When was the last time you tried a Texas wine? I know, I know…..I have heard all the stories. But I promise you, if you have not tasted Texas wines recently, you are missing out. Don’t believe me? I’ve got an event for you: the Toast of Texas put on by the Wine and Food Foundation.
Denise Clarke is an avid wine enthusiast who loves sharing and teaching people about wine. She is a Certified Wine Educator, Certified Sommelier, WSET Advanced graduate and an expert on Texas wine. Owner of Denise Clarke PR, she currently represents Texas Fine Wine and the Texas Department of Agriculture’s Wine Marketing Program. She has lived in Austin for more than 30 years and when she is not swirling and sipping wine, she can be found on her bike, climbing every hill she can find.
Follow Denise on IG at @deniseclarkeTX for more wine recommendations.
The Wine and Food Foundation of Texas hosts many great events and classes for wine enthusiasts while raising money for grants, scholarships and education for professionals in the hospitality industry. To date, the Wine and Food Foundation has awarded more than $1.6 million in grants and scholarships; I am so thankful for the grant I received to help cover the costs of my French Wine Scholar certification.
One of the most popular Foundation events of the year is The Toast of Texas on Sunday, June 5 at Star Hill Ranch. What better way to spend a Sunday afternoon in Texas than with some great wine, amazing food, all while supporting local Texas winemakers.
This sip & stroll event features wine samples from some of Texas’ best wineries, including Becker Vineyards, Bending Branch Winery, Cheramie Wine, C.L. Butaud, Crowson, Duchman Family Winery, Fall Creek Vineyards, Haak Wines, Hye Meadow Winery, Infinite Monkey Theorem, Lost Draw Cellars, Pedernales Cellars, Red 55 Winery, Reddy Vineyards, Ron Yates, Spicewood Vineyards, Vinovium, Wedding Oak Winery, William Chris Vineyards and Wine for the People.
A VIP session features the “Top 4 Texas Wines of 2022” selected by Shelly Wilfong of the This is Texas Wine podcast, a terrific podcast for learning about the Texas wine industry and hearing from Texas wine personalities. Shelly will moderate a tasting with the four winemakers who will talk about the wines and take questions from the audience.
Here’s what you need to know:
When: Sunday, June 5, 2 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
VIP Session is 1-2 p.m. (sold out)
Cost:
Tickets are $85 for non-members of the Foundation ($65 for members)
VIP tickets are for members only and are $95
Where: Star Hill Ranch is in Bee Cave, Texas – please ride share or get a ticket to the round-trip transportation provided by the Foundation. Cost: $55 for non-members, $45 for members
Guaranteed fun!
Cheers!
