Weinstein University is an area dedicated to wine education, including food and wine demonstrations, with 30 minute seminars throughout the day. Come for one, or stay all day!
12:30 – 1: The Basics… selecting, tasting, storing and serving, Part I (Coleman Bethel, Twin Liquors)
Coleman Bethel is the manager of the Twin Liquors New Braunfels location. He was drawn to the wine and spirits industry through an interest in how fermented or distilled beverages (along with food) are reflections of the culture they are born out of. He is also of the belief that there are very few things in life greater than sharing a good meal, with a good bottle of wine, in the company of family and friends.
Twin Liquors roots go back to the early 1930's when the Jabour Family opened Jabour's Package Store at what is now 6th and Congress in downtown Austin. Flash forward to the present day and Twins has over 60 neighborhood locations throughout Central Texas. The stores are staffed with people who are knowledgeable and passionate about wine and spirits. Part of the Twins philosophy is to be a good member of the community. In that spirit Twin Liquors supports over 500 charitable events every year.
1:15 – 1:45: Wine & Food Pairing Demonstration (Nicole Washington, HEB)
Beef Tenderloin with Mushrooms and Blue Cheese Mashed Potatoes
Paired with Top Chef Quick Fire Cabernet Sauvignon
Nicole Washington was born and raised in San Antonio, and has always had a passion for cooking. In high school, she jumped on the first opportunity to join a culinary program. That same year she joined the work force and became employed with HEB. With her arsenal of multicultural food knowledge and creativity, she incorporates her love for cooking into her everyday work. This desire brought her to HEB's Cooking Connection where she can be found serving her delicious creations in beautiful New Braunfels.
The Westpointe Village HEB brings new departments to New Braunfels, such as Healthy Living, Cooking Connection, Fresh cut Fruit Bar and our popular Cheese Shop. The open and inviting store layout entices customers to explore a new environment with a dazzling array of products.
2 – 2:30: Cooking with Wine Demonstration (Nicole Washington, HEB)
Chicken with Mushroom and Capers in White Wine Sauce
Paired with Top Chef Quick Fire Sauvignon Blanc
2:45 – 3:15: The Basics… selecting, tasting, storing and serving, Part II (Steve Watkins, The Grapevine in Gruene)
Steve Watkins is a Native Texan who has been managing and working in the restaurant & bar industry for over 17 years. His work experience includes Gruene Hall, Gristmill River Restaurant & Bar and The Grapevine in New Braunfels, Texas as well as the Deluxe Bar & Grille in Seattle, Washington. He is currently the General Manager of The Grapevine – Texas Wine Bar in Historic Gruene. Steve has a BFA in art and drawing as well as a BA in Art Education from Texas State University. In Steve's down time he enjoys great wine and food as well as traveling and the great outdoors.
The Grapevine – Texas Wine Bar
The Grapevine is a Texas Wine Bar located in Historic Gruene. It offers complimentary tastings daily and a large selection of Texas, German & New World wines. The Grapevine also offers a variety of specialty beers, tasty treats, Champagne & Sparkling wines as well as an eclectic assortment of wine & beer accessories and gifts. The Grapevine also hosts special events and recurring features.
3:30 – 4: The Wine Challenge!
Jeff Scott: Republic National Distributing Co.
Jeff Scott has been in the hospitality industry for over 20 years, working in hotels and restaurants. He is currently a District Manager for San Antonio's On Premise Wine Division for Republic National Distributing Company (RNDC). Jeff has a Bachelor's degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management and an Associate's Degree in Culinary Arts and is a Certified Specialist of Wine through the Society of Wine Educators. He has a strong passion for the hospitality industry and enjoys sharing that passion with others!
RNDC has partnered with the New Braunfels Main Street Partners through distribution of many of the wines featured at the festival, including selections from Texas, California and Germany. They are the 2nd largest distributor of premium wine and spirits in the U.S. , employing over 6,000 individuals nationwide.
Chef Showdown
Download the application
If you've got what it takes… culinary skills, creativity and a love of food and wine, the Chef Showdown is for you!
The Showdown pits eight amateur competitors against each other in two heats (four chefs per heat). Each team is asked to prepare a dish using a gas grill to cook mystery ingredients in twenty minutes. Teams have access to a common pantry to complete their meals. Dishes are judged on taste, creativity, presentation, wine pairing and performance under pressure.
In its second year, we're not only bringing it back, but taking it to a larger format due to its popularity – to the Bier Garden stage.
Judges this year include Elizabeth Kossick (chef/instructor, CIA-San Antonio), Carol Hill (Chef, River House Tea Room & Buttermilk Café) and Mayor Bruce Boyer. The entertaining David Ferguson (Host, KGNB radio) will be moderating.
Application deadline is Friday, April 15th!