Texas is the fourth-largest wine-producing state in the United States. In short, Texans love their wine. The Texas Hill Country seems to be home to a number of wineries, thanks to the area’s perfect climate to grow grapes. As a result of Texas’ growing wine industry, a number of wine and food festivals have popped up across the state. Some of the festivals listed below strictly serve Texas wines while others also explore wines from different parts of the world. No matter if you’re into red or white wine, you’re sure to find the perfect glass at these 10 best wine festivals in Texas.
Austin Food & Wine Festival - Austin
The Austin Food & Wine Festival is a three-day event held every April and is one of the most popular wine festivals in the Lone Star State. Complete with cooking demos, wine seminars, food vendors, and a variety of beverage options, this wine festival is a must-attend while in Texas’ capital city. Of course, the best wineries will be in attendance along with artisanal coffee, kombucha, and beer vendors.
Fort Worth Food + Wine Festival - Fort Worth
For wine lovers in northern Texas, head to the Fort Worth Food + Wine Festival to taste not only the newest wines from top-notch wineries but also craft beer and delicious food. For those who are ready for wine- and food-related festivities even before the Fort Worth Food + Wine Festival, there are a number of events that occur before the dates of the big fest. Indulge in anything your heart desires while at this festival, since both food and beverages are covered in the ticket cost.
Galveston Island Food and Wine Festival - Galveston
Galveston isn’t a part of Texas that is known for its wine. However, every May wine lovers head to the coastal city to partake in the Galveston Island Food and Wine Festival. Attendees of this festival enjoy live music, cooking events, exhibits from local artisans, and a variety of food, wine, and other beverage options. Find the perfect wine, derived from wineries all over the world, to pair with the perfect culinary treats. Located in the Galveston Island Convention Center, this festival is truly an exploration of wine, craft beer, spirits, champagne, and artisan foods.
Texas Wine and Art Festival - Spring
Located in Spring, Texas, the Texas Wine and Art Festival showcases Texas wineries and Texas-based artists. Enjoy wine tastings from your favorite Lone Star State wineries at this two-day event that occurs in the historic district of Old Town Spring. Visitors can enjoy a variety of art exhibits on display. From photography to paintings to handmade goods, explore the Texas art scene at this unique wine fest. Meanwhile, those who aren’t into art or wine can enjoy live music and plenty of food. This event occurs during spring, but there is a similar event at the same location that occurs during the fall called The Autumn Art and Texas Wine Festival.
Dripping With Taste Wine and Food Festival - Dripping Springs
Dripping Springs already draws a number of wine enthusiasts due to the variety of vineyards and wineries that call Dripping Springs home. Therefore it comes as no surprise that a successful wine and food festival occurs in this wine-centric city. Dripping With Taste Wine and Food Festival offers a wide assortment of wines, spirits, craft beers and gourmet foods, while also providing live music entertainment and specialty shop vendors. Distilleries have been added to the vendor roster within recent years, so not only enjoy a great glass of wine but taste some of Texas’ best rum, whiskey, vodka, or gin.
Gruene Music & Wine Festival - New Braunfels
Gruene Music & Wine Festival has grown since its first festival in 1986. Once a one-day event, the festival has turned into a four-day celebration. Many flock to this festival for the Texas and Americana music, while others are strictly attending for the fine wine selection. Taste wines from local Texas wineries, along with wines from Germany and all over the world. Popular musicians have graced the Gruene Music & Wine Festival stage in the past such as Pat Green, Los Lonely Boys and B.B. King.
Texas Reds Steak & Grape Festival - Bryan
Pair your red wine with a perfectly-prepared steak at the Texas Reds Steak & Grape Festival in Bryan. Listen to live music and enjoy a glass of wine from one of the 25 Texas wineries that will be present at this annual event that occurs every September. The Saturday night steak dinner and the Sunday morning steak and egg brunch are two popular events of the festival that can’t be missed.
Fredericksburg Food & Wine Fest - Fredericksburg
Numerous people head to Fredericksburg every year to go on winery tours and shop in Fredericksburg’s historic downtown. However, one weekend draws more wine lovers than the rest, the weekend of the Fredericksburg Food & Wine Fest. Fredericksburg’s downtown is transformed into a celebration of Texas wine, beer, food, and music. Expect to taste a variety of different wines from approximately 20 different wineries. Texas breweries also will be present too.
GrapeFest Wine Tasting Festival - Grapevine
GrapeFest Wine Tasting Festival has been in its occurrence for more than 30 years, and this wine festival is the largest in the southwestern United States. Grapevine, where GrapeFest Wine Tasting Festival is located, is another Texas city that is leading the way in the Texas wine industry. At the festival, Texas wines as well as wines from different regions are the main attractions of this four-day event.
The Best of Texas Food and Wine Festival - Fredericksburg
The Best of Texas Food and Wine Festival is the second festival on this list that is located in the beautiful city of Fredericksburg. Festival-goers will be presented with a wide variety of food and wine options; there are around 50 different wineries, distilleries, and breweries at the event that offer tastings. Enjoy some great Hill Country beverages and food while also listening to local musicians or browsing the pop-up art galleries.
