We recently attended the 2005 San Antonio New World Wine & Food Festival where winemakers and chefs treat wine and food lovers in a week-long celebration of food, wine and camaraderie. Local and international chefs prepare stunning appetizers, entrees and desserts to complement hundreds of wines.

Our first evening was a winemaker dinner at Boudro’s, a San Antonio favorite for its thoughtful and extensive wine collection. Chef Brian Randolph’s five courses were artistically created to complement Michael Richmond’s Bouchaine Vineyards selections and served in the perfect setting – the wine cellar! Mr. Richmond discussed each wine as it was served, while sharing his personal perspectives on the art and science of winemaking. Another hit was a winemaker’s luncheon at Citrus, in the new Valencia Hotel. Jeff Balfour created a spectacular lunch to enhance the Acacia and Kenwood Vineyards wines. Shrimp and crab en papiote with light citrus; arugala, bacon-roasted sunchokes and crisp duck; pheasant breast, stuffed cabbage boulle; veal tenderloin, croquette of polenta and roasted mushroom. Wow! Conversations were lively and informative. An amazing bargain at only $55. Similar knock-out experiences were had at The Fig Tree and Silo’s luncheons. Pesca hosted the Tequila Shootout where we noshed on elegant appetizers while learning about tequila and mescal and how location and processing create various taste sensations. A fun path to higher education!

A black tie gala celebrated the cuisine of Oaxaca, Mexico; HemisFare presented over 100 wines with appetizers prepared on-site by notable chefs; and a mariachi brunch also kept us busy and smiling.

Find more information at www.visitsanantonio.com/tasting-texas-wine-food-festival.

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Related Tom Buhl photos

San Antonio Wine & Food Festival