How are we even in April? My department head stood in my office on Friday, March 31 and marveled that we were at the end of the first quarter. Of course, that just conjured up thoughts of all the things I’d planned to achieve before the end of the quarter that hadn’t quite gotten done. The best laid plans… But I did get to enjoy Rodeo Houston and the Championship Wine Garden;
took the kids to a VERY snowy Tahoe for Spring Break (1st time I ever saw snow on sand!);
and got to participate in the Texas Fine Wine tasting that took place at the Texas Wine School in Houston. You know, the one I told y’all about last month.
It’s not always possible to head west to wine country, so I was happy to see them bring the wine to us. I hope they’re able to do more of these events and I hope more local consumers are able to go and see first hand the sheer versatility of the industry. And if you’re so inclined, there are tons of fun events happening in Texas Wine Country, so let’s get to it! And let me just say that I love all of the Easter events.
William Chris 2023 Eggstravaganza
It’s springtime which means Easter and all that goes with it. Join William Chris for an Excellent Eggstravaganza at the winery on Saturday, April 8 beginning at 10am. It’s sure to be a rolling good time. Y’all see what I did there, right?
$30 tickets for the adults provides wine tastings and delicious food pairing options to go along with it.
And be sure to bring the kids. $5 gets them all sorts of fun including egg coloring, an egg hunt, photos with the Easter bunny, and of course, the Egg Roll!
Bending Branch Adult Easter Egg Hunt
Who says Easter egg hunting is just for kids? Join Bending Branch for their annual Adult Easter Egg Hunt at the Winery. Bring your basket and get ready to find some eggs filled with treats, special offers, and great prizes totaling over $2,500! Now this is MY kind of egg hunt?! The fun is Saturday, April 8 from 12 to 1pm with tickets $30 .
Duchman Family Winery Easter Brunch
Duchman Family Winery is also getting in on the Easter fun with its Easter brunch. I mean why put yourself through prepping a larger spread when the Duchman folks will do it for you. And the menu looks amazing! I spied curried lobster deviled eggs, crab cakes with rémoulade, glazed ham and so much deliciousness. Tickets are $60. Brunch starts at 11:00, with doors opening at 10:30 am.
And be sure to bring the kids for the Easter egg hunt. Check-in begins at 1:00 PM with the Easter Egg Hunt at 1:30 PM. There will be over 2000 eggs to find! Prizes awarded to the kids who find the special Golden Eggs! Tickets are $5 for kids 12 and under.
Domino Day at Siboney Cellars
Growing up in a trash-talking, domino-playing family, I so love this event! Siboney Cellars puts on a monthly event called Siboney Domino Day and Pig Roast and it’s such a fun time! It takes place on the third Sunday of each month and features a domino tournament, live music, a pig roast, cigars, Cuban coffee, and yes – wine! One of the owners, Miguel Lecuona, is Cuban and he brings much of his background to the winery. Growing up, the only people I saw play dominoes were black people, so I had no idea Cuban dominoes was even a thing! Well now I know! (Pic)
The next event is Sunday, April 16 at 11:30am and tickets are $40 per person.
2nd Annual Texas Wine Auction
I shared in a recent Instagram post that the Texas wine industry contributes over $20 billion to the economy, which puts Texas 2nd behind California in wine’s economic impact. Not that long ago it was $13B. The Texas Wine Auction, which will be held April 29, 2023, is an amazing event that supports the Texas Hill Country hospitality community. The Mission of the Texas Wine Auction through the Texas Wine Revolution 501(c)(3) non-profit organization is to contribute funding to wellness and preventative care for the hospitality community, provide continuing education and research for winemaking and grape growing practices by funding initiatives through Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, and using their events and platform to educate on Texas wine, preserving its rich legacy and ensuring its future.
The auction is one of their largest events of the year. The event will feature wines from wineries from around the state, a celebrity chef competition, as well as silent and live auctions. Individual tickets are $175 and there are a number of sponsorship opportunities available as well. This is truly an amazing event the supports the industry.
Slate Theory First Bloom Dinner
Join Slate Theory as they bloom into Spring with Chef Carlos Martinez of “Maiz Cocina De Origen.” I so enjoyed my last visit there so I know this is going to be an amazing experience. Dinner looks amazing and features like 6 or 7 courses. Dinner takes place Friday, April 23rd at 6:30pm. Tickets are $200.
Texas Hill Country Wineries Wine & Wildflower Journey
Tickets are now on sale for Texas Hill Country Wineries spring self-guided passport event, the Wine & Wildflower Journey, which is happening from March 27th – April 21st. Passport holders can sip award-winning wines at 40+ unique Hill Country wineries during the course of the event. Participants can visit up to four wineries per day and receive a 15% discount on three bottle purchases.
Ticket prices are $100 per couple (any two people) or $65 per individual. The average winery tasting fee is $25/person, making the total value of each passport over $950! Click here for a list of participating wineries, tickets and more information.
Wine of the Month – 2022 Duchman Family Wines Rosé
I’ve been bad about featuring my Texas ‘wine of the month’ lately, but I promise to be better! I had the opportunity to first taste this beauty during the quarterly Texas Fine Wine ‘Talk and Taste’ chat. I also had the chance to try it a second time when the Texas Fine Wine folks came to Houston for a tasting. Known for producing Italian varietals, this Rosé featured Dolcetto, Aglianico, and Montepulciano. Full of bright red fruit, floral notes, and ripe tropical fruit, this one is perfect for your Easter dinner as well as lots of time in the pool or the beach this summer.
I’m planning some time to Texas Wine Country soon. If you’re headed out, let me know!
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