Final weekend I drove right down to the gorgeous Texas hill nation for the Fredericksburg Meals & Wine Competition and it did not disappoint. What’s higher than meals, wine, and sunshine on a stunning day throughout Texas Wine Month?
Disclosure: Unrelated to The Rose Desk, I’m proudly on the PR group for Heath Household Manufacturers, one of many sponsors of this competition.
There are a number of FFWF occasions (the Friday Road Dinner is #targets) however I went particularly for the Grand Tasting in Marktplatz, which included 75+ chef-prepared bites, tons of native vineyards, demos, picture ops, and reside music. The setting was good: proper in the midst of historic downtown Fredericksburg with tons of shade pavilions and cozy seating.
The Meals
The meals was phenomenal. A few of my favourite bites had been the brisket mac ‘n’ cheese from Mesquite on the Warehouse, the pulled pork slider from Leroy’s Texmex BBQ, the fried hen lollipop from Halter Ranch, the mini cheesecake within the Grape Creek VIP Lounge, and every little thing from Clear River Ice Cream. (In case you noticed me stopping by the Clear River truck a number of instances…no you didn’t. *wink*)
My absolute favourite chew was the whipped brie truffle puff within the Heath Glowing Backyard. Give me a truffle puff and splash of spectacular glowing wine any day!
My solely grievance concerning the competition is that most of the bites had been fairly heavy. I’d like to see much less sandwiches and lighter one-bite choices subsequent 12 months. Extra ceviche, much less bruschetta. Although you actually get your cash’s price with these giant parts!
The Wine
It’s by no means a nasty day whenever you’re ingesting wine in Fredericksburg! In case you’ve by no means been, this occasion sits at one finish of the famed Texas Wine Path with over 70+ vineyards inside a half hour drive so you may undoubtedly anticipate nice wine.
It was arduous to catch actual bottles for you however just a few of my favourite sips had been from Augusta Vin, JenBlossom Cellars, Grape Creek Vineyards, Halter Ranch, Airis’Ele Vineyards, and Becker Vineyards. If I had to decide on a favourite, I gotta go along with the JenBlossom cabernet sauvignon within the VIP lounge. It’s actually probably the most distinctive wines I’ve had!
I’ve to provide a particular shoutout to Becker Vineyards for giving out probably the most lovely fall floral bouquets! What a delight. This is without doubt one of the cutest issues I’ve ever been handed at a meals and wine competition.
The Vibes
One factor it’s also possible to rely on Fredericksburg for is nice hospitality and the FFWF was no exception. Everybody was so pleasant and having a good time. It was such a chill environment, with so many sipping their pours on comfy couches and laughing with mates. I really like that the Grand Tasting was 4 hours lengthy, giving everybody loads of time to benefit from the occasion at a relaxed tempo.
Must Know
There’s a giant water station so deliver a water bottle and plan to refill continuously. Keep hydrated, individuals! The overall admission doorways opened at 1 pm and we had been among the many first to queue up round 12:15 pm, making us the primary within the door. (Actually! I take a meals and wine competition very severely.)
Store keepers round city instructed us to park by 9 am, so we arrived downtown at 8:45 am to search out ample parking. We ate breakfast and shopped till the competition however determined that was sooner than we wanted to be there. In case you arrived downtown at 10 am, you’d be effective!
Location
Talking of, Downtown Fredericksburg is totally lovely with a number of the greatest buying I’ve ever seen in a three-block radius. There are cute children outlets, an unimaginable kitchen retailer, and locations to purchase cowboy hats, ornaments, attire, bathtub merchandise, and extra. I acquired most of my Christmas buying achieved throughout my journey! Along with tons of retailers, espresso outlets, and eating places, there are many b&bs, motels, and resorts all inside strolling distance of the competition.
Ultimate Ideas
In case you love consuming scrumptious bites and savoring wine at a relaxed tempo, you’ll love the Fredericksburg Meals & Wine Competition. I’m already excited for subsequent 12 months!
Xoxo,
Don’t overlook to comply with The Rose Desk on Fb, Twitter, and Instagram! Join The Rose Desk’s emails right here. Get The Rose Desk Cookbook right here. Store my merch right here.
