May 29, 2026 (Johnson City, TX) — The Texas Wine Auction Foundation celebrated a successful 5th Annual Texas Wine Auction Weekend on May 1–2 at Carter Creek Winery Resort & Spa, bringing together more than 300 guests, wineries, community leaders, and supporters from across Texas for two unforgettable evenings of hospitality, wine, and philanthropy.
Hosted in partnership with KXAN personalities Erica Brennes and Kristen Currie, the weekend raised $306,811 to support mental health initiatives for the hospitality industry, the local Fredericksburg ISD, and sustainability efforts within the Texas wine industry.
“Seeing the Texas wine and hospitality communities come together in such a meaningful way is incredibly powerful,” said Valerie Elkins, Co Founder of Texas Wine Auction Foundation. “The support raised this weekend will directly expand mental health resources, education initiatives, and sustainability efforts that strengthen our industry and the families behind it. We’re deeply grateful to every winery, sponsor, donor, and guest who helped make this milestone year possible.”
More than 20 wineries participated throughout the weekend, including Magnum Winery Sponsors Inwood Estates Vineyards, Lost Draw Wines, William Chris Vineyards, Robert Clay Vineyards, and Whatley Wines. Elevated Winery Partners included Ab Astris Winery, Augusta Vin Winery, Elisa Christopher Wines, and Pedernales Cellars.
Friday evening featured an elevated VIP experience sponsored by Garrison Brothers, alongside a Southern-inspired culinary showcase from Carter Creek Winery Resort & Spa. Guests enjoyed live performances from Texas music favorites Bri Bagwell and Dale Watson, setting the tone for a weekend centered around community and celebration.
Saturday night brought perfect Hill Country weather as guests gathered under the stars for an evening of giving. Chef Hunter Huffman of Mesquite at the Warehouse welcomed attendees with curated starter bites highlighting the Foundation’s growing culinary partnerships, while Carter Creek Chef Brian Osborne delivered an unforgettable dinner experience.
During Saturday’s programming, guests also heard from Bea Yousey of Frontera Healthcare Network about the continued partnership and impact of Wellness Uncorked, a program focused on providing mental health and wellness support to hospitality industry workers and their families throughout the region.
The Foundation also presented the Impact in Texas Wine Award to Pedro Letkeman of Letkeman Family Vineyards. During the most recent harvest, Pedro donated 20 tons of Tempranillo grapes to the Texas Wine Auction Foundation. Those grapes are now being transformed into wines by 13 participating wineries as part of a future collaborative project benefiting Texas Wine Auction Foundation initiatives.
Energy filled the silent auction tent as guests bid on luxury travel experiences, custom wine stave furniture, golf packages, and exclusive wine offerings. The excitement continued during the live auction led by auctioneer Caroline Ackel, featuring standout lots including a Montana getaway and one very popular puppy package that had paddles flying across the room. The evening’s “Paddles Up” fundraising moment directly supported the Texas Wine Auction Foundation’s GRAFTED program. Funds raised from the evening will help complete a partnership initiative with Create Healthy to fund a grant to the Fredericksburg ISD supporting dedicated licensed clinical social workers at both the middle school and high school campuses beginning in Fall 2026 for the next three years.
“The Fredericksburg ISD Education Foundation is truly grateful for Texas Wine Auction’s incredible commitment to our students. Their generosity guarantees continued critical mental health support through Licensed Clinical Social Workers at both Fredericksburg Middle School and Fredericksburg High School. These positions provide vital counseling, trauma support, and suicide prevention services to hundreds of students. We are deeply thankful for Texas Wine Auction’s partnership and unwavering dedication to the well-being of FISD students and families.” said Megan Riddle, Executive Director.
Additional funding from the weekend will support other Texas Wine Auction Foundation initiatives, including the Sustainable Future for Texas Wine Grant, highlighted through a live auction lot of a collaborative 5-liter “Big Bottle” a blend crafted by 16 Texas wineries.
Sponsors for the 2026 Texas Wine Auction Weekend included Presenting Sponsor Create Healthy, Title Sponsor Friendship Lane Center for Cancer Care, Rental Sponsor BEVVY Curated and additional sponsors WineCub, Atlas Vineyard Management, Ranchview Retreat, First United Bank, The Stoessel Group and Michael & Christine Marcin.
The celebration continued late into the evening with casino games, prize giveaways, and dancing, closing out another milestone year for the Texas Wine Auction Foundation.
About Texas Wine Auction Foundation
The Texas Wine Auction Foundation is dedicated to strengthening the Texas wine and hospitality communities through funding initiatives focused on mental health and wellness education, sustainability, and industry support programs across Texas.
