The Austin Food and Wine Alliance

The Austin Food and Wine Alliance is a nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering awareness and innovation in the Central Texas culinary community.

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November 3, 2015 2 min read
The Austin Food and Wine Alliance is a 501(c) 3 nonprofit organization.

The Austin Food and Wine Alliance is a 501(c) 3 nonprofit organization.

Previously known as the Texas Hill Country Wine and Food Festival, the Austin Food and Wine Alliance is a 26-year-old nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering awareness and innovation in the Central Texas culinary community through grants, educational programming and events.

The board of directors and committees are all volunteers and active in the local food and drink culture. They are committed to promoting Texas food, wine, spirits and craft brews with the intention of spreading awareness and appreciation of Texas’ impact on the culinary world. Members of the Food and Wine Alliance include chefs and sommeliers who are passionate about Austin’s culinary scene.

The Alliance has really put Austin on the map, attracting celebrity chefs like Emeril Lagasse, Bobby Flay, John Besh, Robert Mondavi and Colman Andrews. Lagasse most recently joined the Alliance for a day of culinary events, including a tour of Springdale Farm, a cocktail party and book signing at Hotel Ella, and a Wine and Dine dinner at Olamaie.

The Alliance is the nonprofit partner of the Austin Food and Wine Festival, one of Austin’s biggest festivals. Attracting food and drink lovers from all over for tastings, grilling demos and more, it’s a great way to spend a weekend. This year, the 21+ event will take place place April 22-24 and exhibitor applications will be available soon.

For the past four years, the Alliance has given out grants to Austin-area culinary innovators. Past winners have included Argus Cidery, Confituras, Salt & Time Butcher Shop & Salumeria, Backlands Malt and New Farm Institute at Green Gate Farms. This year, there are $40,000 worth of grants to award and local culinary entrepreneurs are eligible to win up to $10,000 by applying from September to October. The grant winners will be announced at a ceremony on Dec. 8.

Austin Food and Wine Alliance Events

  • Wine and Swine Annual Pig Roast
  • Live Fire!
  • Wine & Dine Dinner Series
  • Culinary Arts Career Conference
  • Official Drink of Austin
  • Various beneficiary events such as Meet the Brewer Nights and White Linen Nights

If you’re interested in donating or volunteering with the Austin Food and Wine Alliance for some of their exciting events, you can sign up on their official website.

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