Bids and bites
Texas Wine Auction invites Lone Star State chefs to compete for best paired dishes
The Texas Wine Auction organized an eight-chef competition, to be judged by guests between sips.
Going once, going twice; the Second Annual Texas Wine Auction by Texas Wine Revolution is back. This is more than an excuse to collect a few more bottles. The Fredericksburg auction on April 29 is accompanied by wine and food samples, and when buyers aren’t competing with each other, they’ll rate bites by competing chefs.
Not to be confused with the The Rare & Fine Wine Auction and Gala by the Wine & Food Foundation, this event is explicitly Texas-themed. The spirited night will raise funds for the health of Texas hospitality workers as well as research and development through Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Programs, while spreading the word about local wineries to watch.
The culinary competition is new in the auction’s second year, enhancing the theme by drawing inspiration from the wines present, all made entirely from Texas grapes. Each chef will be paired with a winery to help inform their flavors in a dish that should pair well with each glass. Guests will then vote on the best pairing and best overall dishes.
Two of the competing chefs — Amber Rebold and Krystyna Cibelli-Pettus — will be visiting from Austin, known respectively for being a contestant on Chef Gordon Ramsay’s Next Level Chef and a dedicated instructor to other chefs. They’re joined by Angie Ragan of Lubbock (also a competitor on Ramsay’s show), Roshni Gurnani of Houston, Matt Church of Fredericksburg, plus two unnamed chefs for a total of eight.
“As a proud native Texan who has always celebrated our big bold flavors in my cooking, developing a dish to pair with Texas-grown wine will be fun for me,” said Rebold.
Her two-time competitor, Ragan, adds, “As a former medical professional, I am honored to participate in an event that will help bring healthcare to my colleagues in the Texas hospitality industry. Everyone deserves access to health services and the money we raise from the auction will go directly toward improving the health of others.”
Some of 2023’s featured wineries include:
- Inwood Estates and William Chris Vineyards (2023's featured wineries)
- Ab Astris
- Kalasi Cellars
- Kerrville Hills Winery
- Pedernales Cellars
- Texas Heritage
- Texas Wine Collective
Auctions will be both live and silent, and along with the food and wine, attendees can look forward to musical performances.
The Texas Wine Auction will be held on April 29 at Vista Oaks Event Center in Fredericksburg, Texas. Tickets ($175 for individuals, larger tables available) can be purchased at texaswineauction.com.
