and learning vineyard practices in motion, taking part in wine seminars or jumping feet first into a two ton grape stomp. The wine trail weekends are yours to plan…no need to start at 6am with the harvest however.

Enjoy the festivities, taste your favorites, enjoy exclusive discounts and take home the memories of harvest in the Texas Hill Country.

For more details and tickets please visit www.TexasWineTrail.com

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Posted in WinEvents

Texas Hill Country Newsflash

10 Jun

Upcoming Trails

Harvest Wine Trail
August 6-8, 2010

Texas Wine Month Trail
October 1-31, 2010

Holiday Wine Trail
December 3-5, 10-12
& 17-19, 2010

Alamosa Wine Cellars

Becker Vineyards

Bending Branch Estate

Chisholm Trail Winery

Comfort Cellars Winery

Driftwood Estate Winery

Dry Comal Creek Vineyards

Fall Creek Vineyard

Flat Creek Estate

Fredericksburg Winery

Grape Creek Vineyards

Mandola Estate Winery

McReynolds Winery

Pedernales Cellars

Perissos Vineyards & Win ery

Pillar Bluff Vineyards

Rancho Ponte Vineyard

Singing Water Vineyards

Sister Creek Vineyards

Torre Di Pietra Vineyards

William Chris Vineyards

Woodrose Winery

Summertime in the
Texas Hill Country

Summer is finally here…there are so many great events, celebrations and occasions to be had at the 26 Texas Hill Country Wineries! Exploring the wineries is a great way to entertain visiting family and friends this summer. Take a break from the pool, beach or lake and come out to savor the sights, sounds and taste of the Texas Hill Country Wineries.

On the left you will find the alphabetical list of the wineries that are part of this growing association. And for more information please visit:

www.TexasWineTrail.com

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Posted in Grape-news, WinEvents

Archive for the ‘WinEvents’ Category

As guests walked up the stairs onto the second level, they were greeted by “Mademoiselle Champagne de Pompadour” – a Diva in a starry attire and surrounded by flute glasses, ready to serve the thirsty bacchalans, promising a night filled with great bubbles, and more!

The Dylan Jones trio provided an interesting set of background music that could have hypnotized those who had their hands in the sweet nectar of the vines – and guests bid for unique items at the silent auction. One guest took home a bottle of 1955 port with their winning big!

As always, The Wine & Food Foundation of Texas, with the creative mind of Jennifer Grathwohl made this a fantastic sold out event!

Keep your head up for the 10th Anniversary of Big Reds & Bubbles, as it will surely be in every aficionado’s list to attend, so don’t miss out on your ticket!

Margaret and Allan Fetty, owners of Westcave Cellars Winery were present during the component tasting, and it was a great opportunity to meet with them – they offered barrel samples for our guests and disclosed details on winemaking methodology, making this even a more extraordinary evening.

Chapter Founder, Oscar A. Montes, chose the line up of 5 wines made on site, and paired them with 8 simple foods to evaluate the pairing characteristics of wine and food.

Guests got to learn hands on, and experience what wine professionals have to think about and go through when selecting wine for food events. The list that follows is the wines selected for this specific pairing.

Westcave Cellars Winery, Texas High Plains, Blanc de Merlot Noir, 2010

Westcave Cellars Winery, Texas High Plains, Muscat Blanc, 2010

Westcave Cellars Winery, Texas High Plains, Viognier, 2010 [light oak]

Westcave Cellars Winery, Texas Hill Country, Estate Cuvée, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2010

Westcave Cellars Winery, Texas Hill Country, Estate Tannat, 2010 [unbottled]

The Wine & Food Foundation of Texas shines yet again with this innovative first annual event, produced by Jennifer Grathwohl. This took place in Driftwood, Texas – May 16th, 2011.

This is one event to remember, and I certianly look forward to the next one! I’ll have my badge and chaps ready.

Visit the Wine & Food Foundation of Texas Official Site to keep updated on events and membership benefits. Also visit www.gustotastings.com to learn more about GUSTO and your Ultimate Tasting Experience!

On Sunday, March 6th, 2011 in Austin, Texas – At AT&T Executive Education and Conference Center – Presented by The Wine & Food Foundation of Texas and The Zinfandel Advocates & Producers.

A most grand tasting involving the wineries and producers of the Greater Bay Area, Central Coast, Central Valley, Napa, Sierra Foothills, and Sonoma.

The wineries and winemakers brought over 60 different wines to sample, and I can say that I tasted over 90% of the offerings. Many light, many bright, many great and grand wines – but surely I can pick my favorites for the night.

To start up, Opolo Vineyards, they presented three offerings, including;

Mountain Zin, Paso Robles, 2008

Summit Creek, Paso Robles, 2008

Late Harvest, Paso Robles,2008.

They were all artfuly crafted, all packed with great flavors, and extraordinary aromas. Cheers!

Other favorites and classics for me to taste at this event were – Gnarly Head Cellars; Brazin’ Cellars; Ravenswood Winery; Bogle Vineyards; Atezin Wines. And some new finds worth trying were – Tres Sabores; Wine Guerilla; XYZin Wines; Twisted Wines; Four Vines Winery.

Ofcourse, an evening to rember! And I can only wait patiently for the next Wine & Fooud Foundation event! And cheers to every behind the curtain!

To Learn More:

http://www.zinfandel.org/default.asp?n1=3&n2=7&member=

Fall is a beautiful time to visit the Texas Hill Country Wineries. Harvest is over, the weather is cooler and the atmosphere is relaxing.

Texas Wine Month has begun!

_________________________

20th Anniversary Brochures are HERE!

The new brochure includes all 27 member wineries and new advertisers. Be sure to keep a look out for them while on the trail. _________________________

More National Recognition for Texas Hill Country Wineries

For the full article please visit: Hidden-Gem Wine Regions, Away.com

Fall Calendar Events

October 2

October 3

Live Music at Solaro Estate 3:00pm-6:00pm

October 8

October 9

October 15

October 16

October 17

October 22

October 23

October 24

October 30

Live Music Saturday at Pedernales Cellars Join us from 2pm until 6 pm for live music on our deck by Lonnie Lett. Lonnie will get the crowd going and the audience might even get to participate. Make plans now to join us for one great show and some really great wine.

Live Music at Solaro Estate 3:00pm-6:00pm

October 31

Halloween at Pedernales Cellars Dress in your Halloween costume and make plans to spend it with Pedernales Cellars. We will have live entertainment outside on our deck by Lonnie Lett from 12 pm until 4 pm.

November 6

The new brochure includes all 27 member wineries and new advertisers. Be sure to keep a look out for them while on the trail.
_________________________

More National Recognition for
Texas Hill Country Wineries

Live Music at Solaro Estate
3:00pm-6:00pm

Live Music Saturday at Pedernales Cellars
Join us from 2pm until 6 pm for live music on our deck by Lonnie Lett. Lonnie will get the crowd going and the audience might even get to participate. Make plans now to join us for one great show and some really great wine.

Live Music at Solaro Estate
3:00pm-6:00pm

Halloween at Pedernales Cellars
Dress in your Halloween costume and make plans to spend it with Pedernales Cellars. We will have live entertainment outside on our deck by Lonnie Lett from 12 pm until 4 pm.