SPECIAL EVENTS

Wine, Food and Art Engulf Galveston During Second Annual Food And Wine Festival. Galveston Island prepares for the Galveston Island Food & Wine Festival, 2011: Wines From Around The World, a four-day festival on April 14 - 17 of over 100 wines, 22 vineyards, 11 restaurants, art and jewelry vendors and wine enthusiasts from across the state. This year’s theme, Wines from Around the World, is sure to make Galveston worth the trip.

The second annual, Galveston Island Food & Wine Festival 2011: Wines From Around The World, officially begins April 14th. Pour into bliss this April and join us for a special springtime event that transforms Galveston Island’s Uptown Entertainment District into a food and wine lover's paradise. With specialty food items, culinary events, sophisticated parties, and live musical entertainment, it is sure to be the event of the year.

Enjoy wines from around the world paired with delicious local foods, and learn first-rate tips from popular chefs and renowned winemakers.

Schedule of Events:

Invitation-Only Event-April 14, 2011
The Galveston Island Food & Wine Festival, 2011: Wines From Around The World will officially commence with a Chaîne dinner at the famous Rudy & Paco’s. This is an event for La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs™ members who will be lending Galveston their palettes and picking the festival’s Grand Champion wines.

Premium Tasting- April 15, 2011, 6:00pm-8:00pm
The Premium Wine Tasting and Gulf Seafood Showcase will make its debut. Located inside the beautiful Old Galveston Square Gallery in the heart of the historic Strand District, this tasting will feature premium wines from more than 20 vineyards from around the world, with decadent gulf seafood hors d’oeuvres and exclusive art exhibits. Tickets to this event are $80 per person or purchase an All Tasting Ticket to both The Premium and The Grand Tasting for $110. Tickets are available on http://www.galveston.com/foodandwine.

Vintner Dinners- April 15, 2011 Various Times
The successful restaurant and vineyard paired dinners from last year will return. Participating restaurants include Luigi’s, The M&M, Bernardo’s at Hotel Galvez, Olympia Grill at Pier 21, Shearn’s at Moody Gardens, and 901 Postoffice. One of the featured restaurants - Bernardo’s at Hotel Galvez will host guest Chef Pedro Garcia from El Meson Restaurant in Houston for its Spanish Wine Pairing Dinner. Menus, pricing and reservation information can be found at http://www.galveston.com/foodandwine.

Grand Tasting in the Park- April 16, 2011 1:00pm-6:00pm
The Grand Tasting in Saengerfest Park is the highlight of the festival. Patrons will embark on a tasting trip through vineyards from all around the world. While getting their wine passports stamped revelers will be able to taste food from the finest restaurants on the island including Olympia Pier 21, Luigi’s, 901 Post Office, Bernardo’s, Shearn’s and M&M Restaurant among others. Live music and the barrage of artisan exhibits along the park will complete this afternoon of indulgences. Portion of the festival proceeds will benefit the Resource Crisis Center. Advance Tickets to this event are $45 available at www.galveston.com/foodandwine.

Champagne Brunches- April 17, 2011 Various Times
The final day of the festival invites visitors and locals alike to brunches around the island at famed hotels and restaurants. You can’t go wrong with choices such as the Hotel Galvez, Moody Gardens, or the M&M. The brunches will be paired with wines and champagnes from the festival and will be the perfect last call for the weekend. Reservation Information available at www.galveston.com/foodandwine.