Wine and Food Week returns June 5-11, 2023 with a new theme: Wine + Food = Art. The weeklong extravaganza will kick off with an Australian Wine Dinner at Harrison's at The Woodlands Resort. Returning fan favorites include Wine Around the World Wednesday; Rose’ Way, A Sweet Soiree at The Peach Orchard Venue; Ladies of the Vine Tasting, Luncheon, & Panel Discussion, at The Club at Carlton Woods, and Sips, Suds & Savor. The week culminates with the elaborate Wine Rendezvous Grand Tasting & Chef Showcase at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott.

“Wine and food are like art because they express the culture, imagination and passion of the people who create them” said Wine & Food Week co-founder Constance McDerby. “We’re excited to announce that the stage is set for Wine & Food Week June 5- 11 with the theme Wine + Food = Art which will celebrate the creativity found in the heart of the wine and food industry. Featuring hundreds of wines, chefs from across Houston and beyond, we’re also weaving the arts into our entire line-up plus we’re honoring food journalist Patricia Sharpe, who is the restaurant critic for Texas Monthly. She has been on staff at the magazine for 48 years and has also contributed to Gourmet, Bon Appétit, Saveur, and the New York Times,” added McDerby. Paying homage to the theme Wine + Food = Art, guests can expect to indulge all their senses including a range of experiential art installations, meet and greet with award-winning and emerging artists, and much more.

Wine lovers the wait is over! Celebrating its 18th year, Wine and Food Week returns to The Woodlands with a week of exciting events. Running from June 6 - 12, 2022, this food and wine extravaganza will feature events from informal to elegant. Enjoy new events like Grapes & Games, June 7 at The Woodlands Country Club or get dressed up for the elaborate Wine Rendezvous Grand Tasting & Chef Showcase on June 11 at the The Woodlands Waterway Marriott. 

New events for this year include: June 7 - Grapes & Games (Which wine goes with game night?), June 8 - Wine Around The World Wednesday (No passport needed!), June 9 - Rose Way: A Sweet Soiree (Who's ready to get Pretty in Pink?) and June 10 - For the Love of Texas (Boots & Hats optional.)

Returning this year is the very popular and usually sold out, Ladies of the Vine Tasting on June 10 at the The Club at Carlton Woods moderated by Tanji Patton of Goodtaste with Tanji. The week ends with the luxurious Wine Rendezvous Grand Tasting & Chef Showcase on June 11. There will be hundreds of wines to taste while over 40 culinary talents compete for the title of Chef of Chefs. Tickets for the Grand Tasting are $125 or for an exclusive $175 VIP experience, guests can sample premium wines in the Bayway Cadillac VIP Luxury Lounge while mingling with celebrities and media.

Wine & Food week will honor the memory of Cleverley Stone with a lifetime achievement award. Stone was the founder of Houston Restaurant Weeks and an icon in the Houston restaurant scene. The ceremony will take place at the kick off toast for the Wine Rendezvous Grand Tasting and accepting the honor on her mother's behalf is Katie Stone Cappuccio.

For a full list of events and to purchase tickets, visit wineandfoodweek.com

The Nach-Yo-Ordinary Road Show Tour is coming to the Heights on May 21 at Domain Heights. This tequila and nacho tasting first started as part of the Brewmasters Craft Beer Festival, but has expanded to include events in Katy, The Woodlands and now the Heights. Domain Heights, a luxury townhome community, will be the host of this all-inclusive food and drink experience from 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm. Tickets start at $45 per person.

 A wide variety of spirits will be offered throughout the night which include tequila, mezcal, sotol and avila. Guests will be able to mingle with specialist while tasting and learning from various producers including Bribon, Corralejo, Desert Door, Don Julio, Dos Hombres, El Tesoro, Ghost, Lalo, Los Arango, Maestro Dobel, Mijenta, Milagro, Siempre, Tres Agaves and Veneno. Tequila enthusiasts will want to arrive early to secure a spot to the limited seating seminar, Translating Tequila, by El Tesoro Brand Ambassador Tyler Wang. 

