One could hardly hold something called the Texas Hill Country Wine and Food Festival without devoting an event to the glory of BBQ. So the folks behind the THCWFF have put together a Saturday afternoon feast of gluttony, with a bevy of ribs, brisket, sausage, and pulled pork that's bad for the heart but good for the soul. Particpating BBQ purveyors include both The Salt Lick and New York's popular upstart Hill Country Barbecue Market, which has been packing them in in Chelsea by serving up Lockhart-style BBQ and beers. Other restaurants will be announced soon.

In addition to the meaty glory on offer, there will be a large assortment of wines poured that compliment the red meats and sauce you crave. There will be red, white, and bubbly, and you can decide for yourself whether ribs go better with sparkling wine, Zinfandel, or Shiraz (we're partial to Zin). Wineries attending are Bridlewood, Byron, Cambria Estate, Carmel Road, Kanonkoep, Medusa, Spellbound, Mulderbosch, Ravenswood, Treana, and Wente.

To assist you in your quest for red meat and wine perfection, local wine expert Jane Nickles will be on hand to discuss the art of pairing wine and BBQ, so that you can nod in agreement while trying every pairing suggestion offered.

The icing on the cake is the event's central location at Scholz Garten. Everyone's favorite German beer hall is convenient from anywhere, and the Saturday lunchtime scheduling makes this an easy mark when looking for the Wine & Food Fest's "can't miss" events. Book now - don't you know how many people around here love their 'cue?