2023 TASTING TEXAS WINE + FOOD FESTIVAL RETURNS OCTOBER 26-29 IN SAN ANTONIO

By: Christian Stan

After a successful 2022 festival, the annual Tasting Texas Wine + Food Festival returns October 26-29, 2023. This four-day epicurean experience allows food and wine lovers alike to explore the unique flavors of Texas for themselves.

Guests will enjoy delicious bites from Texas chefs and restaurants, live music, mingle with beverage makers, and learn from industry experts in educational panels, in one of San Antonio’s popular open-air venues, historic Travis Park.

From cooking classes teaching guests how to make tasty dishes with a southern twist to hands-on workshops on pairing — there’s no shortage of exciting experiences to be had. The best part of the Culinaria-produced Tasting Texas is that it is a party with a purpose and the beneficiary is the James Beard Foundation with $250,000 committed to support culinary students in Texas.

Highlights of the schedule of events include:

Thursday, October 26, 2023

The Dinners at various locations across San Antonio

Tasting Texas offers an array of delicious dinners featuring the amazing culinary talents of chefs from around San Antonio and beyond. From traditional local favorites to daring new dishes, The Dinners offer something for everyone. Chef collaborations will take taste buds on a journey as guests discover flavors they never knew existed.

Each dinner is a unique experience that showcases the creativity of the festival’s talented local and guest chefs. Plus, attendees get to rub elbows with other foodies who share their love of great food. Cooking is an art form and through Tasting Texas’ The Dinners guests will experience it in action. The Dinners will take place in a variety of options including Botika, Clementine, Dashi, Four Brothers, Haunted Tito’s Tour + Dinner, La Cantera Resort, Meadow and Southerleigh.

Friday, October 27, 2023

Becker Luncheon at Becker Vineyards, 11:30 AM

For a unique and luxurious experience, Becker Luncheon is a must-do. Situated within the beautiful grounds of Becker Vineyards, guests will bask in stunning Hill Country views while indulging in a multi-course meal created by incredibly talented chefs. Each component of this luncheon plays perfectly together from the legendary setting to the curated courses, paired with hand-selected Texas wines, including those of Becker Vineyards. The stories from Dr. Becker and the guest winemakers make this an afternoon with friends for a truly special occasion. This curated luncheon is the ideal way to start the culinary weekend.

Southern Hospitality at Pearl,

6:30 p.m. (VIP Admission) | 7:00 p.m.-9:30 p.m. (General Admission)

A delicious and entertaining experience that blends Southern flavor, hospitality, and culture all into one night. At Southern Hospitality, guests can fill up on favorite classic dishes made by chefs who live for it. The event is held reception-style making it easy to move around the room and mingle while eating tasting the bevy of drinks – from sweet tea cocktails to paired perfect wine.

Saturday, October 28, 2023

HalloWine 5K Run at The Shops at La Cantera, 8:00 a.m.

Get ready to dress up and feel the exhilaration of reaching the finish line. A Halloween-themed adventure where participants can run or walk (or head straight to the reception) and enjoy treats at every corner of the course. Across the finish line awaits a delicious post-race reception with amazing chefs, beverages and sweets.

The Grand Tasting at Travis Park

12:00 p.m. (VIP Admission) | 1:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m. (General Admission)

Introducing the Grand Tasting—the ultimate exploration of all things wine, food and cocktails. Take a culinary journey through an innovative walk-around experience, sampling delicious food and beverages while connecting with experience-makers and learning more about their products.

At the Grand Tasting, nothing is off limits. Festivalgoers will enjoy an array of menu items from the best restaurants around town and throughout the great state of Texas and sip on specialty drinks crafted right in front of them. Guests also can take part in tasty educational seminars led by experienced chefs and beverage experts that will sharpen cooking skills and teach how to pair the perfect dish with the perfect wine. At The Grand Tasting everything is included in one ticket price.

Sunday, October 29, 2023

Sippin’ Sunday Brunch at Meadow 10:30 a.m.-2:00 a.m.

Experience pure southern charm at Tasting Texas’ amazing Sippin’ Sunday Brunch. With some of the South’s top-rated foods and live, soulful music, guests will be able to feed the mind, body, and spirit. Every delicious dish is crafted with love and ready to indulge. As the music plays in the background providing comfort and familiarity, you will find yourself embracing all that the South offers.

Champagne Brunch on the San Antonio River Walk

Step onto a beautifully crafted river barge as Tasting Texas Wine + Food Festival provides guests with a floating curated chef experience. The journey starts with a toast of bubbling champagne and a plate of savory snacks. From there, enjoy plentiful food and drink while taking in the historical sites along the banks of the San Antonio River—the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable outdoor experience. Book this event quickly as availability is extremely limited.

Burgers, Bourbon & Beer at Travis Park

12:00 p.m. (VIP Admission) | 1:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m. (General Admission)

Burgers, Bourbon & Beer will bring exquisite flavors and seriously good times. This Festival event celebrates an array of delectable burgers, aged bourbons and craft beer from around the world. Attendees will explore all the classic American deliciousness – from grass-fed beef burgers to sliders and many more. Wash it all down with a round of drinks like smooth bourbons, high quality whiskeys and an exciting sampling of beers. This Festival hallmark event will be replete with fun activities including product vendors serving up amazing goodies and educational sessions that just might make guests experts on their next night out.

Ticket Packages Available

All tickets are all-inclusive of food and beverage.

The Alamo – History has called upon the true foodies to be elevated to vino fiesta superstars. All events are included, and nothing is left to the imagination. Guests’ itinerary all figured out, all they have to do is hydrate before the big day arrives. Includes one dinner, Becker Luncheon, Southern Hospitality, HalloWine, The Grand Tasting, Sippin’ Sunday Brunch and Burgers, Bourbon and Beer. Price: $520

San Juan – Mission activated. Eat, drink and experience. Kick-off the Festival on Friday night at Southern Hospitality, continue with HalloWine, The Grand Tasting, Sippin’ Sunday Brunch and end journey with Burgers, Bourbon and Beer. Price:$440

Riverwalk – Made for the weekend warriors, this is the pass that guarantees a spot in the weekend’s festivities. Saturday and Sunday have never been tastier than this. Includes HalloWine, The Grand Tasting, Sippin’ Sunday Brunch and Burgers, Bourbon & Beer. Price: $320

Downtown – Guests with already full calendars can forget all their troubles when enjoying the downtown San Antonio main events. Includes The Grand Tasting and Burgers, Bourbon & Beer. Price: $240