Preview Week is a sneak peek at October’s annual Fredericksburg Food & Wine Festival. 

This year, Preview Week in Fredericksburg isn’t just about getting a taste of what’s to come at the fall Food & Wine Festival. It’s about showing up for the Hill Country.

In response to the devastating July 4 floods across Central Texas, 100% of all ticket and event proceeds from Preview Week (July 21–27) will be donated to the Kerr County Flood Relief Fund which supports recovery efforts in Hunt, Ingram, Kerrville, Center Point, and Comfort.

“The Fredericksburg Food & Wine Festival is, at its heart, a celebration of the Hill Country community—and in times like these, we all pull together,” said Jim Mikula, President & CEO of the Fredericksburg Chamber of Commerce. “By donating all Preview Week proceeds to the Kerr County Flood Relief Fund, we’re sharing the spirit of care and compassion of the very wineries, farms, and families who make this region so special.”

July 21–27: A Week of Flavor, Music, and Community

Held July 21–27, Preview Week features a full lineup of thoughtfully curated events, each spotlighting the best of the Hill Country’s food and drink scene. But don’t let the fundraiser status fool you — this is still a week made for fun.

Preview Week is packed with food-forward events that celebrate the best of the Hill Country. And while it’s technically a fundraiser, the vibe is far from formal. You might be sipping a handcrafted martini by the water one night, sampling smoky queso the next, then dancing your way through a silent disco in an underground wine cave by the weekend. Some events are small and intimate — like candlelit winemaker dinners — while others invite the whole town out, especially the all-ages queso throwdown. Here is a sample of the scheduled events:

• Women for WineSense (Monday, July 21 • 5:30–7:30 pm @ Alla Campagna)
  An uplifting start to the week with Italian-inspired bites and wine tastings from five Hill Country wineries — including Rustic Spur, Michael Ros, Hilmy Cellars, Barelle, and Pedernales. Seated, multi‑course pairing included.
  
• Shuck, Shake & Sip (Wednesday, July 23 • 6:00–8:00 pm @ Dietz Distillery)
  Oysters, martinis, live music, and coastal vibes meet Texas Hill Country. A fun midweek mixer with a welcome cocktail and beachy bites. Cash bar available.
• Tallow & Vine (Thursday, July 24 • 7:00–9:00 pm @ Ferris & Fletch)
  Smoke-forward mingle dinner with meat lovers’ flair — Chef Hunter Huffman teams up with winemaker Rarig Ross for five curated bites paired with Hill Country wines. Includes a custom wine glass.
• Slate Theory Silent Disco (Friday, July 25 • 7:30–10:00 pm @ Slate Theory Winery)
  Sip wine in an underground cave while dancing to your choice of live DJ channels via headphones. Tickets include transport from the Albert Hotel, photo booth, snacks, and a welcome glass of wine.
• The Elephant in the Room Boozy Brunch (Saturday, July 26 • 10:00 am–12:00 pm @ The Saloon at The Albert Hotel)
  Kick off your weekend with boozy frosties, brunch bites by The Pharmacy, and DJ music by Cassandra. Includes a full-size welcome cocktail. Cash bar available. 
• Fredericksburg Quesöff (Saturday, July 26 • 6:00–9:00 pm @ Grand Central at Milam Lawn)
  The one family-friendly event — bring everyone to taste queso from top local spots, vote for your favorite, then dance to live Tejano tunes (Margs & cervezas available). Kids 12 & under free. (FBG Food & Wine Festival)

Powered by Local Heart

Dozens of Hill Country wineries, restaurants, distilleries, and makers are donating their time, talent, and products to ensure that every dollar raised goes directly to flood recovery efforts. Alla Campagna, Women for WineSense, Rustic Spur Vineyards, Michael Ros Winery, Hilmy Cellars, Barelle Vineyards, Pedernales Cellars, Becker Vineyards, and Slate Theory Winery. Restaurants like Mystic Lobster Roll, Emi’s on Austin, Hondo’s, Leroy’s Tex Mex BBQ, Hill & Vine, Fresh Pickin’s, and many more are among the supporters. 

Every Glass Raised Helps

Tickets, full event schedule, and participating businesses are available now online. Many events are expected to sell out quickly, so early booking is recommended.

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Jennifer Simonson is a proud 7th generation Texan. She is a travel writer by trade and a lover of the world’s food, cultures, drinks and outdoor spaces by nature.