Texas Wine Tribute Gala & Auction

Saturday, September 10
6:30 p.m. - Reception & Silent Auction
7:00 p.m. - Dinner
Grand Hall
636 S. Main St.  

On Saturday, September 10, the 30th Annual GrapeFest - A Wine Experience, presented by Bank of the West, will kick off festival week with the Texas Wine Tribute. This black-tie gala is one of the most prestigious annual Texas Wine Industry events and features the presentation of the highly-anticipated annual "Tall in Texas" award. This honor is bestowed to a Texas winery in recognition of the winery's leadership role in the dedication to, support of and promotion of the Texas Wine Industry. The 2016 recipient of the award is Homestead Winery of Ivanhoe, TX.

Founded in 1983 by Barbara and Gabe Parker, Homestead Winery is the oldest continually operating winery in the Red River Valley of North Texas. Continuing the Parker family tradition of North Texas farming started by Gabe's grandfather more than 100 years ago, Gabe oversees the wine production and winemaking operation to this day. When the vineyard was first established, Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay grapes replaced the wheat and corn that was originally planted in the rich and fertile soil of Ivanhoe. When the winery opened, Tyler County, where Ivanhoe is located, was dry. As a result, the Parkers decided to open tasting rooms in Denison and Grapevine. Denison has a long history as a key player in the Texas Wine Industry. In 1880, Denison native T.V. Munson helped save France's vineyards by shipping thousands of bundles of North Texas disease-resistant grape rootstocks to France. Scientists in France grafted those rootstocks to their grape varieties. Today, Denison enjoys a strong Sister City relationship with Cognac, France.

Proceeds from the Texas Wine Tribute benefit Metroport Meals On Wheels and the Texas Wine and Grape Growers Foundation. The Texas Wine Tribute reception and silent auction begins at 6:30 p.m. with dinner at 7 p.m. on Saturday, September 10 at the Grapevine Convention & Visitors Bureau's Grand Hall, 636 S. Main St. Tickets are $125 per person. The 30th Annual GrapeFest - A Wine Experience, presented by Bank of the West, will take place September 15, 16, 17 and 18 in Historic Downtown Grapevine. Tickets are on sale now.

For tickets or more information about the Texas Wine Tribute or the 30th Annual GrapeFest, call the Grapevine Convention & Visitors Bureau at 800-457-6338 or 817-410-3185 or visitwww.GrapevineTexasUSA.com/GrapeFest.