The 2009 Austin Wine Festival – May 23 – 25

I’m giving you more than a month’s warning this time, so no excuses. Start planning that late May vacation today, and you should have no trouble getting this kicked-up take on the standard Wine Festival on your itinerary.

Okay, now when you think Texas, you probably don’t think wine. Maybe you think cowboys and horses, or big hair and belt buckles, or even palatial steakhouses with desserts the size of a late-model Camaro, but wine you leave to those fancy-pants, sweater-wearing know-it-alls in the Napa Valley, right?

Truth of it is, Texas is not only one of the nation’s largest wine producers, it’s one of its oldest, predating California and Virginia by more than one hundred years. Why should you care? Well, I can’t tell you explicitly, but you can find out for yourself at the 2009 Austin Wine Festival in Austin, Texas.

A comprehensive showcase of esteemed Texas wines with a community attitude and a party atmosphere, the AWF definitely spices up the old festival Texas-style. Named the #2 Fastest Growing Wine Destination by Orbitz, Texas has many a pleasing pour, and this is your chance to sample them all. (Well, maybe not all. There is your health to consider). The festival page already lists thirty-five Texas wineries registered to attend, and the count is expected to grow over the next few weeks. While all wineries of Texas are welcome, the festival specializes in the wines of the Texas Hill Country, by far our most prolific producing region.

Amateur tasters and wine newbs can get a leg up on the much-debated subject of wine tasting, pairing and buying at a number of weekend seminars, including fun, pretension-free lessons on the basics of wine and tasting by Texas’ own Miss Jane, a wine instructor and certified wine specialist for the Texas Culinary Academy in Austin.

Of course, this is Texas, and more specifically this is Austin, and if there are more than fifty people in one place in Austin, you can bet that live music is on the docket. Much like the wines, the Austin Wine Festival features only Texas musicians and bands. Ranging everywhere from soul to indie to good southern rock, the AWF live music stage will keep your feet dancing as much as the wine does your taste buds.

This is just a glimpse of all the festival offers, but do I really need to go on? The 2009 Austin Wine Festival will be held May 23-25, 2009 starting at 1:00 p.m. each day. The event takes place in Northwest Austin adjacent to The Domain shopping center. The area features several restaurants and Wi-Fi connectivity. Adult admission begins at $20 for a one-day pass when purchased online. Learn more about everything here.

Consider the Fairfield Inn Austin North Hotel/Palmer Lane when browsing for a North Austin hotel. The location is great for visiting The Domain.

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