One of our favorite Washington wineries is J. Bookwalter, a family-owned Columbia Valley producer who began making wine in 1983. The winery was started by Jerry Bookwalter, and his son John assumed the helm as winemaker in 2000 along with consultant Zelma Long. John's decade of experience on the sales side of the wine business has led him to make big changes during his tenure with everything from branding and packaging to the winery's tasting room experience. Mr. Bookwalter has also poured his efforts into focusing the winery on top-flight reds, and the success of his results will be clear to everyone that tries his Merlot or Cabernet at the Hill Country Wine & Food Festival. The wines are approachable, elegant, and complex, yet represent solid value compared to many of their Californian counterparts. more ›

Designs from Stella McCartney, Dolce & Gabbana, Ralph Lauren, Zac Posen and Eskander will be showcased, but our interest level is definitely leaning towards mojitos, champagne, Italian cocktails, and snacks from The Steeping Room, North, Jaspers, The Daily Grill and Viva Chocolato. more ›