A TOAST ON THE HIGH PLAINS…

THE “GIANT SIP” OF TEXAS

LUBBOCK, TX - Sept. 10, 2009

 What:  1st annual Lubbock, Tx Wine Festival…
 “A TOAST ON THE HIGH PLAINS…THE GIANT SIP OF TEXAS”.    
When:  November 6 thru 8, 2009 (Fri. – Sat. – Sun.)
Where: Louise Underwood Center for the Arts - Ave. K and Mac Davis Ln. (6th Street)
Why:   To promote the Texas Wine Industry and raise funds for several local groups
Who:  Everyone is invited to attend; must be 21 or older to partake in tasting/purchasing.
           
 In early November of 2009 the citizens of Lubbock and West Texas will introduce their first festival devoted to the exploding Wine Industry of Texas.  Wineries from throughout the state (currently more than 20 participating) will showcase their products for a 3-day event.  Attendees will be able to taste many vintages; and for the first time in Texas, these wineries will be allowed to sell their products on-site by the glass, bottle, and case direct to the public.  The festival begins Friday evening, Nov. 6 - (5:30 – 9:00), in conjunction with First Friday Art Trail, and continues Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 7 & 8 (11:00 – 5:00).  The location is within the downtown “Arts District” area around the Louise Hopkins Underwood Center for the Arts.  This exciting event will be held outdoors with  20 or more Texas wineries each sampling and selling many of their best vintages.  Parking will be available west of the festival in the Civic Center East Parking lot. Tremendous support is being provided by “GO TEXAN”:  the Texas Dept. of Agriculture’s special program for strictly Texas products from Texas businesses.  Likewise, the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission stands behind the event stating: “We’re glad and excited to see someone promoting this in the Lubbock area…it’s an event who’s time has come” with the new state laws (as of Sept. 1) allowing wineries to obtain special permits allowing direct sales to the public at festivals!

This fun and exciting event will be raising funds for several local groups including: Lubbock Meals on Wheels, Marine Corps’ Toys for Tots, Sheriff’s Fallen Officer’s Fund, and others named at a later date!

     There’s more than just wine too!  Live Music, Artist booths, food temptations, and even beer tastings from Lubbock’s own Triple J Chophouse and Brewery!

    Lubbock is a “natural” location for a wine festival and the festival itself should develop over the next few years into one of the Premier Wine Events in the State.  The festival is promoting the ever expanding and extremely important Wine and Grape Industry of Texas.  There are now over 180 wineries recognized in Texas.  Locally, 5 wineries from the Lubbock High Plains area will be the true features of the festival.  Don Roark, of  local winery CapRock; when asked if CapRock wines would be participating, simply stated “finally…it’s about time someone got this going.  We’re in!”  Along those lines, Dusty Duke, tasting room manager for Llano Estacado said: “We’ve been participating in these events around the state for years, this will be a great event for Lubbock, and quite frankly,  a whole lotta fun!”  Kim McPherson of  McPherson Cellars (Lubbock’s Newest) will be participating in the grand festival at the Underwood Center for the Arts and indicates if possible, he would like also to provide a “wine and food pairing” event in conjunction with Lubbock’s Wine Festival, using another location (possibly) at his own event center if construction is completed in time for the Nov. 6 -8 date.  This is an indication of how the event can grow in the future as dates and locations are already being targeted for the 2010 festival in early October.

     Dan Henly, owner/manager of Southwest Event Source, LLC, headquartered in Lubbock says “after 13 months of planning, things are starting to gel.  More wineries are showing interest, and we’re getting 100% positive feedback and support from Lubbock’s Visitors and Convention Bureau, Lubbock Chamber of Commerce, City Hall and local rental services such as ASCO and Grady Henly Decorators”. 

     Come early and plan to stay several hours in order to see and do everything.  It will be a great time to start Christmas shopping early.  We’re expecting great things and hoping for great weather.  Plan ahead to attend and watch for advanced ticket purchasing information, as this will definitely get a person through the entry area much quicker!  Online Purchasing coming soon!

      There will not be any activities for children this year.  This event is strictly for adults 21 years of age and older.  Adults may bring their children, but all children must stay with their parents at all times. Strollers will not roll in the gravel/dirt areas where most wineries, artist and food booths will be located.
           
Get Ready Lubbock!  Get Ready for Fantastic Texas Food, Great Artist, Exceptional entertainment, and wonderful Texas Wine… Wine… and More Wine! 
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         Southwest Event Source, LLC    Lubbock, Texas    Dan Henly   806-763-3578
                                    dan@lubbockwinefestival.com          swexpo@sbcglobal.net