Premier Lots for the 27th Annual Rare & Fine Wine Auction Announced!

After months of scouring the globe for rare, fine, and desirable wines, The 27th Annual Rare & Fine Wine Auction is nearly upon us, and we've got our hands on some really great lots this year that you won't want to miss.  Among them are large format bottles, collector's wine sets, lavish wine trips, and exclusive wine dinners.  Don't be the last to scout out the details on these premier lots!

Have we piqued your interest?  The night begins with a champagne reception in which all the lots are on display for your perusal.  Following, you'll be treated to a decadent array of salads, entrees and desserts on the buffet, presented by the Four Season's Executive Chef Elmar Prambs.  And we've only just begun!  Then the real fun begins with the boisterous and fast-paced live auction, showcasing nearly 100 auction lots.  Feeling lucky?  Give it a go at the silent auction tables where 50 lots featuring wine, gift cards, experiences and other goodies abound.  And the best part?  It's not too late to reserve your seats for this always fun evening!  Just visit our registration page to join in on the fun!

Cowboys + Gauchos Recap

This past weekend, we hosted Cowboys + Gauchos! We couldn’t have asked for a better setting. It turned out to be a beautiful, sunny day full of non-stop fun! People began pouring in early in their boots and hats, ready to jump on into all excitement.

Like most guests, my eye was drawn straight to the pit where a delicious variety of meats were on display. There’s nothing like having your meal cooked right in front of you! And the smell! From the moment you stepped on site, the smell of barbecue was intoxicating. Roaming from station to station, there wasn’t one booth without something incredibly tasty. One of my favorites, besides the main attractions (the elk, pig, and goat), was the brisket taco provided by Salt Lick. The meat was perfectly seasoned and cooked to perfection. Wrapped up in spicy sauce and a tortilla, I was in heaven!

 The inside of the pavilion was beautiful, filled with sparkling lights, splashes of color, and, of course, the smell of so many amazing wines. Guests were able to sample both Texas and South American wines, while being serenaded by beautiful music. It was the perfect atmosphere to sip on your favorite wine and get swept away in the song.

 But, my absolute favorite part of the event was the S’mores Pit! Out behind the pavilion, there was a table full of chocolates and marshmallows. There were so many different flavors to choose from that it was hard to make just one! So much excitement surrounded the process. People would flock to the station to experience something that would take them back to their childhood days. I went traditional with a roasted vanilla marshmallow and stuck it between two graham crackers with a delicious piece of dark chocolate. It was the perfect treat, topped off with sticky fingers! Cowboys + Gauchos was a wonderful experience full of good food, great wines, and tons of fun! Don’t miss out next year. We are sure to have another rip roarin’ good time!

 -Rachel Reid, intern

Members Only Syrah Happy Hour

We went out on a limb and hosted our first-ever members only wine tasting last night at Marquee Rents. Well, I guess it wasn’t too risky; who doesn’t like wine tastings?! We were greeted with a beautiful set-up in Marquee’s design center, where colorful linens painted the walls and sparkling stemware awaited our wine. We ended up with about 15 different Syrah/Shiraz to taste along with an abundance of yummy bites from our members and Dagar’s Catering. It was interesting to find that some wines were robustly fruit-forward while others were lighter bodied with a softer finish. Everyone had their own favorites but I personally liked the 2005 Tintara Shiraz McLaren Vale, bursting with blue and black fruit and some layers of mushroom and tabacco.

 I’m already looking forward to our next members only wine tasting, wherever it may take us!

Two Events Not To Be Missed!

We have two exciting events in the next few weeks and trust us, these are not to be missed! The first is the Tops in Texas event on Tuesday, February 28th. Chefs Josh Watkins, Paul Peterson and Zack Northcutt will go head to head and be judged by Top Chef contestants Tre Wilcox, Arnold Myint as well as Chefs David Bull and Tyson Cole. All ticket proceeds will benefit The Wine & Food Foundation of Texas! VIP tickets are $85 each (just a few left, seriously) and General Admission is $50 each. Click here for more information.

The next upcoming event is Cowboys + Gauchos on Sunday, March 4th at the Salt Lick Pavilion. Starting at high noon, ticket-holders will be welcomed with the sights, sounds and experiences familiar to both the North American Cowboy and the South American Gaucho – the sight of an open fire with the delicious smells of great BBQ. Chow on the grilled fare before washing down your delicious rations with the fine wines from local Texas vineyards and South American wineries, plus a little local brew too! We’ll have live music and family fun activities (did someone say Photo Booth?!?) sponsored by Yelp! that you won’t want to miss. $40 Foundation Members, $50 General Public, $10 ages 13-20.

Cowboys + Gauchos

Yee-haw and olé! Cowboys + Gauchos will be returning to its frontier at the Salt Lick Pavilion on Sunday, March 4th.  Come experience the food, wine and culture of the North American Cowboy and South American Gaucho. Starting at high Noon, attendees will be welcomed by the smell of meat cooking on an open fire and the sound of fine wine being uncorked. Delicious cuisine will be provided by the following restaurants: Judge’s Hill Restaurant & Bar, Café Josie, Zocalo Café, Auguste Escoffier, Live Oak Barbecue, Wild Bubba’s, and Mmmpanadas.

Accentuating the flavors of the meal, wine will be provided by the following wineries and distributers: Alamosa Wine Cellars, Duchman Family Winery, Fall Creek Vineyards, Casa Lapostolle, Llano Estacado, McPherson Cellars, Spicewood Vineyards, Terrazas de los Andes and a local brew from Thirsty Planet Brewery.

To sweeten the hearts of even the most rugged cowboys and gauchos, dessert will be provided by the gourmet Delysia Chocolatier.

Don’t miss the opportunity to enjoy an open fire, live entertainment, and authentic North and South American food and wine.  Purchase your tickets for this can’t miss event before space runs out! Tickets are $40 for Foundation members and $ 50 for general public. Click here to register for the event.

A huge thanks to our sponsors Yelp!, YNN Austin, Acqua Panna and The Salt Lick BBQ for helping make this exciting, tasty, and cultural experience possible.