The Wine + Food Week event was launched and created by Constance McDerby along with her husband Clifton nineteen years ago in Galveston, Texas. The attendance at that time was approximately 300 people. The following year Wine + Food event attendance tripled and then the following year tripled in attendance again! When Constance moved her Wine and Food event to The Woodlands in 2005, attendance reached 4000+ participants. The Woodlands embraced the idea of world renowned chefs and sommeliers bringing their best to our community.
Constance would be the first to acknowledge the help of 500+ people who volunteer their efforts to make this event one of the top ten culinary and wine events in the country. “So much goes into preparing, presenting and activating the elements of Wine & Food Week. Each year we see our partners up their game which exponentially increases the quality of the patron experience.
Since its inception, this annual event has blossomed into a highly anticipated cultural phenomenon, captivating the palates and senses of attendees from near and far and this year (2023) for the first time, the ‘Arts’ has now been included to further demonstrate how this event has evolved. Artists with live paintings, ballet ensembles dancing, electric violinist serenading guests, and beautiful artwork featured on the labels of fine wines played into the overall theme. “We are also big believers that art, like wine and food, feeds our souls so we are paying tribute to that idea with this year’s theme, as well as highlighting The Woodlands Waterway Arts Festival and New Danville which are event beneficiaries. Chefs and winemakers alike treat their craft much like an artist does making sure each dish or wine is a true work of art,” added McDerby.
The equal ART is presented by a tapestry of culinary excellence, regional flavors and artistic expressions all merging into a highly anticipated cultural phenomenon, captivating the palates and senses of attendees from near and afar. Chef and Owner of Pacha Nikkei, Masaru Fukuda, won Top Honors with the Chef of Chefs Award and won $5,000.00 for honors by Goya Foods.
The wine component of the event was equally extraordinary. Domestic and International winemakers have congregated in The Woodlands, presenting a diverse array of varietals, blends and vintages to enthusiasts and connoisseurs. Wine tastings, seminars and educational sessions have deepened attendees’ understanding of winemaking techniques, grape varieties and nuanced artistry behind each bottle. The event kicked off with the brand new Harrison's Restaurant of The Woodlands Waterway Resort and moved through The Woodlands. Events took place at Sorriso Modern Italian Restaurant, The Peach Orchard Venue, The Marriott, Carlton Woods Country Club and many other beautiful venues.
Paired with the exquisite cuisine on offer, these wines and foods have enhanced the overall sensory experience elevating this event to new heights. Moreover, it has nurtured culinary talent, inspiring aspiring chefs and promoting the region’s culinary reputation. The interplay between flavors, aromas, colors and textures has ignited the imagination and sparked conversations about the interconnectedness of various artistic disciplines.
Signature Events by Food and Vine Productions include:
Katy Sip n Stroll, Haute Wheels Houston, Wine Fair Cy-Fair, Zest in The West, Nach-Yo Ordinary Tequila Tasting, Ladies of the Vine
The Platinum Wine Vault Luxury Tasting on Friday, August 11th from 6:30pm – 9pm at Bayway Cadillac of The Woodlands. Constance says “for the serious enthusiast, The Platinum Wine Vault Luxury Tasting is an oasis filled with crème de la crème wine selections served in “the big glass” amidst a posh playground and who’s who of the wine world. This is another wonderful event you will not want to miss.
Founder and Co-Producer of Food and Vine Productions, Constance McDerby
After growing up in South Carolina and spending 14 years in New Orleans, Constance McDerby found her home in Houston in 2000 following her 20 plus year career in advertising media sales and management.
Constance enjoys traveling with her husband and partner, Clifton. She loves meeting people and supporting businesses and people meet their potential.
