Wine + Food: 8th Annual Big Reds And Bubbles Thursday At The Driskill

This fall has been the busiest for Austin food events in recent memory: tasting events and pairing dinners have been in constant churn, and even the most devoted foodie is likely having to pick and choose where to budget their remaining fall funds. Along with the Stars Across Texas event at the Hill Country Wine + Food Festival, the WFFT's Big Reds and Bubbles is a perennial favorite of ours, as it always delivers in terms of providing some great food and rare wine treats for all who attend.

The idea for the event is simple: as the holiday season approaches, sparkling wine and heavy reds become the focus of one's wine purchases during the holiday season. So why not sample the best wines in current release and decide what is worth the cash? In past years, we've tried everything from Napa Cabernets from Dominus and Far Niente to Super Tuscans from Banfi and Cristal champagne from Louis Roederer. It is no overstatement to say that while the selection varies, the Foundation focuses on top-end bottlings and luxury wines that one doesn't often have the opportunity to sample. Among our picks on this year's list: Concha Y Toro's flagship red Don Melchor, Dry Creek Vineyards' Cyrus Red, and J. Bookwalter's outstanding Washington Cabernets and Merlots. If you find something you'd like to splash out on, Twin Liquors will be taking discounted orders for most wines served at the event, and will also have experts on hand to answer any wine questions you may have.

There's also some great food to help you soak up the copious tipple: Driskill Grill, Eddie V's, The Carillon, Garrido's, Jack Allen's Kitchen, Max's Wine Dive, Paggi House, Ruth's Chris, Truluck's, Wink, and El Arbol (among others) will all be serving small plates of their signature fall dishes to complement the wine and the Driskill's posh setting.

To sum up: swanky hotel + fancy wine + delicious snacks + live music = an event splurge that you likely won't regret. Tickets are on sale at the link at right or by calling 512-327-7555.