Supporting the Inaugural Sabor y Tú Farm-to-Chef Dinner

Yesterday evening, I had the honor of being one of the Bending Branch representatives at the inaugural Sabor y Tú: A Farm-to-Chef Dinner benefiting the San Antonio Food Bank. Our winery was proud to sponsor this extraordinary event that perfectly aligned with our values of sustainability and community support.

A Natural Partnership
When Philanthropy Manager Nikki Whitehead and Director of Food Sustainability Mitch Hagney reached out to us about this event, their passion for the Food Bank's mission was immediately compelling. Their inspiring descriptions of the wide-ranging and impactful Food Bank initiatives made it easy to want to get involved and advocate for the organization’s purpose.

Local Wines Supporting Local Food
Guests were welcomed with a Fig Old Fashioned cocktail featuring our ChickenDuck Wheated Bourbon, a bourbon that is sustainably crafted and 100% Texas-aged. The thoughtfully selected wine pairings complemented each course, highlighting both the chef's creations and our locally-grown Texas wines.

• Picpoul Blanc and Tannat, hand-harvested from Lost Pirogue/Camledge Vineyard located approximately 60 miles from the San Antonio Food Bank, creating a genuine local connection from vine to table
• Tannat Rosé featuring grapes harvested at Tallent Vineyards in Mason County, showcasing another distinctive and local vineyard
• All wines were produced at our Bending Branch Winery facility in Comfort, Texas

Leadership Support
Our team was well-represented, with President and Master Blender Alison Young—the driving force behind the Bending Branch sustainability initiatives—in attendance. CEO and Executive Winemaker Dr. Bob Young spoke about our support for the Food Bank's mission and guided guests through the wine pairings for each course.

Culinary Excellence
The five-course dinner was masterfully prepared by renowned chefs Steve McHugh (James Beard nominee, Cured) and Elizabeth Johnson (UNESCO City of Gastronomy Chef Ambassador, PharmTable). Each dish featured ingredients from the Food Bank's urban farm, locally sourced venison, and grass-fed beef—perfectly paired with our wines.

Impact That Matters
The San Antonio Food Bank’s service area spans 29 counties, including Kerr, Kendall, and Mason counties – counties where Bending Branch has tasting rooms and where the wines from the featured local vineyards are located. Proceeds from the dinner directly support the Food Bank's sustainability and agriculture initiatives. The vital connection between sustainable agriculture and food security resonates deeply with Bending Branch.

Looking Forward
The success of this inaugural dinner has already sparked conversations about future collaborations. We invite those who couldn't attend to visit our tasting room in Comfort to experience our commitment to Texas wines and sustainable practices firsthand.

For information about upcoming San Antonio Food Bank events, please visit their website.