Join Chef Bob Waggoner of the Charleston Grill as he reveals some of the many secrets of combining classic French cuisine with local ingredients and traditional Southern cooking. Chef Waggoner will be joined by Susan Franzen, Festival Board Member and collaborator on his recent book, 'Charleston Grill at Charleston Place'.

Location:
Central Market Cooking School

Weird or not, Austin IS all about Mexican breakfast especially in a morning-after kind of way. Ross Outon, star of PBS' "The Winemakers" reality show, will share the miraculous healing powers of chiles in all their guises, while guest chef Aaron Sanchez and others present their favorite Mexican and TexMex breakfast dishes. Not to mention a hair-of-the-dog libation or two. Aaay Carambaaa!

Location:
El Chile Cafe & Cantina

Put down that beer, Bubba! It's time to learn that wine CAN go with 'cue. Join Jane Nickles, local wine expert and author of "Wine 101", in her quest for nirvana - the perfect combination of wine and slow-cooked, sauce-slathered meat. Local, and national, Barbecue haunts will provide the lip-smacking fare at this walk-round tasting where you'll be able to compare the merits of Red, White, Rose and even sparkling wines with various styles of sauces, rubs and grilled meats. A must for the discerning carnivore.

Location:
Scholz Garten

The climate and landscape of the Texas Hill Country are often compared to that of central Italy, Spain or the South of France - regions that all produce great wines which are NOT Cabernet or Chardonnay. As the Texas wine industry matures, more wineries are moving away from the classics and planting Mediterranean varietals instead - Grenache, Syrah, Viognier, Tempranillo and Sangiovese are now common in our local vineyards. These grapes are better able to withstand the extremes of the Texas climate and are accustomed to having to dig deep for nutrients, and they make great wines here too. Renowned wine expert Josh Wesson will lead you on a voyage of discovery through the changing landscape of Texas wine. Valet parking will be available and is complimentary for Lexus owners.

Location:
Four Seasons Hotel

Join noted wine authority Michael Bonadies at a walk-round tasting of monster red wines. These darlings of steakhouse wine lists will be tamed by some beefy appetizers prepared by our host restaurant, III Forks Steakhouse. Sip and graze while you visit with the winemakers and owners who crafted these mouth-filling, award-winning titans of the wine world.

Location:
III Forks Steakhouse

One of the most spectacular events of the year, The Rare & Fine Wine Auction is one of the largest and most prestigious wine auctions in the Southwest. Held at the Four Seasons Hotel in Austin, the auction attracts wine enthusiasts and collectors throughout the state, eager to bid on over 300 rare and dazzling wine auction lots, such as wines from private cellars, dinners, trips and luxury items from around the world.



Rare collectibles of Old World classics such as 1st Growth Bordeaux, Grand Cru Burgundy, Vintage Port and legendary Italians are offered up with New World luminaries like California Cult classics, top Oregon Pinot Noir, luscious Washington and Australian reds. Wine tour vacations to Europe and North America are featured along with spectacular wine tastings and gourmet wine dinners hosted in private cellars and exciting restaurants.



Auction proceeds benefit The Wine & Food Foundation of Texas, with a portion of proceeds going to KLRU-TV, Austin’s public television station.

To register, donate, or become a sponsor, call The Wine & Food Foundation of Texas at (512) 327-7555, email Darcy Sacks sacks@winefoodfoundation.org or visit the Foundation website www.winefoodfoundation.org. The deadline to register is April 9th, 2008.

Valet parking will be available and is complimentary for Lexus owners.

Location:
Four Seasons Hotel

Join Joshua Wesson, noted wine and food guru, former top gun sommelier, High Lord of wine, beer and spirits at the Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Company, and author of Williams-Sonoma's new book, "Wine and Food - A New Look at Flavor", for a wildly delicious ride through the world of wine and food pairing. From sparkling to still, white to red and dry to sweet, no cork will go unpulled during this seven course, ten wine cornucopia of cups and sups. The class will end on a sweet note with a mini tasting pf chocolates and the wines that love them.

Tickets for this class must be purchased separately through the Central Market Cooking School. Call 512.458.3068 for reservations.

Location:
Central Market Cooking School

It's the hottest ticket in town and you too can join the fun of this exclusive After Party. This brand new event takes place at the coolest new East Austin production studio, Action Figure Studios. Featuring signature cocktails, celebrity sightings and music with a techno-vibe, you'll relax and indulge at this multi-sensory, multi-media happening. Valet parking will be available and is complimentary for Lexus owners.

Location:
Action Figure Studios