Monday, March 15, 2010

Rare & Fine Wine Auction Preview

Largest Auction in the Southwest Celebrates Silver Anniversary

The Wine & Food Foundation's signature event - The Rare & Fine Wine Auction - will take place on Saturday, April 17, 2010 at the Four Seasons Austin. (Tickets and more info by calling 512.327.7555.) This year, the auction celebrates its 25th anniversary with a stellar collection of rare vintage wines, luxury travel packages, private wine dinners, and collectible fine wines.

Here's a sampling of what you'll find on the auction block this year:

Bond 2006 Terroir Portfolio
5 Magnums (1.5 L) one each

2006 Bond Melbury
2006 Bond Quella
2006 Bond St. Eden
2006 Bond Vecina
2006 Bond Pluribus

Estimated Value: $3,500


2007 Pride Mountain Vyds Cabernet Sauvignon
1 Salmanazar (9L) Etched Bottle
Signed by Owner Steve Pride

"With ample structure, blue-black fruit and great aging potential, this phenomenal wine is reminiscent of past vintages of the Pride Mountain Reserve Cabernet. The nose expresses gorgeous flavors of cassis, black raspberry compote, cocoa and blueberry. The mouth is firm yet round, with intense flavors that evolve in the glass and balance the wine's structure."
Rated 90 Robert Parker

Estimated Value: $2,500


"Back Home Again" Dinner for Four at Jerry Jeff & Susan Walker's Home

Take advantage of this rare opportunity to spend an evening with a Texas music legend. Susan and Jerry Jeff Walker welcome you and three friends to their Clarksville home to share a home-cooked meal prepared by their personal chef, excellent wines from the Walker's personal collection, and maybe a little country music, too.

Must be scheduled on a mutually agreed upon date prior to April 30, 2011.

Estimated Value: $3,500


1982 Chateau Mouton-Rothschild Pauillac
1 Bottle (.750 L)

"This wine remains one of the legends of Bordeaux. The creme de cassis, underlying floral note, full-bodied power, extraordinary purity, multi-layered texture, and finish of over a minute are a showcase for what this Chateau accomplished in 1982. The wine is still amazingly youthful, vibrant, and pure. It appears capable of remaining fruity and vibrant in 2082!"
Rated 100 Robert Parker

Estimated Value: $1,500

Stay tuned for more lot previews from this year's Rare & Fine Wine Auction.

Tickets? More Info? Visit us at http://www.winefoodfoundation.org/ or call the office at 512.327.7555.

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

An Evening with Karen MacNeil


An Evening with Karen MacNeil
The Carillon hosts exclusive fine wine dinner to benefit Foundation

Austin, Texas (March 1, 2010) - Karen MacNeil, beloved TV personality and author of the popular Wine Bible, is coming to Austin for the 25th Annual Texas Hill Country Wine & Food Festival. Susan and Ed Auler, Founders of the Texas Hill Country Wine & Food Festival, will act as hosts for this dinner, celebrating the Festival’s 25 year anniversary. This exclusive dinner will be held Sunday, April 18th, at 6:30 p.m. at The Carillon in the AT&T Events Center. Proceeds will, in part, benefit The Wine & Food Foundation of Texas.

Only 16 guests will be able to share this memorable evening at the table with Karen, with an outstanding four-course dinner prepared by the Carillon’s acclaimed Executive Chef Josh Watkins.

Reservations (only 16 places/seats are available) are $200/person, including four courses and all wines. Reservations may be made by contacting the Foundation office (512) 327.7555 or pay online by visiting www.winefoodfoundation.org.


MENU

First Course
Warm Artichoke Salad
Fingerling Potatoes, Fennel and Parsley Chips

Second Course
Asparagus Leek Soup
Jonah Crab, Crème Fresh and Lemon Zest

Third Course
Brioche Crusted Rack of Lamb
English Pea Risotto, Whole Grain Mustard, Tomato Confit

Fourth Course

Chocolate Terrine and Lemoncello Gelato
Coriander Cream, Crystallized Cilantro, Caramelized Orange

Thursday, March 4, 2010

WINE 101: Brush Up or Send a Friend!

Sip, Taste, Learn.

Every year, The Wine & Food Foundation offers a series of wine education classes through our 'Foundation Academy' program. Classes vary in subject matter and knowledge level, and occasionally include food pairings.

This spring, we're kicking off the Foundation Academy series with WINE 101. As you might expect, this class is designed for those with limited wine experience. Wine Instructor Brenda Audino of Twin Liquors will lead guests through a fun and interactive (read: drinking!) approach to learning the basics of wine. The class will feature six wines (six different varietals!) and focus on things the wine novice might be interested in learning.

How do I taste wine? What are the aromas and flavors to identify? How do I know what to order at a restaurant or what to pick out for dinner at home? How did I read this wine label? (Yes, there are ways to read wine labels other than determining if they are pretty or not!)

WINE 101 will take place at Twin Liquors Marketplace at Hancock Center (1000 E. 41st Street) on Thursday, March 11th. Hors d'oeuvres will be included. Even if you're a wine pro, we find that there's always something to learn about the complex world of wine. WINE 101 is highly recommended as a gift for clients, customers, friends, and family.

WINE 101 Twin Liquors Marketplace (1000 E. 41st Street) Thursday, March 11, 2010 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM $30 Foundation Members, $40 General Public Tickets at (512) 327.7555 or http://www.winefoodfoundation.org/.