Those looking for a a more posh, exclusive experience will want tickets to the VIP Penthouse Party. The $75 ticket gets you access to a 4:30 to 5:30 pm private party with rare tequila selections, gourmet food selections and spectacular views from Domain Height's Sky Lounge. Afterwards, join the general admission event for more bites and sips.

H-E-B will feature a gourmet nacho bar for guests to nosh on complete with all the fixings. Other food options include specially curated bites from Chef's Table, Harold's Heights, Candente, Mala Sichuan, Studewood Cantina and Soto's Cantina. Get your sweet fix from Bundt Cake-A-Holic or Tequila lime ice cream from HTX Nitro Creamery.

During the evening, there will be a chance to win a Party Wagon worth $1,000 in tequila and swag. All raffle ticket proceeds will benefit Second Chance Network, which serves 20 orphanages and close to 2,000 children and youths. 

For more information and to purchase tickets visit foodandvinetime.com

Wine and Food Week fans will be happy to hear that the show will still go on. Events this year will look a little different and be spread out over the next few months instead of happening all in one week. First up is the Nach-Yo Ordinary Tequila Tasting on October 29, followed by the Wine Walk on November 12.

This year's nacho and tequila tasting will take place at The Woodlands Country Club The Palmer Course on October 29 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Tickets are $45 each and available online at wineandfoodweek.com. Guests will be served an individual gourmet nacho box which includes fajita meat, cheese, jalapenos and all the toppings prepared by Chef De La Cruz of The Woodlands Country Club. Chef Kevin Mason of Mason's Creative Catering will be serving tequila lime shrimp nacho bites.

Always wanted to know more about tequila and mezcal? Now's your chance. Industry experts will be available throughout the evening to guide and educate guests about all things tequila. There will be live music and tequila/mezcal tastings served both neat and batched.

In attendance will be Tom Nall, Master Distiller and owner of Republic Tequila. After leaving his successful Wick Fowler's Two Alarm Chili business behind, Nall set out to create a tequila that would represent the spirit of Texas. In 2017, Nall added a new spirit to his portfolio with Republic Whiskey, a bold bourbon blend.

Covid-19 protocols and procedures will be in place to help ensure the safety of all guests.

• All events will have a limited number of guests. The total amount will be determined in collaboration with local authorities
• Eliminate lines at check-in to assure social distancing is maintained
• Expanding the layout to encourage social distancing between guests
• Plastic table coverings will be used, rather than fabric, so that the table coverings can be wiped down every 15 minutes or less as needed

Ticket holders will be asked to self-evaluate before coming to the event. Should they meet any of the following guidelines, they are asked not to attend the event

• Should a ticket holder have a fever (>100.4 degrees), cough or shortness of breath
• Should a ticket holder have been on a cruise or traveled internationally in the previous 14 days
• Should a ticket holder have had close contact with anyone who has been diagnosed with COVID-19 (in the prior 14 days) or are currently in close contact with someone who is showing signs of COVID-19
• Should a ticket holder show symptoms of COVID-19 in the previous 14 days before the event even without a positive test

​During the event we ask the following of each guest:

• Leave events if you begin to have symptoms of COVID-19, which include fever, cough, and shortness of breath.
• Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash
• Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds; before eating; and after blowing nose, coughing, or sneezing. If soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol
• Avoid touching eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands
• We kindly require that all guests follow social distancing guidelines and any directional signage or ground displays to keep the appropriate social distance.
• Handshakes and “high-fives” are often exchanged at events, and these can be ways in which COVID-19 can be transmitted from person to person. Elbows or thumbs up are encouraged to greet neighbors and friends.

World Gin Day is June 13 and I've partnered with Still Austin Gin to share one of my favorite summer cocktails - Bees Knees. Located in Austin, this local distillery is making a Texas Rye Gin that's perfect for sipping or mixing. Texas grains are milled, fermented and then steeped with over 10 botanicals including juniper berries, coriander, cinnamon, elderflower, citrus peels, tarragon and allspice berries.

A Bees Knees cocktail is super simple with only three ingredients - gin, honey and lemon juice. For this cocktail I used 1.5 oz Still Austin Gin, 1 oz lemon juice and .5 oz honey syrup. (Note: depending on the tartness of the lemon juice more honey syrup may be added.) Place ingredients in a shaker with ice and shake well. Strain into a chilled coup glass or a rocks glass with a square ice cube. Garnish with a sprig of lemon thyme and a dehydrated lemon slice.

