Galveston Island Galvanized By Wine Food Fest

The Southwest comes alive each year with a slew of food and wine festivals. But one of the most unique is the 6th Annual Galveston Island Food and Wine Festival. Situated just 50 miles south of Houston, the barrier island attracts hordes of tourists annually.

Add a food and wine event and attendees will have more than 30 miles of Gulf Coast shoreline to explore. This foodie and wine lover's festival kicks off Thursday, April 16 and runs through Sunday, April 19 at select Galveston Island venues.

Celebrity chefs will prepare haute cuisine and pair it with a host of fine wines. Renowned winemakers will be on hand to share their knowledge. Live music, art exhibits and culinary events are all on tap for the four-day event.

The fun-filled festival begins with an invitation-only dinner for La Chaine des Rotisseurs members. Not only do members meet to enjoy an exquisite, chef prepared feast, but they collaborate with organizers to determine which wines will be named "Grand Champions" of the annual food and wine event. 

Next up is the "Premium Wine Tasting and Pairing" from 6 to 8 pm Friday, April 17. More than 30 premium wines will be swirled, smelled and sipped. BLVD, a brand new seafood restaurant that just opened, will provide the scrumptious Hors d' oeuvres. 

Premium Wine Tasting and Pairing tickets are $90 each plus a service fee. But this event may be purchased as a package for $150, plus a service fee. The package includes early VIP access to the "Grand Tasting" at 1 pm Saturday. 

The actual "Grand Tasting is from 2 to 5 pm Saturday, April 18 at the popular Pier 21 near historic downtown Galveston. Those who prefer to attend just the "Grand Tasting," considered the highlight of the festival, may purchase tickets to this single event for only $60, plus a service fee.

Organizers issue fictitious passports for the "Grand Tasting," which attendees get stamped as they savor wines from around the globe. Chef creations, a souvenir wineglass and a list of featured wines are included. Reservations may be made by calling the restaurant at (409) 974-4508. Rocky Roca band will provide entertainment for this event.

For the first time since its inception six years ago, Galveston Island's food and wine festival will offer attendees a chance to purchase wines from a wine store within the expansive "Grand Tasting" venue.

Oenophiles may be more interested in an exclusive Italian dinner on Saturday, April 18, at Riondo's Ristorante. Paul Miller and Paul Lewis of Paul's Kitchen will collaborate to present a spectacular dinner paired with exclusive wines. Call the restaurant at (409) 515-2145 for reservations. Tickets are $65 each.

Another festival dinner is at 6:30 Saturday, April 18. Chef Randy Evans, award-winning chef and owner of Southern Son Consulting, has designed a one-of-a-kind menu. Evens has partnered with the newly opened Ocean Grill & Beach Bar for this delectable dinner. Tickets are $75 each.

Hotel Galvez & Spa, a Wyndham Grand hotel and one of Galveston Island's most iconic historic gems, will host a "Sunday Champagne & Wine Brunch" on the final day of the festival. Chef Lance Fegan, of Liberty Kitchen in Houston, will prepare brunch. An award-winning chef and avid surfer, Fegan draws inspiration from his passion for the natural lifestyles of the coastal regions. For reservations call Open Table. Or call (409) 515-2145

For more details on the Galveston Island Food & Wine Festival go to: www.galveston.com/foodandwine/ or www.galvestonfoodandwinefestival.com