The biggest and the best of the 13th Sugar Land Wine and Food Affair is coming this weekend

 Five-day foodie fest features range from culinary stars to pop-up butcher shop 

From April 6-10, foodies will have intimate opportunities to expand their palate with national experts to the glorious Grand Tasting extravaganza, the seven events at five Sugar Land venues offer something for everyone. More than 75 chefs and restaurants and hundreds of different wines and spirits will be featured.  

Last year more than 10,000 people enjoyed the five-day spectacular and early ticket sales indicate that number will climb again in 2016.  Organizers recommend getting tickets early for limited seating events like the “Tasting Mastery: Fred Parks Wine Lecture Series” and “For the Love of Bourbon and Cheese” sessions.

A three-day pass guarantees access to all the major events is available for only $225. Up-to-the minute details and ticket sales are offered at www.sugarlandwineandfoodaffair.com or by calling 713-SIP-WINE (713-747-9463).  All events are restricted to those over 21 years of age. Tickets are still available for all events, but some of the smaller venues are quickly approaching their limit.

Hundreds of wines and spirits and several dozen chefs will be featured at these spectacular events—all benefiting scholarships for the University of Houston Conrad N. Hilton College of Hotel and Restaurant Management. Students from the nationally ranked program earn hands-on experience assisting with the event.   

“The impact of this event has grown each year,” said Keri Schmidt, president and chief executive officer of the Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce. “Chefs and wineries nationwide have taken note of the size and sophistication of our audience which gives us new offerings each year.” Schmidt noted that more than 75 percent of ticket buyers and 92 percent of the restaurants and vintners are from outside of Fort Bend County.

New options this year include a bourbon and cheese pairing, a pop-up butcher shop, multiple Big Green Egg demonstrations and a special tasting and discussion opportunity with nationally renown Master Sommelier Tim Gaiser.

Both the Grand Tasting and Sip and Stroll at Imperial will feature multiple “Six Picks”– where some of your favorite critics and oenophiles offer up tastings of six of their very favorite wines – and are there to discuss their choices with you.

The Sugar Land Wine & Food Affair is produced by the Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the University of Houston Conrad N. Hilton College of Hotel and Restaurant Management. The Sugar Land Wine & Food Affair attracts thousands of visitors each year and is the largest festival of its kind in the region. All proceeds support a permanent scholarship endowment at the University of Houston Conrad N. Hilton College of Hotel and Restaurant Management.

2016 SUGAR LAND WINE & FOOD AFFAIR DAY BY DAY BREAKDOWN 

 “All in the Family” VIP Dinner – April 6   6– 9:30 p.m. at NOAH’s Event center:   The VIP kick-off event provides a perfectly paired seated dinner featuring top chefs and selections from the award-winning LangeTwins Family Winery and Vineyards – including their limited Caricature brand – and visiting caricature artists.

Hendrick’s Gin On the Rocks Bartenders’ Challenge – April 7   6:30 – 9:30 p.m. at Imperial Lofts:   Sipsters gather each year to nibble, sample and evaluate specially crafted cocktails prepared by five of the region’s most skilled mixologists as they compete for a $1,500 grand prize. Special host Nathan Refell, Hendrick’s Gin Associate Brand Ambassador and winner of last year’s contest will serve as emcee of the evening. One recipe will be named the official cocktail of the 13th annual Sugar Land Wine & Food Affair and will be served at the Grand Tasting, Sip & Stroll at Imperial and Bistro Brunch.

Sipsters at the 2016 event will sample and cheer this year’s contenders:

• Vincent Baldridge will be offering up his “Spicy Kiss” representing Black Tie Co., an elite premium mobile bartender service.
• Michael Riojas was selected for his “Rose to the Occasion” creation and will represent Armadillo Palace, Goode Company’s West University music, food and drink emporium.
• Chris Morris takes it across the pond with “A Most Unusual Sling” representing Hunky Dory Tavern, the popular contemporary British-American pub in Houston Heights.
• Kimberly Paul adds continental flair with “Curiosity in Blue” created at Etoile Cuisine et Bar, the Uptown Park bistro making a splash for authentic French cuisine.
• Rebecca Burkart brings her artful creation “In Dew Time” from Canard, the hot new craft cocktail lounge the Heights. 

Special Seminars – April 8 5:30–6:30 p.m. at Sugar Land Marriott Town Square 

For the Love of Bourbon and Cheese Hannah Thompson, cheesemonger:   The hottest new taste combination combines bourbon with artisan cheeses. The smokiness of America’s native spirit is a perfect complement to the variety of artisanal cheeses, from fresh and tangy to earthy and aged. Hannah Thompson of Atlanta’s ANCO Fine Cheese, has paired a selection of Southern artisan cheeses with Beam Suntory’s Jim Beam Single Barrel, Maker’s 46, Knob Creek Rye, Basil Hayden, Bakers and Bookers.

Tasting Mastery: Fred Parks Wine Lecture Series Tim Gaiser, Master Sommelier:  This nationally renowned wine expert is an adjunct professor for the Rudd Center for Professional Wine Studies at the Culinary Institute of America at Greystone in Napa Valley.  He has developed wine education programs for restaurants, winery schools and wine distributors; and taught classes on wine and spirits at every level of education. Gaiser will present fun and practical tasting tips for everyday sipping sure to inform wine lovers of all levels of experience.

The Grand Tasting – April 8      7– 9:30 p.m. Sugar Land Marriott Town Square:   One elegant affair with more than 250 wines to taste and mouth-watering culinary creations from chef superstars – all in the beautiful ballroom of the Sugar Land Marriott Town. The Grand Auction, benefiting the Conrad N. Hilton College of Hotel & Restaurant Management, will offer guests the chance to bid on exclusive items as they indulge.

Sip and Stroll at Imperial – April 9   1– 4 p.m. at Constellation Field:   Sip on the beverage of your choice, sample savory selections from popular restaurants, peruse the offerings of fine artisans and enjoy live music from Salsa Cubano as you stroll through amazing and appetizing rows. The event is held at Constellation Field this year.

Bistro Brunch – April 10   11a.m. – 2 p.m. at Sugar Land Town Square:   Bloody Marys, mimosas, wine, beer and much more await attendees at the Bistro Brunch. Indulge in delicious foods from around the world as you enjoy live music and cultural performances.

photos courtesy of Sugar Land Food & Wine Affair