Wine & Food Week 2018 In The Woodlands Offers Events for Every Palate

People at festival with tents

Some wine events last a day or two, but the annual Wine & Food Week in The Woodlands squeezes a whopping ten unique events into seven days and nights. This year, the festivities run June 4 through June 10 at multiple venues around the The Woodlands community. These include talks, tastings and a concert.

Since most people’s schedules and budgets dictate restraint (pout), we’ve picked five of our favorites to describe in more detail. Those who only have time for one event should consider going for the biggest one: The Wine Rendezvous Grand Tasting & Chef Showcase. There will be dozens of wines to taste, so consider these tips for getting the most of the evening from “Wine Wizard” and master sommelier Guy Stout. Keep in mind that events often sell out so getting tickets sooner rather than later is ideal.

Craft beer and poker at the It's A Guy Thing event.
It’s A Guy Thing brings together wine, craft beer, poker and socializing with Master Sommelier Guy Stout. Photo courtesy of Food & Wine Week

June 5
It’s A Guy Thing7 to 10 p.m., $25: This edgy event evokes a Vegas bachelor party sans the bachelor with shoe shines, cigars, drinks and poker. Sip bold wines from the likes of Alexander Valley, Bogle, and Fetzer and hobnob with Guy Stout, one of 215 Master Sommeliers worldwide. If craft beer is your pleasure, choose from selections like Brooklyn Brewery and Deep Ellum and fuel rounds of poker with plates of local grub from Kirby’s Prime Steakhouse, Screaming Eagle, and The Woodlands Country Club. Buy tickets online.

June 7
Wine Walk VIP presented by Robard’s Steakhouse5 to 8 p.m., $75: For one weeknight, Market Street transforms into a 34-acre, open-air festival of wine and food. For $30 per ticket, the H-E-B Wine Walk provides access to specialty food stations and wines for sipping from a keepsake wine glass. (Designated drivers can attend for only $20.) The VIP upgrade packs in additional perks like 30-minute early access for more time to sip and sample, an air-conditioned room with exclusive wine and food selections, premium take-home stemware and a gift bag. The VIP option is limited to 200 guests to ensure a more intimate experience. Buy tickets online.

June 8
Sips, Suds & Tacos presented by Mexico Tourism6 to 9 p.m., $25: Wine events aren’t all “fancy pants.” This Tex-Mex style shindig has with 22 chefs competing for the “Taco Takedown Trophy” and bragging rights. Guests get to sip craft beer and wine, nibble on beef, chicken, pulled pork and fish tacos, or dance to live music from The Robert Hartye Band. Buy tickets online.

June 9
Platinum Wine Vault Collectors Tasting presented by Celebrity Cruises$250: For serious oenophiles, this “golden ticket” is an ideal way to access three premium events at a discount (compared to purchasing separately). Sample New and Old World varietals not available to general guests and meet winemakers from around the world at the Platinum Wine Vault from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Then, join the party at The Wine Rendezvous Grand Tasting & Chef Showcase from 7 to 10 p.m. where 500 wines, chef demonstrations, and dishes from 60 restaurants compete for a shot at The Waterford Crystal Chef of Chefs Trophy and $5,000 award. Tucked within the showcase, the VIP Luxury Lounge presented by Tom Peacock Cadillac is a relaxed respite from the crowds and offers exclusive wines and luxury seating. Taken individually, the latter two are $125 and $175 each, making the $250 cost for all three a worthy splurge. Buy tickets online.

The summer concert series at Bernhardt Winery in Plantersville.
End the week with a live music concert at Bernhardt Winery in nearby Plantersville. Photo Courtesy of Wine & Food Week

June 10
Sunday Sundown Closeout Concert and Poetry Reading at Sunset at Bernhardt Winery7 to 9 p.m., General Admission $15, Reserved Tables $20 or $30 plus cost of admission: Head straight to the source, Bernhardt Winery in Plantersville just northwest of The Woodlands, for an evening lawn concert, part of its the summer concert series. Guests are encouraged to bring blankets and chairs or reserve tables for up to eight people. Picnic baskets are welcomed and gourmet cheese platters, snacks and food truck bites are available for purchase onsite. Outside alcohol is not allowed but Bernhardt wines are available by glass and bottle. Call (936) 894-9829 for reservations.

With both indoor and outdoor experiences ranging from casual to raucous, this week of wine and food ensures something for everyone. Go forth. The wine glasses await.

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