The Lone Star State benefits enormously from the recent explosion of wine tourism and our state’s wine trails are helping lead the way! Wineries attract visitors to destinations all over Texas and that’s a real boon for merchants, hotels, restaurants and other businesses in those areas.
Wine festivals and regional wine trails draw large crowds and the result is very positive for the Texas economy. Our wineries are wonderful entertainment destinations for the people of this state and they’re easily accessible from any part of Texas. Visiting a nearby winery is an outstanding, economical choice for any Texan seeking an enjoyable day trip or a weekend retreat.
Ongoing Events:
Music at KE Cellars. Tyler
The pairing of music and wine is perfect at KE Cellars. Music is featured in the Grande Cellar Tuesday - Saturday nights from 6 - 9 pm. Cellar snacks and wine by the glass or bottle are available for purchase to accompany the music. For more information visit the Web site at www.kiepersol.com/calendar/index.shtml or call (512) 249-6300.
Tree House Bistro at Lost Creek Vineyard, Sunrise Beach
The Tree House Bistro is now open Tuesday - Saturday, 5 - 10 p.m.; Sunday, 5 - 9 p.m and for Sunday Brunch, 11 - 3 p.m. starting May 10. Please visit www.lostcreekvineyard.com for menu information, or call 325 388-3753 for reservations.Music in the Vineyard Concerts, Messina Hof, Bryan
Every Sunday from September 6 to December 20, 5-8pm in September and 2-5pm October-December, join us for great music by one of our various artists while you enjoy food from our Wine Bar as well as our award winning wines either by the glass or by the bottle. So, come kick back on Sunday afternoons and enjoy all we have to offer here at Messina Hof. For more information visit our Web site at www.messinahof.com.
JANUARY 2010
January 16: KNCT Wine Classic, Killeen Civic and Conference Center, Killeen
The Wine Classic offers a Wine 101 Class and a wine tasting. The class is perfect for novices starting to learn about wine, planning a trip to the wine country or attending a wine dinner. Later enjoy a spirited evening of wine tasting and hors d'oeuvres with a silent auction. For more information visit the Web site at www.knct.org/wineclassic.
FEBRUARY 2010
February 6, 7, 13 & 14: Merlot & Chocolate Tasting, Becker Vineyards, Stonewall
A guest chef or chocolatier will have sumptious chocolate creations to pair with the Becker Vineyards’ Merlot. If a sample is not enough…they will have boxes for sale! The Merlot & Chocolate event is complimentary; no reservations required. There will also be a Sunday, Feb. 14, Valentine’s Dinner in the Lavender Haus Reception Hall. Menu and price TBA. Contact: 830-644-2681 or visit the Web site at www.beckervineyards.com for more information.
February 12: Georgetown Swirl…Sip, Savor, Shop and Swirl Around the Square
Celebrate Valentine’s in Georgetown! Enjoy an evening of shopping on the Georgetown Square while sampling Texas wines and dining on the local restaurants’ best fare. You can find unique gifts at the event’s silent auction held in the Courthouse. Tickets are $25 and are available at the Georgetown Visitors Center. The event is sponsored by the Georgetown Main Street Program and the Texas Wine and Grape Growers Association. Visit the Web site at swirl.georgetown.org for more information.February 21: The Rodeo Uncorked! and Best Bites Competition, Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo, Reliant Center Halls D&E, Houston
Sample award-winning wines and enjoy signature bites from Houston-area top chefs. Table buyers enter at 6:00 p.m.and individual ticket buyers at 6:30 p.m. For more information visit www.HLSR.com.
APRIL 2010
April 11-18: Savor a Glass of Texas’s Finest on the “Caribbean Wine Cruise, Messina Hof Winery
Experience the best Texas has to offer as guests cruise with Paul and Merrill Bonarrigo from the award-winning Messina Hof Winery and Resort on Royal Caribbean’s Voyager of the Seas from April 11-18, 2010. Prices start at $809 per person, and a deposit of $150 per person is due by credit card no later than August 30, 2009 with final payment due February 7, 2010. Please call Debbie or Vicki for additional information and to book at 281-990-8362 or 832-563-6077. You may email at debbies@supertravel.com or vivitex@yahoo.com.
MAY 2010
May 15 & 16: 12th Annual Lavender Festival, Becker Vineyards, Stonewall
Three acres of French and Spanish lavender grow in the Texas soil at Becker Vineyards. There will be lavender cooking demos, presentations, lavender dinner, lavender luncheon, vendors, wine tasting, winery tours, concessions, live music and more! Admission is complimentary; Parking $5.00. Contact: 830-644-2681 or visit the Web site at www.beckervineyards.com for more information.