On Saturday, October 23, foodies and wine enthusiasts can enjoy the artistry of more than 20 Texas wineries along with offerings of nearly 50 food and arts vendors sprawling across Fredericksburg’s Market Square. The occasion is that Hill Country town’s 20th annual Fredericksburg Food & Wine Festival, which also includes performances by Texas musicians.
Texas Highways Web Editor Lois Rodriguez will lead one of the day’s six cooking-demonstration showcases, presenting her interpretation of tres leches cake. Visitors will be able to roam from wine tasting and food demonstrations to listen to Jeff Lofton, named best performing jazz band by the Austin Chronicle’s 2009-2010 music poll, and bid in a live auction that includes art, wine baskets, tickets for winery and museum tours, lodging and restaurant certificates, and food and jewelry.
Since the festival’s inauguration in 1991, attendance has steadily grown, and this year’s crowd is expected to number 5,000. The 2010 lineup brims with wineries from across the state. Fall Creek Vineyard offers a crisp and light Sauvignon Blanc; Messina Hof will present samples of its Barrel Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, a winner at the Houston Livestock Show; and Val Verde Winery, Texas’ oldest continuously operating vineyard, presents a 2009 Muscat Canelli as well as a dry 2007 Sangiovese.
Festival admission ($20) includes six wine-tasting tickets. Guests may buy additional tickets ($1 each) at booths throughout Market Square. Admission also grants access to the Grape Expectations Cooking School. In each of six showcases, talented Texans exhibit their creations throughout the day.
So head to Fredericksburg for a taste of Texas. For further information and tickets to the festival, visit www.fbgfoodandwinefest.com. Tickets may also be purchased the day of the event at the festival gates.
