Foodies and Friends Prepare for the Fort Worth Food + Wine Festival

The Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex is gearing up for another delicious experience in as the Fort Worth Food + Wine Festival (FWFWF) returns for the fifth year April 5-8.

For those unfamiliar, FWFWF is a culinary experience showcasing local and regional chefs at venues across the city for four days and nights. The festival’s roster includes a range of talented chefs and food artisans as well as craft brewers and distinctive vintners, bringing together an array of tastes, techniques, and styles that reflect the diversity of the city itself.

If FWFWFs from previous years are any indication of what to expect this year, guests will be in for a serious treat. Photos by Nick Bailey

“We’re humbled to have these culinary ambassadors from Fort Worth, Dallas and beyond participate in our fifth annual festival, which last year attracted 6,800 visitors from 26 states and 109 cities across Texas,” said Russell Kirkpatrick, cofounder of the Fort Worth Food + Wine Foundation. “Their involvement has been a key ingredient to raising more than $130,000 in scholarships and grants for local culinary students since 2014.”

This year’s FWFWF includes a tantalizing lineup of events, starting with Tacos + Tequila, the newest event for this year, which will feature eight chefs and eight beverage vendors, including local favorites like Keith Grober (Salsa Limón), Sarah Castillo (Taco Heads) and Chris Garcia (Del Norte Tacos). Here’s a quick breakdown of the festival’s lineup:

Thursday, April 5

Tacos + Tequila

8:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. (BRIK Venue)
$50 general admissions, $60 early entry
Presented by Encore Live, eight chefs and eight beverage vendors will bring their very best to this late-night fiesta.

Friday, April 6

Main Event

6 p.m. to 9 p.m. (Pier 1 Imports Building)
$125 general admission, $150 early entry
More than 100 exceptional wines, craft beers and spirits from near and far to pair perfectly with food from the best North Texas chefs, restaurateurs, artisan producers and crafters.

Desserts After Dark

9 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. (Whiskey Ranch)
$60 general admission, $70 early entry
Twelve pastry chefs and 12 mixologists create special eats and drinks, and guests vote for their top pick. Plus, a DJ mixes tunes while guests enjoy panoramic views of downtown Fort Worth.

Saturday, April 7

Rise + Dine

11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. (Pier 1 Imports Building)
$65 general admission, $75 early entry
Noted area restaurants prepare dozens of dishes, from eggs Benedict to breakfast tacos, alongside a generous selection of craft beer, specialty wines and spirits.

Burgers, Brews + Blues

6 p.m. to 9 p.m. (Heart of the Ranch at Clearfork)
$70 general admission, $85 early entry
Thirteen chefs grill up their best mini-burgers and 22 craft breweries pour two different beers while celebrity judges and guests vote for their favorites.

Sunday, April 8

Pitmasters Picnic

2 p.m. to 4 p.m. (Heart of the Ranch at Clearfork)
$65 general admission, $75 early entry
Tastings from 18 Texas barbecue big shots, paired with Texas craft beers, wines and spirits. This is your chance to sample the best of the West.

The best way to experience the festival is by getting the Weekend Pass ahead of time, which includes early entry and all-you-can-eat-and-drink access to all six signature events, with a $65 savings compared to buying early entry tickets to each event individually, though individual event tickets are also available.