33rd Gruene Music and Wine Fest +Craft Beer Event

The Gruene Music & Wine Fest began as a one-day event in 1986 with the purpose of promoting Texas and Americana music in a fun and relaxed setting while raising funds for the United Way of Comal County. Over the years, it has become a four-day celebration not only of Texas and Americana music, but also a celebration of Texas wine, craft beer, food and gift items hand made in the Lone Star state. 

4 Days. 4 Distinct Events.

The "Kickoff Event" marks the beginning of the festival on Thursday, October 10^th. Featuring wine tasting from ten of Texas’ favorite wineries, two craft breweries and live music by Prophets and Outlaws! VIP and General Admission tickets are available. Immediately after the Kickoff Event, The Bacon Brothers will be performing at Gruene Hall.

On Friday, "Rockin' with Texas Wine & Food" features a dinner catered by The Gristmill and a private performance by Tanya Tucker on the Gruene Hall stage. Also included in the night’s events are a silent auction and The Great Guitar Auction— including signed guitars from artists including: George Strait, Loretta Lynn, Jerry Jeff Walker, Midland, Maren Morris, an autographed fiddle by Charlie Daniels, and more.

In recent years "Texas Tastings & Tunes" on Saturday has expanded to include over 40 vineyards offering 100+ wines for tasting. Enjoy live music, shop the artisan market and chow down at “Le Cordon Gruene” food trucks. Music on The Grapevine Stage includes The Dirty River Dixie Band, Brian Pounds Band and Hot Texas Swing Band. Hang out after Saturday’s tasting event and enjoy Casey Donahew Band live at Gruene Hall.

On Sunday, it’s time for all things Texas Beer. The +Craft Beer Event & Music Fest features 80+ Texas craft beers for tasting and live music on two stages for more than 8 hours! The event happens in tandem at The Grapevine and Gruene Hall. Shop the artisan market, enjoy “Le Cordon Gruene” food trucks and watch live football on a big screen TV all while you enjoy the best in Texas craft beer. Artists performing Sunday include Walt Wilkins & The Mystiqueros, Warren Hood Band, Zac Wilkerson Trio, Kody West, Mike & The Moonpies, Seth James Band, Jamie Lin Wilson, Bart Crow, Zack Walther Band and more to be announced!

We wine, they win.

Although the event itself has evolved through the years, the benefiting charity has always primarily been the United Way of Comal County, a charity whose mission is to improve the quality of life for people in Comal County by generating resources to meet the needs of the community.

In 1986, a mere $450 was raised for the United Way, but as the event has grown, so too have the funds given. The events now raise nearly 500 times that amount and have been able to double our funds raised just in the past ten years. In 2018, a total of $153,323.01 was donated.

This festival is a toast to Texas music, wine, and craft beer– come raise a glass with us!

For details and tickets to each distinct event, visit www.gruenemusicandwinefest.org.

Sipping on Sauvignon Blanc

By Connor Brown, The Grapevine in Gruene

Sauvignon blanc is one of the most popular grape varietals known to just about anyone who drinks wine. Originally from the Bordeaux region in France, sauvignon blanc dominates vineyards all over the world for its versatility and variety in flavor. And of course, with so many different climates and conditions in the world, no two wines will be the same, as flavor profiles are distinctively different depending on the region they’re from. 

New Zealand is one of the most prominent producers of sauvignon blanc. The Marlborough Region is responsible for close to 270,000 tons of fruit that eventually made its way into a nice, chilled bottle of wine. The flavor of New Zealand sauvignon blanc tends to be very crisp and refreshing, with very prominent citrus notes depending on how ripe the fruit is when produced. A particularly good example of New Zealand sauvignon blanc is from Echo Bay Vineyards. This wine expresses an herby bouquet with rich notes of grapefruit and lemongrass on the palate. This zesty beverage is perfect for summertime sipping, or pairing with lighter fare such as seafood or chicken.

The United States is also very well known for its production of sauvignon blanc. This grape can be grown in every corner of the country – including Texas. However, while this varietal demands sunshine, it cannot thrive in high temperatures. Therefore, one of the largest and most reputable wineries in Texas, Llano Estacado, grows their fruit in the high planes so it won’t be pummeled by the extreme Texas heat. Llano Sauvignon Blanc boasts beautiful tropical fruit aromas, with a ripe lemon citrus flavor that carries a balanced acidity into a pleasantly full-bodied mouthfeel. This wine carries a complexity found in other full bodied white varietals while maintaining its light and zesty delicacy, making it a unique and great example of an American sauvignon blanc.

With all the different climates, regions, and other factors that go into making a good sauvignon blanc, winemakers have relied on this varietal to please the palates of the masses, and express their mastery of terroir. Come and taste your way into sauvignon bliss the next time you’re in our neighborhood, and find your favorite summertime sipper!