Texas Hill Country Wine and Food Festival on for April 16-19th

The Texas Hill Country Wine and Food Festival is back for another year from April 16th to 19th. Austin’s premier wining and dining event, begun over 20 years ago by Ed and Susan Auler of Fall Creek Vineyards, has gone through periods of massive and almost painful expansion as well as a most welcomed contraction over the past few years.

The festival has gone back to its roots after a brief fling with Saveur Magazine and I for one and glad to see it. This year’s event has moved the famed Star’s Across Texas Friday night celebration [restaurants and wines from across the state and beyond] to the Long Center. Also, the closing Sunday afternoon fair has been moved back to the Salt Lick. After several years out in Georgetown, in my opinion, the fair is back where it belongs.

I’m looking forward to the horizontal tasting Reserve Tasting on Friday of Napa Valley reds at Sullivan’s. Participating vineyards include Provenance, Sterling, and Beaulieu. That’s from 1-2:30. At the Driskill from 2-3:30pm is the Red White and New. This is dedicated to “anything but cabernets” and will host vineyards like Treana, Grgich Hills, and Cambria Estate.

One of my favorite events has long been the aforementioned Stars Across Texas. Some of the chefs on hand for this strolling, grazing, and sipping event are David Bull (Bolla at the Stoneleigh), Elmar Prambs (Trio), Jeff Blank (Hudson’s), Dave Herman (of The Range in Salado), Tyson Cole (Uchi), Josh Watkins (The Carrilon), George Thomas (Imperia) and many, many others. They prepare grazing food and it is invariably excellent.

And I’ll be at the Mini Swirlwind featuring the wines of California. This event will unfold at Malaga on 2nd St., one of my favorite tapas restaurants. This event runs from 3-4:30pm on Saturday.

Tickets for all events are available at texaswineandfood.org.