Taste and learn as world-renowned cheese expert, Cathy Strange of Whole Foods Market, delights you with her depth of knowledge and passion for cheese while discussing the synergy and sense in pairing Texas wines with Texas cheeses. A panel discussion with Texas winemakers, moderated by Cathy Strange, will round out this delicious session.

Location:
Carillon at the AT&T Conference Center and Hotel

Test your tastebuds blind by Karen MacNeil! Whether you’re a local Sommelier, a wine expert or just a dedicated lover of wine you will surely enjoy this challenge. Tasting two different wines of four grape varietals, participants will be tested on their knowledge of grape varietal and vintage.

Location:
Four Seasons Hotel

A popular walk-around tasting with food provided by III Forks’ Jamie Gutierrez, Big Dog Reds showcases those monster Cabernets (and the like) that populate most Steakhouse wine lists. Visit with the winemakers and owners who craft these wines, and be prepared to go home with purple lips!

Location:
III Forks Steakhouse

Join Chef John Besh in a tribute to and celebration of his hometown of New Orleans. Among the best of the new generation of New Orleans’ chefs, Besh is renowned for his world-class, award-winning cuisine served at Restaurant August, Besh Steak, Lüke, Domenica, America Sector and La Provence. Besh’s commitment to the culinary riches of Louisiana as well as his efforts to rebuild the city post-Katrina have gained him a loyal following and national recognition for setting the new benchmark for fine dining in his hometown. Don’t miss this opportunity to savor the flavors of one of America’s greatest food cities with Besh as your host to authentic New Orleans cuisine with a contemporary twist. The menu for the class will highlight recipes from Besh’s new cookbook, My New Orleans,, and will be paired with wines from the Moët Hennessey portfolio.

Location:
Whole Foods Market Culinary Center

This broad-reaching tasting will showcase White and lighter Red varietals as a refreshing interlude or an alternate to the Big Dog Reds session. It is an excellent opportunity to experience a wide variety of wines while “cleansing your palate” between other events throughout the day.

Location:
Driskill Hotel - Victorian Room

In 1989, Valeria and Agustin Huneeus found the property that would soon become Quintessa, a remarkable estate in the heart of the renowned Rutherford appellation of Napa Valley. Expanding over 280 acres, it was the last great undeveloped property in Napa Valley that had all the characteristics of a great wine estate: rolling hills, many different microclimates and a vast diversity of soil types. With nearly 15 years of growth, the vines have lost their youthful exuberance and have developed into a balanced vineyard that needs little manipulation to produce low yields and concentrated flavors. Come taste some of the inspiring vintages this special property has produced with the acclaimed wine educator, consultant and writer, Karen MacNeil.

Location:
Sullivan's Steakhouse

A walk-around cocktail tasting on the beautiful mezzanine of the historic Driskill Hotel. Sample creations by five local mixologists competing to create Texas Wine and Food’s 25th Anniversary Signature Cocktail. Each cocktail will be expertly paired with a culinary offering from Driskill Grill’s Chef Jonathan Gelman. The winning cocktail will be featured the following day at the Sunday Fair.

Location:
Driskill Hotel