Austin FOOD & WINE Festival Preview

The Austin FOOD & WINE Festival will take place this weekend, April 25-27, at Butler Park in the "Live Music Capital of the World."

The festivities of the FOOD & WINE-sponsored event are built around a Texan’s eclectic palate: tacos, tequila, Hill Country wine, seafood, barbecue and beer, to name a few.

Technical demonstrations, interactive panels, book signings and chef showdowns are on the bill. Live music, of course, will be incorporated throughout the festival.

Local chef favorites Aaron Franklin of Franklin Barbecue, Paul Qui of Qui and Tyson Cole of Uchi and Uchiko will be present over the weekend, participating in chef showdowns and interactive panels. Celebrity chefs Rick Bayless, Graham Elliot, Georgia Pellegrini and Andrew Zimmern will also be present, hosting demonstrations inspired by the state of Texas and city of Austin. Guests can look forward to a bite from their favorite chefs at more than 40 demonstrations.

The "Savor Pass" – the all-access VIP pass of the festival – is an excellent way to experience the weekend of food and wine, and includes:

• More than 40 cooking demonstrations and wine seminars, plus early seating

• Saturday and Sunday Grand Tastings, plus early entry

• Two-year FOOD & WINE subscription (new subscribers, United States only)

• Additional tastings and demonstrations

• Admission to the "Taste of Texas" kickoff event

• Admission to the "Rock Your Taco" celebrity chef showdown

• Exclusive SAVOR Lounge access

• Reserved SAVOR parking at Butler Park

For those who do not want to pay the $850 price, the "Taste Pass," at $250, is an excellent, albeit more limited, alternative.

Tickets for the event can be purchased here.

All proceeds will benefit the Austin Food & Wine Alliance. The Alliance fosters awareness of Texas' culinary impact through educational grants, programming and events.

Andrew Harper staff will attend the festival, and we look forward to sharing chef stories, insider tips and sommelier know-how. Check in on Andrew Harper's social media channels throughout the weekend for photos and live tweets from the festival.