Wine event expects to draw thousands to northwest Houston
Organizers of Wine Fair Cy-Fair have found they can draw a crowd by pairing a wide variety of wines with tasty treats to raise money for charity.
“If you like to have fun and you like to eat and drink, you’ll love Wine Fair, because that’s what it’s all about,” event founder and co-producer Constance McDerby said.
The fifth annual event is scheduled for Saturday, April 23, at Cypress Village Station, a mixed-use development at U.S. 290 and Skinner Road in Cypress.
The corks will start popping at 7 p.m. April 22 with the “One Fine Affair” party hosted at Lindsay Lakes, 16536 Mueshke Road in Cypress.
Guests will receive a keepsake glass and sample wine and gourmet dishes. Tickets are $100, and admission is limited to 200.
Food samplings from restaurants will come from D’Vine Wine Bar, Marvino’s Italian Kitchen, Lindsay Lakes, H-E-B, Black’s Market Table and All the Crave Cheesecakes.
The event benefits Reach Unlimited, a local nonprofit dedicated to improving the quality of life for those with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
One Fine Affair will also feature silent and big board auctions and a wine pull.
The weekend includes the April 23 bash, “All that Sparkles,” slated for 4:30 p.m. at Cypress Village Station. Tickets are a $20 add-on to the $25 general admission.
Guests may then head to the main event, scheduled from 5:30-8:30 p.m.
A selection of 250 wines and 30 food-tasting stations will be available.
The Back Grill Beer Garden will offer more than 50 options of craft beer.
In addition, H-E-B’s Culinary Corner will feature a 50-foot-long display of food, wine and beer to try. Guests can also venture into the Cypress Creek Lakes Home Zone.
“It’s like a mini homeand-garden show,” McDerby said. “As you’re sipping and noshing, you can look at home-related businesses.”
The event will feature musical performers and vendors selling art and artisan goods.
Admission to the airconditioned VIP Lounge, where guests will receive a swag bag and a seat to view festivities is $75, which includes general admission.
McDerby said the Wine Fair has gotten bigger every year.
“It’s been embraced by the community and all the local businesses,” she said.
The event was created as a fundraiser for Reach Unlimited and the Cy-Fair Houston Chamber of Commerce.
McDerby said she was inspired to create an event that showcases the Cy-Fair businesses and serves area residents. She also wanted to feature the talents of local artists and chefs.
She began sharing ideas with Leslie Martone, president of the Cy-Fair Houston Chamber of Commerce.
The wine fair became a collaboration between the chamber and McDerby’s company, Food & Vine Time Productions, which produces events like Wine & Food Week in The Woodlands, Brewmasters Craft Beer Festival, Zest in the West and Katy Sip n Stroll.
The first year, McDerby expected about 500 people to attend.
“We had 1,500 show up,” she said. “Then it bumped up to 2,000, then 2,500. We were just shy of 3,000 last year.”
The number of wine tables has grown from 14 the first year to 40.
What started with four craft beer stations has grown to 14; and the original 12 participating restaurants have multiplied to 30.
“It’s all about getting the community together and enjoying wine and food,” said Martone, who added that the casual atmosphere draws area residents.
Amy Lippincott, an agent with Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Gary Greene, has been a sponsor for the event for a couple of years. She said attending the event has become a highlight for her.
“It’s extremely well-run, and it’s a great value,” she said. “You get to sample foods from a ton of restaurants. It’s just a great sampling of Cypress.”
Visit http://www.winecyfair.com/ for details.