It’s almost FWFWF time again! Folks around here who love a good wine and a fun time mingling with others – even strangers – over a glass understand what that means. The Fort Worth Food and Wine Festival is almost here and is set for April 9-12 at Clear Fork Ranch. It’s four days of fun, flavor and food – and lots of each.
The lovely Mrs. Junell and myself look forward to this event each year, even more so this year since our session was rained out in 2025. As great as wine tastes and as much as we need rain, they do not go together unless one is indoors watching with a nice glass of merlot or chardonnay (or whatever your choice is). So, like many, we have the calendar marked for that special weekend.
And this year the Fort Worth Food and Wine Foundation has something new for attendees to enjoy. They are introducing Fork and Fire on Saturday, April 11. Before we go any further, kudos to Visit Fort Worth and the Foundation for once again finding ways to make the Festival better each year.
TASTE OF TEXAS ROW The new event will feature a plethora of Michelin-starred, James Beard–recognized, and nationally celebrated chefs from across Texas. Unlike any collaboration seen before in the state, Taste of Texas Row brings together four of the state’s most influential culinary festivals with chefs from Farmers Dallas Food and Wine Festival, Hot Luck Festival (Austin), Southern Smoke Festival (Houston), and, of course, the FWFWF (festival).
Conceived and developed by Foundation Executive Director Julie Eastman, the event celebrates not only the individuality of each region, but the collective strength of Texas cuisine. “This was about more than assembling great chefs,” Eastman said. “It was about bringing together friends and fellow culinary festivals to celebrate the distinct flavors and cultures that define our state. “Texas has never lacked talent. What’s rare is creating a space where that talent can stand side by side in collaboration.”
THE FIRESIDE Just steps away, The Fireside delivers a separate live-fire experience inspired by the Foundation’s past favorites Burgers, Brews and Blues, along with Ring of Fire (also two of our favorites). This event brings both experiences together under one expansive footprint. The Fireside is driven by open flame, technique, and live-fire execution.
HIDDEN GEMS This showcase will spotlight the remarkable restaurants shaping Texas dining outside its largest cities. It reflects the Foundation’s ongoing statewide pursuit of talent and its belief that some of the most compelling culinary stories are found off the beaten path. After all, who hasn’t told a tale of a favorite food place that’s out in the middle of nowhere? Sometimes they’re hard to find, but they’re always worth the search. “Leave it to Fort Worth to bring together an unexpected collaboration of Texas food festivals. Our community is built on hospitality and powered by creativity, and that’s exactly what the Fort Worth Food and Wine Festival showcases,” said Mitch Whitten, Chief Operating Officer of Visit Fort Worth.
Hidden Gems is a curated blend of under-the-radar talent and chefs who have earned regional and even national recognition, yet whose restaurants are located outside Texas’ major metropolitan centers and may not always be top-of-mind for in-state diners. However, after trying them at this event they most likely will be. Developed through the Foundation’s year-round travel and first-hand research, the showcase highlights concepts deeply rooted in their communities across Texas.
LOTS MORE While anything new is always attractive (and in this case delicious), let’s not forget there is plenty for all to enjoy at the Festival. Heck, go to more than one session. After all, you’re helping the culinary future of Fort Worth and North Texas. Proceeds from the festival benefit the nonprofit foundation that celebrates local culinary talent today, along with funding scholarships, classroom grants and more for the future. By the way, don’t procrastinate on getting tickets. This event is very popular and often sells out – in particular, Fork and Fire, being new, will go fast. Tickets are available at fwfwf.org.
