Events

How to Prepare for Wine & Food Week in The Woodlands

Mint Zara Romper and Cult Gaia Arc Bag

Summer is here and things are heating up in Houston. With the skyrocketing temperatures and humidity, being without a drink in hand feels unfathomable. Summertime means cute and frilly sundresses, lightweight rompers (like this one), and always having a drink in hand to beat the Houston heat. Sometimes that drink is water, but why not swap up your glass of H2O with some chilled rosé? In my opinion, wine is ALWAYS a good idea.

If you’re a fellow wine enthusiast based in Houston, you’re in luck! Wine & Food Week, presented by H-E-B, is returning back to The Woodlands from June 4-10.  You might remember that Brian and I attended last year’s Wine & Food Week during a fun staycation. We attended the Wine Rendezvous Grand Tasting & Chef Showcase, indulging in a copious amount of sweets and plenty of vino. They even have elements for the craft beer fans out there! We’ve taken an interest in wine since our vacation to California where we spent a day in Napa Valley. While the state of Texas has a few great vineyards, we are always desperate to expand our palette right here at home. Wine & Food Week gives us a chance to brush up on our wine knowledge, try different wines from hundreds of providers, and take in Houston’s exceptional culinary scene. (And when I say exceptional, I mean mouthwatering. Did I ever tell you I gained a “Freshman 15” when I moved here three years ago?!)

Brian and I enjoying Napa Valley

To be honest, wine is a bigger part of my life than I think about. From dates with Brian to dinners with friends,  it’s a common bond for MOST of my relationships. I mean what’s not to love about an age-old tradition? Speaking of traditions, Wine & Food Week is celebrating 14 years of its festival which will host more than 75 chefs, hundreds of talented winery representatives, and an incredible lineup of restaurants. There’s plenty to love about the upcoming festivities.

Drink for a Cause? Cheers to That!

What I love most about this event is that there’s a huge charity component. Food & Vine Time Productions, the creator of Wine & Food Week, has raised over a million dollars for various charities. This year’s event will benefit New Danville, an integrated community to support adults living with intellectual and development disabilities; The John Cooper School’s Signature Author Series supporting literacy efforts in Montgomery County, and The Woodlands Arts Council.

What to Attend

This year, I plan on attending the HEB Wine Walk at Market Street. Below are a few events I recommend attending. For a more detail list and to purchase tickets, visit the Wine & Food Week website.

Thursday, June 7 – H-E-B Wine Walk at Market Street

Location: Market Street

Time: 5:00-8:30 p.m.

Cost: VIP: $75 includes; General Admission: $35

Attendees can enjoy live music and grab a keepsake glass as they stroll through Market Street, which will be transformed into a 34-acre wine walkabout with wine industry experts sharing their fruit of the vine.
Participate in the John Cooper School Signature Series charity wine pull. You can be one of the lucky ones to take home a premium bottle of wine for a $10 donation. Everyone who participates in the wine pull gets a bottle of wine. Two live music stages fill the air with lively entertainment. The Ben E. Keith Craft Beer Garden offers 80 indulgent selections for the most discriminating beer-loving palates.

Friday, June 8 – Sips, Suds & Tacos

Location: The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel & Convention Center

Time: 6:00-9:00 p.m.

Cost: $25 includes some of the best tacos in town while you wet your whistle with craft beer and fun wines. Your ticket includes: Tacos from competing chefs, wine and beer samples, live music and more. $25 + Online Convenience Fee: $2.95 + tax

The doors open at 6:00 pm for wine and craft beer sampling and the aromatic tacos will rev up any appetite. At 6:30 pm, the tacos are served and then it’s “game on” for the Taco Take-Down. Guests will choose their favorite taco while the judges choose theirs and restaurants and chefs compete for the coveted Taco Takedown Trophy. Attendees enjoy ice cold craft brews or a choice from scores of wines; plus, there’s live music so the party doesn’t stop when bellies are full. Dance the night away to the sounds of high energy live band through 9:00 pm. Each guest ticket includes entrance into the event, live music, tacos from competing chefs, interactive activities and wine and beer samples.

Saturday, June 9 – The Wine Rendezvous Grand Tasting & Chef Showcase

Location: The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel & Convention Center

Time: 7:00-10:00 p.m.

Cost: $125 includes 500+ wines, live-action preparations by more than 60 accomplished Chefs, Champagne Cove, charity auction and a sweet ending to the evening in the “Just Desserts” Zone. $125 + Online Convenience Fee: $6.35 + tax

Tabbed as one of the most spectacular wine and culinary events in the country, the “Wine Rendezvous Grand Tasting & Chef Showcase,” presents guests with the opportunity to slip into their finest threads and be in the company of serious wine enthusiasts and outstanding culinary talent. Guests indulge in chef demonstrations, over 500 wines and food from 60 restaurants. The Champagne Cove greets patrons upon arrival and offer an array of sparkling selections to start their effervescent experience. Finish a fabulous evening on a sweet note with desserts by renowned pastry chefs vying for the “Just Desserts” Award. Enjoy selections of confectionery perfection as the night’s dessert extraordinaire is crowned.

What to Wear

I’m you’re going to The Wine Rendezvous Grand Tasting & Chef Showcase, I recommend getting a little dolled up. (Exhibit A: this lacey crop top dress from last year’s event). A more summer-appropriate look would be perfect for an outdoor event like the H-E-B Wine Walk at Market Street. I plan on staying cool in my Zara romper. I’ve also linked to a few of my favorite alternative styles below. I’m also OBSESSED with my Cult Gaia bag dupe that’s a 1/3 of the price.

Romper // Earrings (similar) // Shoes // Bag // Bracelets (Similar) // Necklace // Lipstick

Can’t wait to see you and cheers for this great cause. Will you be there? Snag your tickets here.

Photos by The McRaes Photography

 

 

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