Romantic Texas getaways, once-in-a-lifetime epicurean experiences, and gourmet gift baskets are up for grabs Monday, November 22 through Tuesday, December 14 when the Texas Food & Wine Alliance (TFWA) hosts the Taste of Texas Auction. The distinctive fundraiser, now in its second year, will support the organization’s statewide culinary grant and educational programs. (Texas Food & Wine Alliance, 2021)

What better way to support local food systems than bidding on irresistible packages tailored for wine lovers, cocktail fans, and foodies? The curated lots cover a wide variety of options suitable for holiday gifting, sharing with friends, or surprising a significant other. 

Bidding began at 12 noon, November 22 and ends at midnight, December 14. A “buy now” option is available to give supporters the immediate option to purchase. New items will be added throughout the auction as lots sell out.

Highlights of the Taste of Texas Auction include:

• A swinging golf adventure at Horseshoe Bay Resort featuring a one-night stay, a round of golf for two, and a $100 resort credit.
• A Franklin Barbecue party for ten featuring a branded Franklin Yeti cooler stuffed with a whole smoked brisket, five sausage links, and one bottle of Texas barbecue sauce.
• A romantic Hill Country getaway at Fredericksburg’s Hoffman Haus luxury bed and breakfast with a $100 gift card to La Bergerie and a $150 gift card to Otto’s German Bistro.
• A three-hour sunset cruise from Float On Boat Rentals stocked with two cases of Lone Star Rio Jade Mexican-style lager and a Yeti Roadie cooler.
• A sweetheart Commodore Perry Estate experience featuring a one-night stay at the private retreat, complimentary Champagne, dinner for two at Lutie’s, and an intimate breakfast.
• A VIP tasting for six at Southold Wine & Cellars with winemaker Reagan Meador.
• A dinner for ten at San Antonio’s acclaimed Mixtli with wine pairings.

The Taste of Texas auction is boosted by the support of ABC Bank, whose contribution allowed the Alliance to aid Texas restaurants and bars. In addition, the auction was supported by BookPeople, Ken and Gina Burchenal, Casero, C.L Butaud Wines, Commodore Perry Estate, Drink. Well, Jessica Dupuy, Float On Boat Rentals, Fonda San Miguel, Franklin Barbecue, Kendra Scott, Lone Star Beer, Mixtli, Monger’s Market + Kitchen, Qi, Side Street Hospitality, Skurnik Wines, Spillers Honey Bees, Southold Cellars, Cathy Strange, Tom Sunstrom and Virginia Greenway, Texas Fine Wine, TLC, Two Hives Honey, Wicked Foods, William Chris Vineyards, and Your Hearts Desire.

The Texas Food & Wine Alliance is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering awareness, support, and innovation in the Texas culinary community through grants, educational programming, and events. Guided by an all-volunteer board of directors and committees made up of culinary-and-community-minded professionals, the Alliance’s commitment is to promote Texas food, wine, spirits, and craft brews and to increase appreciation of Texas’ culinary impact. The Texas Food & Wine Alliance serves as the umbrella organization overseeing the Austin Food & Wine Alliance, the San Antonio Food & Wine Alliance, the Dallas Food & Wine Alliance, and the Houston Food & Wine Alliance.

Photo: Texas Food & Wine Alliance, used with permission.