Are you ready to take your wine cellar to another level? Well-known names are the first to fill the racks and shelves, but what about those that many wine lovers aren't as familiar with? We’ll uncork and sample unique—and sometimes eclectic—wines produced by both veteran and up-and-coming winemakers who will share why these stellar selections are “must haves.” You’ll not only taste why, but have the opportunity to ask the winemaker why, they deserve a spot in your cellar. Food will be paired with wines by Chef Angel Lopez at this intimate walk around tasting at Austin’s own Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse.

Location:
Ruth's Chris Steakhouse

Join Austin Hope, winemaker of the acclaimed Treana Winery and Hope Family Wines, as he presents a retrospective tasting of Treana Vineyards Central Coast Wines. After studying under Charles Wagner of Caymus Vineyards in the early 1990s, Hope took over as Treana’s winemaker in 1998. His own philosophy has evolved at the intersection of the Old and New World, with a respect for balance and elegance layered onto the vibrant fruit of the Central Coast. He sees his role as more artist and craftsman than wine mechanic: “I try to leave the nuts and bolts of wine analysis and testing to the other people and concentrate on how the wine tastes.” The Treana wines he crafts taste very good indeed, and carry the personal signature of an exceptional winemaker.

Location:
Max's Wine Dive

Raise your glass again and again with Karen MacNeil, wine educator and well known writer of the popular book, The Wine Bible, as you enjoy this walk-around tasting from ten top-tier Champagne and sparkling wine producers. Chef Kevin Dee (SWB Restaurant) will provide perfect food pairings to the bubbles. This uplifting tasting is just before the grand Stars Across Texas Grand Tasting event at The Long Center, just a short walk (or pedi-cab ride) away.

Location:
Hyatt Austin, Foothills Ballroom, 17th Floor

Rain or shine, enjoy an evening under the stars while you savor the signature dishes of some of Texas’ best known restaurants and taste the showcase wines of festival guest and Texas wineries. Stars Across Texas Grand Tasting is considered the premier wine and food event in Austin and—at The Long Center—it promises to enchant and delight more than ever before.

IMPORTANT PARKING ALERT!

Patrons attending events or performances at the Long Center on Friday, April 16, 2010 may be impacted by the 2010 Reggae Festival occurring at Auditorium Shores (3:00 pm – 10:30 pm) including increased vehicle and pedestrian traffic in the area. The Center’s garage will be held to allow for Long Center patron parking. Please allow extra time for arrival and parking in the garage prior to the event or performance. Valet Parking and Drop-Off’s should be accessed from the Circular Drive of the Long Center off Riverside Drive and Self-Parking should be accessed from the South Entrance of the garage off of Barton Springs Road.

Location:
The Long Center

Chill out in the VIP lounge, a luxurious refuge with wines and cocktails from Moet Hennessey's extensive portfolio, and food provided exclusively for VIP patrons by Aquarelle, uchi, Jason Dady Restaurants, the Driskill Grill and Fonda San Miguel.

Location:
The Long Center