Ten years ago Vicki Briley-White and Jim White co-founded what has become one of the largest wine events in Dallas, Savor Dallas, and for a city that likes their wine this festival has become one of the hottest tickets in town. At the inception Savor Dallas started as a stroll on Friday and an international tasting event o Saturday, each showcasing great wine and local food. Today the three day celebration continues to focus on great food and wine, featuring local, national and international wine selections, but also an extensive selection of spirits and beers (over 400 selections will be poured throughout the weekend,) as well as tasty bites prepared by 60 of our local chefs.
But more than that, Savor Dallas has become a celebration of our city, inviting guests to experience destinations they may not otherwise visit – like our amazing Dallas Arts District with their annual arts stroll through the Nasher, Meyerson and Winspear this evening, and last nights kick-off, walk around tasting event at The Dallas Arboretum. I had a chance to attend the event, taking place right in the midst of Dallas Blooms, and taste a few selections amongst the flowers, with a portion of the proceeds from last nights event benefiting the Arboretum.
Texas wines played a bit part in the event last night, receiving a prime location in the center of the tasting area on the expansive Arboretum lawn, with spirits to one side and national and international selections to the other. Featured Texas wineries included Fall Creek Vineyards, Kiepersol Estates, Becker Vineyards and Wedding Oak.
My best tastes of the night included the steely Sauvignon Blanc from Raymond Vineyards in Napa Valley paired with an incredible Ahi Tuna Crudo from Chef Uno Immanivong of Chino Chinatown...delicious, a cool Stella with Blistered Shishito Peppers with gooey cheve from Chef Davif McMillan of Meddlesome Moth, and a sip of fiery Chile Pepper Infuse Vodka with a cool bite of fresh guacamole and chips from Chipotle….because who doesn’t like Chipotle.
Events take place throughout the weekend, though tonight’s stroll is sold out. For tickets to the Reserve Tasting and International Grand Tasting tomorrow night at the Omni Dallas Hotel visit the Savor website.
