Savor Dallas Announces 2014 Events

by Steven Doyle

The tradition of Savor Dallas, the most delicious food and wine festival in Texas, continues with a 10^th Anniversary celebratory edition, March 20-22.  Over three days of wining and dining, this “celebration of wine, food, spirits and the arts,” spotlights dozens of the area’s top chefs and more than 400 premium wines, spirits and beers throughout the weekend.  New this year, Savor Dallas adds a spotlight on Texas wines and spirits.   Ticket prices for the individual events range from $20 to $150.  Weekend passes for $365 also are available at an overall cost saving.

“When we started this all those years ago our mission was pretty straightforward.  We wanted to support the city we love, and give upscale food and wine lovers the kind of premium experience they deserve,” says Jim White, Savor Dallas co-founder along with his wife Vicki Briley-White, “We had no idea the celebration would grow into an event encompassing downtown Dallas that would host some 5,000 guests over a three-day celebration. What a credit to citizens and visitors alike.”   

THURSDAY NIGHT

Kicking off the festivities is Savor the Arboretum on Thursday, March 20, from 6:30-9 p.m. Enjoy a private stroll during “Dallas Blooms” through the luscious 66 acres of the City’s popular botanical garden, Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden that has been named one of the top ten gardens in the world while sipping wine and sampling goodies from some of Dallas’ most noted restaurants.  Tickets are $65 ($59 for Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden members) and may be purchased on the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden website.  The event is a fundraiser for the Arboretum’s Education Department.

Savor add mixology event this year

FRIDAY NIGHT

Continuing the tradition of the Arts District Wine Stroll, Savor Dallas patrons can sip and savor The Nasher Sculpture Center, The Meyerson Symphony Center, and new this year—the Plaza of the Cathedral at the Arts District—while enjoying special wines, beers, spirits and food samplings from leading area restaurants.  Tickets for this 5-7 p.m. event are $35 each and are available at the official website.

Following the Stroll, foodies can enjoy a special wine dinner at the Omni Dallas Hotel hosted by their executive chef Jason Weaver.  Tickets are available through the Omni Dallas Hotel at 214-744-6664.

SATURDAY EVENTS and FINALE

Wine lovers will enjoy the Winemaker Tasting Panel at Bob’s Steak and Chop House in the Omni Dallas Hotel, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Among the featured panelists are Ralf Holdenried, winemaker at William Hill Estate; Sergio Cuadra, winemaker Fall Creek Vineyards; and Dr. Richard Becker, owner of Becker Vineyards. Tickets are $50 each and are available on the Savor Dallas website.

A modern mixology seminar, “Stirring Up Innovation”, a look at beverage trends and ways to push cocktails outside the box, from 2-3:30 p.m. also at Bob’s Steak and Chop House, is sure to delight professionals and amateurs alike.  Tickets are $50 per person.

The ever popular Reserve Tasting returns to Savor Dallas, Saturday evening, 5-6:30 p.m., and showcases premium wine and spirits for the sophisticated palate.  Tickets for this event are $150 each.

Savor Dallas highlight, the International Grand Tasting, is the 6:30-10 p.m. extravaganza presenting a sampling of signature cuisine from dozens of Dallas/Fort Worth top chefs and 400 premium wines, spirits, and craft beers. This event is being held for the first time in the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center Dallas adjacent to the Omni Dallas Hotel and offers three ticket prices:  Fast Track Early Entry $145; General Admission $120 and Designated Driver (food only) $90.

Kroger and The Dallas Morning News are Presenting Sponsors of Savor Dallas.  Premium sponsors for this year’s event include Stella Artois, William Hill Estate, Edna Valley Vineyard, Becker Vineyards, American Airlines, Dallas Convention & Visitors Bureau, and Downtown Dallas, Inc.

Savor Dallas donates all proceeds from a fine-wine silent auction held during the International Grand Tasting to the North Texas Food Bank.

For a complete schedule, and details for each event, including a list of all participants, parking instructions, and to purchase tickets, go to Savor’s Website or call 888-728-6747.