Curated Texan
Texas Wine Auction Draws Top Chefs From Around Texas
By Rob Giardinelli Photography by Anne Ousey
THE SCENE: The Vista Oaks Event Center in Fredericksburg was the recent setting for one of the area’s top new fundraisers. The second annual Texas Wine Auction drew over 200 wine and food lovers from throughout Texas for an afternoon of tasty bites and libations where they sampled cuisine from chefs from several different Texas markets including Austin, Fredericksburg, Houston, Lubbock, and The Woodlands.
THE VIBE: The vineyard-chic crowd knew they were in for a treat from the moment they walked into the Vista Oaks Event Center. Food stations dotted the perimeter of the space, where patrons could sample morsels that showcased the state’s thriving and diverse food scene. Each of these culinary creations was paired with one over 20 Texas-based wines that participated in the event.
While sampling, guests mingled and shared their thoughts on their favorite food and wine pairings. Additionally, guests had the opportunity to bid on one of several auction packages, with the most popular including a trip to Napa and a helicopter tour of the Hill Country. Next, came a live auction that featured a 15-liter bottle of specially blended wine from 17 different Texas wineries. The festivities concluded with the judging of the first ever chefs’ competition that featured eight chefs from throughout Texas. The winning chef was Chef Austin Simmons of TRIS in The Woodlands, who prepared a mouth-watering oak-grilled big rib with kimchi vinaigrette, scallion and Korean chili.
THE NON PROFIT: The event raised over $245,000 for the Texas Wine Revolution, which is dedicated to providing consumer education and awareness to Texas grown wines. Funds raised from this event will go toward Texas A&M Agrilife Extension Programs benefitting the Texas wine industry as well as wellness programs for Hill Country hospitality workers.
