2025 Woodlands Wine & Food Week: Days 1 and 2

THE WOODLANDS, TX -- The first two nights of the 21st annual Woodlands Wine & Food Week are in the books, and they have been nothing short of amazing with the perfect evening weather. Constance McDerby’s Food & Vine Time Productions unveiled this year’s theme ‘Crushing It!’ and that’s exactly what they’ve been doing. The Marriott Hotel at The Woodlands Waterway and Convention Center makes for a wonderful environment to enjoy the finer things in life, making memories with friends and first encounters with wine, Sake, and cocktail producers, as well as with restaurants and caterers with well thought out apps to accompany the wonderful and memorable sips. The Woodlands Wine & Food Week, sponsored by H-E-B, truly brings out the challenges of the wine and spirits producers, as well as the creative flavors that accompany them, dreamed up by chefs that constantly challenge themselves for new and innovative bites that ‘Wow!’ W&FW attendees each year.

The first night’s festivities were dedicated to ‘Wines Around the World’ - Wednesday, and it invited attendees on a passportless night to worldly locales such as Spain, Bulgaria (via Bernhardt Winery ), Japan (via Arkansas), France, Italy, and California. Thursday night was dedicated to “Crushing It with Cocktails!” and eight bartenders, with mixologists from Houston, Spring, and The Woodlands each competing head to head for the most coveted tokens from W&FW attendees. Those lucky enough to have a vote, enjoyed a great mix of wine and spirit inspired cocktails that raised eyebrows and satisfied palates, each with their unique and wonderful tastes.

Who knew that Sake and Arkansas mixed? But ‘Origami Sake’ out of Hot Springs, Arkansas, is not afraid to share its spoils, and its fermented rice product, which is very enjoyable, almost lemonade like in its creamier version. Domo arigato Arkansas for being the top American producer of rice, and the state even sells its product in Japan. Origami Sake has even won competitions in Japan, making it a truly international product, with even a non-alcoholic product that is very tasty. The chefs at H-E-B continue to impress with each event, with stores in the area participating at different events. On Wednesday, they had a wonderful garlic flavored crab salad atop a parmesan chip with a dollop of marinara, and everything came together with the crispy chip, the moist crab meat, the tangy sauce, all of which combined for Heaven in a bite. Incredibly, the individual H-E-B stores come up with their own ideas for presentation, and this one was certainly an idea to submit to ‘Cooking Connection,’ the store’s secret to fine foods.

Bernhardt Winery near Plantersville came to impress this year with their Antiquity Wine Curation, their Reserve Cabernet Franc, from the Thracian Lowlands of Bulgaria. Bernhardt has teamed with Europe Shares, which promotes an exclusive selection of food and wine from Europe. The canapés offered from the BW chefs included a roasted bell pepper hummus on pita, and a Labneh spread mixed with herbs and garlic topped with red pepper sauce and salami. Absolutely delicious and a great offering in the countering of flavors, and both paired well with the Thracian vino. Riboli Family Wines from California represented with their San Simeon Chard and Cab, along with the Maddalena Rose and Cab. They also featured their Highlands 41, a Cab, that was equally impressive. Also in the breakout room, were Mesón Sommelier Food & Wine, an Old Town Spring Restaurant and Wine Bar, with a very tasty chickpea salad of garbanzo beans, peppers, fennel, and romesco sauce.

On Thursday, Spring’s Mary Thorn and her Thistle Draftshop really impressed with Chef Trenis Shields’ ‘Black Garlic Herb Biscuit w/Bree Crema, topped with red pepper and orange marmalade.’ The biscuit alone made the sample with its unique flavor, and will soon be on the menu. Mary respects her crew and welcomes their creativity. Bodegas Papiamento Rum - Aruba Style was on-site with their rum that even Captain Jack Sparrow would be proud of. Aged in Sherry Cask barrels from 3 to 15 years, you really want to sip this rum, which is pleasant on the palate with a smooth and sweet aftertaste.

The second night also featured a competition of bartenders from the area, with each submitting their favorite concoction to capture the palates of W&FW attendees. Afzal Kaba, from Musaafer, in Houston, won best in glass with his cocktail, Harvey Milk Punch, a mixture of vodka, sauv blanc, melon and lime juice, clarified using milk, and saffron. Kaba also won the People’s Choice award. Thomas Marsella, from 13 Celsius, also in Houston, won best use of wine in cocktails. Kirby’s Steakhouse bartender Allison Gathman, served a worthy Mexican inspired ‘Jalisco Summer,’ with El Acabo Raicilla (agave spirit), elderflower liqueur, lemon juice, simple syrup, muddled jalapeno, basil, cucumber, topped with a Stella Rosa Moscato, and grilled pineapple. H-E-B Woodlands Market, really knocked it out of the park with their personal pizzas, a simple pepperoni and cheese and balsamic glaze really impressed, and gives more thought at stopping at H-E-B for a fresh pizza which rocks the house, even if you need to upsize.

Friday Night at The Marriott, from 6-9pm, is Sips, Suds & Savor, with several dozen chefs, and Renaissance Festival cast members, plus a grape stomp competition. While on Saturday, 7-10pm, the Wine Rendezvous Grand Tasting & Chef Showcase, with 50 chefs, and 500 wines. OMG!!! One talented chef will win a $5,000 cash prize and Chef of Chefs Award.

Constance McDerby’s Woodlands Wine & Food Week, now in its 21st year now, with Constance and her team well versed in providing great opportunities for enjoyment of delicious wines, spirits, and incredible delectables whipped up by the best area dining locales. It's easy to make new acquaintances, new friends, and new networking opportunities. See you at the Ladies of the Vine next month!

Alcohol Disclaimer: This column is intended for entertainment purposes only. Please drink responsibly, not just for yourself, but for others around you.

The 21st annual H-E-B Woodlands Wine & Food at The Marriott - Woodlands Waterway runs until Saturday night May 31st. For info and tickets: wineandfoodweek.com

Ruben can be reached at: ruben@montgomerycountynews.net

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