Still Austin Gin is available at Spec's, Total Wine and Twin Liquors. Or if you're in the Austin area,  stop by the distillery for a tasting and tour.

One of my favorite places to visit is Italy. The first time I visited was also my very first time traveling to Europe. Being cautious, I chose to visit the major cities of Rome, Florence and Venice. It was a wonderful experience and I have no regrets, but now I know sometimes the road less traveled can be far more rewarding.

Lucky for me, I was able to visit the province of Pavia as a guest of the Chamber of Commerce of Pavia. I instantly fell in love with the charming little towns, cobblestone roads and the welcoming people. If Italy is on your bucket list of travel destinations, then Pavia is worth a visit.

​The town of Pavia is about an hour drive from Milan or a 30-minute train ride from Milan Centrale. Pavia is located in the Lombardy region and known for agricultural products such as rice and wine. The three main areas within the province of Pavia are Pavese, Lomellina and Oltrepo (aptly named as it literally means across from the Po River). The main towns to visit are Voghera, Vigevano and of course, Pavia.

​The best way to enjoy Pavia is by foot, but the city does have taxis as well as buses. Many monuments from Pavia’s Medieval past can be seen throughout town as well as a plethora of beautiful churches and cathedrals. The 15th century Cathedral of Pavia boasts the third largest duomo in Italy. The Visconti Castle and the University of Pavia are also worth visiting. I was particularly enthralled by the statue of Minerva by Italian sculptor Francesco Messina. She stands tall and strong guarding the city with her shield and wisdom. However, Pavian lore has it that students who stare her in the eyes will never graduate.

​The Lombardy region is famous for its cultivation of rice, especially Carnaroli (the king of rice) used for making delicious risottos. Sausage production is well-known in the area especially rich salami made from pork, duck and even goose. Restaurants typically serve farm-to-table cuisine and showcase products that are in season. Weekly farmer’s markets can be found around town and it’s a great way to peruse the local fare and gaze upon the myriad of colorful fruits and vegetables, stand in line for a taste of pancetta or grab a sample of fresh cheese.

​If you happen to travel to Pavia in the fall, make plans to attend Autunno Pavese. This long-running annual event is the largest food and wine showcase in the province. For four days, guests can sample the best culinary offerings of the region. There are seminars as well as a full-service restaurant offering a multi-course menu accompanied by Oltrepo wines for just 25 Euros.

There are many hotels to choose from in Pavia in varying price ranges, but you won’t find any big chains. I stayed in the Hotel Moderno, which was a lovely boutique hotel in close proximity to the train station and within walking distance of the town center. One thing to note for those that love their air-conditioning like I do, many European hotels either do not have A/C or turn it off after a certain time of year when the weather is cool.

The Chamber of Commerce of Pavia has developed an interactive website to help promote the rich heritage of Pavia. To learn more about this hidden gem visit, buonoasapersipavia.it

December 5, 1933 - otherwise known as Repeal Day, marked the end of the 13 years of Prohibition. The dark days were over and Americans were once again free to legally consume alcohol. In Houston, you can party like it's 1933 at these Repeal Day parties.

One Armed Scissor, 208 Travis
Owners of Not Too Sweet Ventures, Patrick Abalos and Justin Ware, will be holding their 2nd Annual Repeal Day Bar Takeover from 8 p.m. to 12 a.m. with live Jazz music by The 3rd Rail Band. Expect a menu of modern classics and cocktails riffs with names inspired by Texas history.

The Oyster Bar at Prohibition, 1010 Prairie
Celebrate Repeal Day in style with Prohibition era costumes and music. There will cocktails featuring Bulleit and 50 cent raw Gulf oysters. The party starts at 4 p.m., but prime time will be from 7 to 9:30 p.m.

