Fredericksburg Food and Wine Festival Shifts Focus to Flood Relief

The devastation of the July 4 Hill County floods continues to mount, with more than 120 confirmed deaths and over 170 still missing, according to CBS News. In response, Dallas restaurateurs are donating a portion of profits to relief efforts, and some chefs have set up in Kerrville to serve warm meals. Now, the Fredericksburg Food and Wine Festival is joining the effort.

On July 8, the Fredericksburg Food and Wine Festival announced that all ticket and event proceeds from the second annual Preview Week will benefit the Kerr County Flood Relief Fund.

“The Hill Country is built on resilience — and on community," said Jim Mikul, president and CEO of the Fredericksburg Chamber of Commerce, in an email to the Observer. "The Food and Wine Festival’s Preview week was designed to be an event for our local community, and we didn’t want to cancel something that brings people together. Instead, we want to use this event to support our neighbors who need it most. Every ticket sold, every glass raised, helps someone get back on their feet.”

Preview week will take place July 21-27, ahead of the main festival set for Oct. 22-26. Events are held in Fredericksburg, a lesser-affected region of Hill Country, and more than 30 businesses and organizations are participating in the week’s efforts to raise funds.

“We’ve seen firsthand how devastating this flood has been, but we’ve also seen how strong this community is," said Christi and Ken Saterlee, owners of Grand Central on Milam, the home of the Preview Week Quesöff, in an email. "We’re honored to be part of an effort that gives back while reminding people why the Hill Country is worth showing up for.”

Tickets are on sale now, with some events already sold out, including The White House Dinner at Becker Vineyards on July 22 and Halter Ranch Brunch on July 27. Head to Fredericksburg for the following fundraising events:

Monday, July 21
Women for WineSense

The week kicks off with a wine-filled evening at Alla Campagna for a $75 multi-course wine pairing dinner from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., featuring Rustic Spur, Michael Ros, Hilmy Cellars, Barelle and Pedernales Cellars.

Wednesday, July 23
Shuck, Shake & Sip

Dietz Distillery welcomes guests from 6 to 8 p.m. with coastal bites and a welcome martini for a $50 midweek mixer.

Thursday, July 24
Tallow & Vine

Chef Hunter Huffman of Mesquite at the Warehouse teams up with winemaker Rarig Ross of Ferris & Fletch for a $75 meat-and-wine dinner, 7 to 9 p.m. Live music and a custom wine glass are included.

Friday, July 25
Slate Theory Silent Disco

For $50, dance the night away at Slate Theory Winery from 7:30 to 10 p.m. The ticket includes round-trip transport from the Albert Hotel, a glass of wine, photo booth and late-night eats.

Saturday, July 26
The Elephant in the Room Boozy Brunch

The Albert Hotel’s White Elephant Saloon kicks off the weekend with a $45 brunch from 10 a.m. to noon. The brunch includes a cocktail, bites from The Pharmacy and a set by DJ Cassandra.

Saturday, July 26
Fredericksburg Quesöff

Head to Grand Central at the Milam from 6 to 9 p.m. for chips and queso from Leroy's Tex Mex BBQ, Emi's on Austin, Albert Hotel, Hill & Vine, Hondo's, Belly Up Brew Pub, Los Tios and Fresh Pickens. Tickets are $25; kids 12 and under get in free. This is the only preview week event that isn’t 21 and up.

Sunday, July 27
Closing Party

Fredericksburg newcomer El Quincho will close out the week with wood-fired Argentinian tapas and a cocktail. Entry is $50 for the 6 to 9 p.m. party. Additional cocktails, beer and wine are available for purchase. Then, come back in October for the big show.