The Week That Was and More Coming
Although Wine and Food Week in The Woodlands (19th edition) has ended, two popular events have been moved to the cooler month of October. That month just happens to be Texas Wine Month as established by the Texas Department of Agriculture. However, the events during the first full week in June exceeded expectations! That week started with a seven-course Wine Dinner at the newly transformed Woodlands Inn Dining Room into the world-class Harrison’s. The Aussie wines were beautifully paired with each of the seven courses. “Wines Around the World” on Wednesday was a great concept enjoyed by all. Groups of 20 to 25 were led by “travel guides” from one wine region to another with each wine region housed in a spacious room. For each 30-minute stay. This concept allowed for “wine sharing” which made the wine tasting special. I firmly believe that wine is best paired with people. Foods from those areas were provided to pair with the wines for those six wine regions. Thursday evening focused on sparkling wines and all wines pink. This pink Rose’ Soiree was held in the beautiful Peach Orchard Event Center that was recently acclaimed by Oprah Winfrey. I enjoyed the wide array of Roses’ and Sparkling Wines, but I did find a red wine from Australia at the event. There were lots of wonderful finger foods available. Friday’s “Ladies of the Vine” Luncheon was the most elegant event of the year, being at the Carlton Woods Country Club. The Wine Panel of “ladies in the international wine industry” provided a lot of information on women working in the wine industry along with featuring wines made by women winemakers. The elegant Club Facilities paired with the beautiful ladies in their finery made this event the most elegant of the week. BTW, men also attended that event. Friday evening saw a casual event of Sips, Suds, and Savory.” Spouses who drink beer were found at this drink and food pairing evening with a few actually discovering WINE! Saturday Night culminated the week with a massive display of wines and foods. Just before the event opened at 7PM, the sixth inductee in the Wine and Food Week Hall of Fame was formally presented into that Hall of Fame. Long-time Executive Food Editor of Texas Monthly, Patricia Sharpe, has written about the food scene in upping its game. It was evident that Ms. Sharpe has done an outstanding job as evidenced by the intense food competition at the Wine Rendezvous Grand Tasting and Chef Showcase. There were hundreds of wines to choose from, including about a dozen Texas wineries showcasing their award-winning wines! Forty-one Chefs were preparing foods at their stations for the Food Judging Panel to evaluate. Those same foods that went before the Judging Panel were also provided to patrons of this event. Foods varied from lobster, crab, shorts ribs, sushi, and more! Chef Masaru Fukuda with Pacha Nikkei took top honors including a $5,000 cash prize along with the trophy presented by GOYA Foods for his Lobster Ceviche—poached lobster guanabana (soursop) leche de tigre, Peruvian corn, crushed cancha, cherry blossom powder and sweet potato air. The foods were fantastic and the portions significant with the wines deadent!
Make plans to attend the Platinum Wine Vault August 17 at Bayway Cadillac and the H-E-B Wine Walk at Market Street on October 6. The Market Street Wine Walk was previously held in June when it was hot. This October event should make the wine strolling much easier and more fun. For Information on these two event, go to www.wineandfoodweek.com.
Lastly, this wonderful series of events promoting wines and foods is made possible by H. E. B. Grocery Stores. This Texas Icon is the largest seller of wines in Texas if not the world. It is the grocery store choice of many Texans. Of course, there are many more sponsors, but H. E. B. has been a loyal sponsor making this Wine Week possible.