March 23, 2026 (Austin, TX) — The Austin Wine & Food Foundation (AWFF) is honored to announce Christopher Carpenter of Cardinale Winery as the 2026 Featured Winemaker for the 40th annual Austin Wine Auction & Gala Weekend. AWFF is a nonprofit organization that cultivates a community of Austin’s most devoted wine and food lovers to combat food insecurity in Central Texas through grants and educational scholarships. The foundation is thrilled to welcome Carpenter for its landmark celebration of exceptional wines, exquisite cuisine and philanthropic camaraderie.
Carpenter is the award-winning winemaker behind many of Napa Valley’s most prestigious wineries, including Cardinale, Lokoya, La Jota Vineyard Co., Mt. Brave and Caladan, along with Hickinbotham in South Australia’s McLaren Vale. Over the past two decades, he has earned a reputation for taming Napa Valley’s mountain tannins and crafting legendary Cabernet Sauvignon. His philosophy centers on maximum attention in the vineyards and minimal intervention in the winery — allowing each wine to stand as the purest expression of its place.
“We are deeply honored to welcome Chris Carpenter as the featured winemaker for our 40th annual Austin Wine Auction & Gala Weekend,” said Sarah Weeks, executive director for AWFF. “He is one of the most respected figures in the industry today, and we look forward to giving our members and the Austin community the opportunity to experience his exceptional wines and hear more about his story and philosophy.”
The event takes place Nov. 6–7, 2026, at the JW Marriott Austin, with ticket sales launching later this spring. The weekend begins with an intimate luncheon featuring some of Carpenter’s most coveted offerings on Friday, Nov. 6, followed by a spirited live auction on Saturday, Nov. 7, hosted by renowned wine auctioneer Charles Antin, global head of wine auctions at Zachys. The celebration concludes with an elegant gala featuring a thoughtfully curated dinner expertly paired with exceptional wines from around the world, poured by sommeliers from Austin’s finest restaurants and tasting rooms.
Events like the annual Austin Wine Auction & Gala Weekend help support AWFF’s philanthropic initiatives. This year, AWFF is proud to support the following grant recipients:
Green Corn Project is an organization that educates and assists Central Texans in growing organic food gardens at homes, schools and community centers. AWFF is proud to sponsor their spring dig-in program so that people with limited access to healthy food can grow their own vegetables in ways that are affordable, strengthen communities and protect natural resources.
Good Work Austin partners with food workers and businesses to support hospitality workers and locally owned businesses. AWFF’s funding helps further their Community Kitchen program, which pays local restaurant workers to provide nutritious meals to communities facing food insecurity and delivers three meals a day to local Austin shelters.
Sustainable Food Center is a leader in transforming local food systems, connecting people to healthy, locally grown food through farmers’ markets, nutrition education, and programs that increase access to fresh produce — strengthening the local food economy and advancing food justice. AWFF’s funding helps double the benefits for those who use programs like SNAP and WIC to access nutritious foods, such as local fruits and vegetables.
Caritas of Austin has provided safe and stable housing to Austin’s unhoused neighbors for over 60 years. The AWFF grant helps fund its Community Kitchen and its pantries, ensuring that people without homes receive not only healthy meals but the dignity we all deserve through a pleasant hospitality experience.
Keep Austin Fed fights hunger by rescuing surplus food from restaurants, retailers, farms and caterers and distributing it to neighbors experiencing food insecurity — simultaneously reducing food waste and making a direct impact on the well-being of our community and our planet.
Sunday Lunchbox provides healthy, community-inspired food to underserved Austinites, offering fresh produce and shelf-stable meals prepared by chefs and volunteers for those who may not otherwise have access to nutritious food.
Registration for the 40th annual Austin Wine Auction & Gala Weekend begins on April 15, 2026, with early purchasing opportunities available for members. For more information on Austin Wine & Food Foundation’s mission, philanthropy, partners, upcoming events and membership, visit winefoodfoundation.org.
About Austin Wine & Food Foundation
The Austin Wine & Food Foundation (AWFF) is a nonprofit organization that cultivates a community that celebrates the art, culture and enjoyment of wine and food through educational programs and unparalleled events, from intimate gatherings with visiting winemakers and sommelier-led educational classes to signature premier events — Big Reds & Bubbles, Cultivate Wine Dinner Series, and their flagship Austin Wine Auction & Gala Weekend. They are deeply rooted in their community, fostering connections among individuals who enjoy learning about, talking about, and engaging in all things wine & food. They harness the collective power of this community to support various philanthropic initiatives.
To date, the foundation has awarded over $2 million in grants, educational scholarships, and hospitality industry assistance. Please visit winefoodfoundation.org for more information. Connect with AWFF on Facebook (@winefoodfdn) and Instagram (@winefoodfdn).
