The Fredericksburg Food & Wine Festival's third annual Preview Week, held July 20-25, demonstrated once again what makes our community so special. More than 700 guests enjoyed seven unique events over six days and helped us raise money for the Hill Country Hospitality Worker Emergency Fund. 

Beginning with the elegant White Party and culminating at the family-friendly, annual Quesoff, the events of the week showcased the extraordinary talent of our local chefs, wineries, breweries, restaurants, artists and hospitality professionals. Their creativity, hospitality and willingness to collaborate transformed each event into something guests simply could not experience anywhere else, and its success lies in the planning, organization and teamwork contributed by all.

While our Food & Wine Festival is becoming a signature event for Fredericksburg attracting attention throughout Texas and now far beyond, please be aware that all three of the Food & Wine weeks raise funds that benefit our local community, its residents and workers. The Fredericksburg Chamber of Commerce Events Foundation which produces these events is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. 

The proceeds from the wonderful events of the July 20 week will go toward helping our local hospitality workers in tough times such as medical emergencies, flood losses or automobile accidents that insurance doesn’t cover. The Chamber, supported by our own Create Healthy, has partnered with the Southern Smoke Foundation (southernsmoke.org)  in Houston to create the Hill Country Hospitality Worker Emergency Fund for this purpose. In addition, the foundation recently purchased two stoves and induction burners for the culinary program at Fredericksburg High School. 

Preview Week opened with the elegant White Party at Calivence Wine Tasting Bar + Bistro. Guests began the evening with a garden reception and oyster bar before moving upstairs for an intimate four-course dinner expertly paired with exceptional wines. The evening illustrated how thoughtful food and wine pairings, combined with storytelling from the culinary and wine teams, elevate dining into an unforgettable experience.

The Hill Country Chapter of Women for WineSense hosted an educational and delicious evening at Hoffman Haus celebrating women in the Texas wine industry. Guests sampled wines from female-owned wineries and wines crafted by accomplished women winemakers while learning how the unique terroir of the Texas Hill Country American Viticultural Area influences the character of every bottle. It was a wonderful reminder that Texas wine continues to gain national recognition because of the passionate people behind it.

At The Yellow Door Studio, guests discovered that wine and creativity make a perfect pairing. The evening combined outstanding Texas wines with chef-inspired bites, live music and the opportunity for everyone to paint a wine bottle to take home as a personal keepsake. The laughter, conversation and artistic expression made "Cultured" one of Preview Week's most unique experiences.

Altstadt Brewery provided a lively change of pace with Bangers + Brews. Guests enjoyed award-winning craft beers, artisan sausages, soft pretzels and plenty of laughter as Austin comedian Tyler Gallant transformed the brewery into a one-night comedy club. It was another reminder that great food and beverages are always better when shared with friends.

Friday evening's Wild & Rooted at Signor Vineyards celebrated the outdoors and the rich culinary traditions of the Hill Country. Chef Mike Robinson joined Lance and Boo Eaker of Eaker Barbecue to create imaginative wild boar dishes paired with Signor's exceptional wines in a relaxed garden-party atmosphere. Guests mingled among food and wine stations while enjoying one of Fredericksburg's most beautiful vineyard settings.

Saturday featured two longtime favorites. Casa Chloe hosted Boozy Brunch, where guests enjoyed elevated Mexican brunch favorites, handcrafted cocktails and a festive atmosphere that perfectly launched the final day of Preview Week.

The week concluded with the ever-popular Quesoff at Grand Central at Milam with more than 350 attendees, including nearly 80 children, enjoyed this laid-back celebration. Nine local restaurants competed for both the inaugural Judges' Choice Award and the People's Choice Award. Junebug's BBQ earned top honors from the judges, while Casa Chloe captured the People's Choice title. Live Tejano music, great queso and community spirit made for the perfect ending to Preview Week.

On behalf of the Fredericksburg Food & Wine Festival and the Fredericksburg Chamber of Commerce, thank you to every chef, winery, brewery, restaurant, sponsor, volunteer, entertainer and guest who made Preview Week such a remarkable success. Your support continues to strengthen our hospitality community while showcasing why Fredericksburg has become one of Texas' premier culinary and wine destinations.

We look forward to welcoming everyone back this October for the 2026 Fredericksburg Food & Wine Festival.