The Sugar Land Wine & Food Affair is back for its 12th year, and it begins next Wednesday, April 8. The five-day festival attracts more than 10,000 people each year with a series of food- and booze-filled events.
The events kick off with the La Dolce Vita VIP seated dinner at 6:30 pm on Wednesday, April 8. Guests will enjoy a five-course Italian-inspired menu served by celebrated Houston chefs, including Jaime Salazar (Coppa Osteria), JohnMichael Lynch (Ristorante Cavour), Efisio Farris (Arcodoro), Maurizio Ferrarese (Quattro) and Jose Hernandez (Radio Milano). The dinner takes place at the Sugar Land Marriott Town Square and is hosted by the official ambassador of Castello Banfi and Vigne Regali, Luciano Castiello. Individual tickets are $150.
Next on the line-up is the New Amsterdam Vodka On The Rocks Bartender Challenge on Thursday, April 9, at 6:30 pm. Five Houston bartenders will create a unique cocktail, competing for the grand prize of $1,000. One recipe will be named the official cocktail of the festival and will be served at the Grand Tasting, Sip & Stroll and Bistro Brunch. The event will take place at The Club at Riverstone, and individual tickets are $40.
Before The Grand Tasting on Friday, April 10, guests can choose to attend one of two seminars — the World Whiskey Tour or the Hidden Gems Wine Seminar — from 5:30 to 6:30 pm. At the World Whiskey Tour, taste whiskey offerings from the United States, Canada, Ireland, Scotland and Japan and learn how each region plays an integral part on the flavor profile and qualities of each whiskey expression. Individual tickets are $75. The Hidden Gems Wine Seminar will feature award-winning wine and spirits professional Jessica Sanders, as she explores the trends in the 2015 wine industry. Individual tickets are $50. Both events will be held at the Sugar Land Marriott.
Following the two seminars is The Grand Tasting at 7 pm. Hosted in the ballroom at the Sugar Land Marriott, the walk-around food and wine event will feature an impressive list of noteworthy Houston chefs as well as an array of wines and spirits. For a look at this year’s talent, click here. Individual tickets are $150. A three-day VIP ticket ($225) gives you access to The Grand Tasting, Sip & Stroll at Imperial and the Bistro Brunch.
The next day, Saturday, April 11, is the Sip & Stroll at Imperial. The event begins at 1 pm and is hosted at the historic Imperial Sugar Factory (shuttle tickets from the Sugar Land Marriott are available for purchase). The event will showcase chefs, restaurants and wines as well as an outdoor beer garden featuring more than 100 beers from 25 different breweries. Individual tickets are $65.
Closing out the festival is the Bistro Brunch on Sunday, April 12, at 11 am at the Sugar Land Town Square. Enjoy brunch bites and boozy sips while listening to music by jazz musician Kelly Dean. Individual tickets are $50.
For more information about the event and to purchase tickets, click here.