Whiskey Cake, Multiple Locations
This annual Repeal Day party will feature $10 cocktails from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Starting at 9 p.m. drinks will only be $5! Save The Barrel whiskey flights will be offered for $19.33 and includes four pours of any Whiskey Cake barrel select whiskeys. Feel free to dress up in your favorite 20's attire and don't forget the speakeasy word of the night. Mention "Roosevelt" to your server and upgrade your Old Forester Old Fashioned to Woodford Reserve.

Prohibition Texas, 26420 Preston 
This speakeasy-style bar in Old Town Spring celebrates the Prohibition era everyday, but on Repeal Day they are putting on the swankiest party in town starting at 7 p.m. There will be live music, build your own Old Fashioned, Flapper Girl shots and $1.933 Well Drinks (1 per customer). Costumes are highly encouraged. 

The 12th Annual Zest in the West returns to Château Crystale, 2517 S. Gessner Rd., on Wednesday, October 16 from 6 to 10 p.m. This event brings together over 25 of West Houston's best chefs and restaurants in order to raise money and compete for the coveted "Best of Zest" Culinary Award. The decadent evening includes gourmet bites, over 150 wines, craft beer and three stages featuring live music. There will be a silent auction and wine pull with proceeds benefiting scholarships for the West Houston Leadership Institute.

​The 2019 Special “Guest of Zest” is Chef Marcus Paslay, the executive chef & owner of Piattello Italian Kitchen and Clay Pigeon in Fort Worth, Texas. Since opening his own restaurants, Paslay has garnered critical and commercial acclaim and has been featured in local and national media, including: CBS This Morning Saturday, Food & Wine, USA Today, Men’s Journal, Men’s Health, Good Day Fox 4, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Texas Monthly, Fort Worth Texas Magazine, D Magazine and more.

Two ticket options are available for Zest in the West and can be purchased at: zestinthewest.com
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The Champagne Experience – 6 to 10 p.m.
Enjoy a VIP evening arriving first to “A Sparkling Affair” VIP reception hour being greeted with effervescent Piper Sonoma, passed hors d'oeuvres, a champagne bar and live music from Brenda Guy. The Grand Zesting opens at 7pm where guests will find 150+ fine wines, craft beer and culinary fare from West Houston's best restaurants. Unique experiences and items can be found at the West Houston Leadership Institute auction. Held in the Château Crystale courtyard and ballroom. Tickets $100.

Champagne & Caviar VVIP Experience – 6 to 10 p.m.
Champagne & Caviar guests enjoy all the elements offered in The Champagne Experience, but they also indulge at The Ultimate VIP Luxury Lounge which includes lounge seating, premium wine selections, caviar tastings and Champagne Flights, plus the Spirits Patio, presented by Tippit Dental, with premium spirits and the sultry sounds of live music by Gabe Montoya. Special Guest of Zest, internationally acclaimed Chef, Marcus Paslay will conduct a cooking presentation of his award-winning dishes in The Ultimate VIP Luxury Lounge. Tickets $200.

Labor Day marks the end of the summer for most people, but in Texas it means that it's time for the best craft beer festival in the U.S. This year marks the tenth anniversary for the Brewmasters festival at the Moody Gardens Hotel on Galveston Island. The three-day event offers beer lovers the chance to sample hundreds of the world's best brews including several "Taste It First" selections.

Reflecting on the past ten years, Clifton McDerby, Executive Director of Food & Vine Time Productions, Inc. said, "We were the first beer festival in the region and our goal was then and is now to offer an immersive learning and tasting experience. We think we've been successful in staying true to our original mission. Be the leader in craft beer education."

The foam-filled festivities begin on Friday with the Nach-Yo Ordinary Tequila tasting from 7 to 10 p.m. Sample a range of high-quality tequilas while noshing on nachos. Tickets are $30. The fun continues on Saturday with the BrewHaHa Grand Tasting from 3 to 6:30 p.m.  In addition to hundreds of beer samples, guests can attend seminars and speak with experts in the Texas brewing industry. Tickets are $35. VIP tickets are $85 and include entry at 2 p.m., a private lounge area, light bites and premium samples.

Make it a beer-tastic weekend by attending all three events. A Weekender  pass is available for $165 and the Moody Gardens Hotel is offering special hotel rates for Labor Day weekend. For more information and to purchase tickets visit BrewmastersBeerFest.com