A Decade Since its Inception, The Fort Worth Food + Wine Festival’s Vibrant Celebration of Panther City’s Culinary Talent Returns With New and Expanded Partnerships, Furthering its Impact and Offerings
Dallas/Fort Worth, TX (December 9, 2025) – The Fort Worth Food + Wine Foundation (FWFWF) announced today the launch of tickets for its highly anticipated spring festival (April 3-6, 2025) and a new, multi-course, seated event, Trailblazers and Legends, a special event honoring the visionary co-founders of TX Whiskey. Now entering its 11th year, the Foundation continues to build on its momentum from 2024, a landmark 10th-anniversary year marked by sold-out events, record-breaking community engagement, and innovative new partnerships, most notable with BMW who came on as the Foundation’s Presenting Sponsor for the 2024-2025 season.
In 2024, FWFWF celebrated its decade-long legacy with several notable milestones including a heartfelt tribute to co-founder Russell Kirkpatrick, a transformative partnership with the Southern Smoke Foundation (SSF), and the introduction of dynamic programming. This included The Gospel Brunch featuring 4YaSoul and a special performance by Dallas String Quartet at Fête of Four Seasons made possible through a partnership with Visit Fort Worth, which joined as the 2024-2025 season music sponsor. Together, these achievements and partnerships exemplify the Foundation’s mission to champion local culinary talent while broadening its reach through innovative collaborations.
“Last year’s sold-out events and overwhelming community support showed us that Fort Worth’s culinary scene is thriving and gaining national recognition,” said Julie Eastman, Executive Director of the Fort Worth Food + Wine Foundation. “We’re thrilled to partner with a globally recognized brand like BMW, which shares our dedication to craftsmanship and excellence, to elevate our festival and community initiatives further.”
New for 2025 is the Trailblazers and Legends dinner, set for February 22, 2025, at the picturesque TX Whiskey Ranch. This event will bring together four North Texas chefs Jon Bonnell, Jenny Castor, John Tesar, and Matt Pittman—each trailblazing and legendary in their own right. Guests will enjoy a multi-course menu paired with fine wines while honoring TX Whiskey co-founders Troy Robertson and Leonard Firestone, recipients of the Walter Kaufman Lifetime Achievement Award. TX Whiskey, known for its meticulous craftsmanship and sustainable production, is a fitting honoree for this celebration of artistry and innovation.
Beyond its acclaimed events, FWFWF continues to fulfill its philanthropic mission by funding scholarships, classroom grants, and emergency relief for local culinary professionals. Through its partnership with the Southern Smoke Foundation, launched in July 2024 with a $25,000 gift, the Foundation has already provided critical support to food and beverage workers across Dallas/Fort Worth. As of now, SSF has fully utilized this initial gift, FWFWF will continue this grant year-over-year.
In line with its commitment to fostering the local culinary scene, the Foundation also continues to support impactful programs like the CRAFT Conference. Held annually in February, CRAFT provides high school junior and senior culinary students with inspiration and mentorship from both local and national culinary leaders, including beloved celebrity chef Graham Elliot, Kari Crowe of Melt Ice Creams, representatives from farms like Opal’s Farm and Goldee’s BBQ, and tourism professionals from visitor bureaus across the metroplex. These programs help nurture the next generation of culinary talent through valuable mentorship and hands-on learning opportunities.
Stay tuned for additional announcements and details in the coming months. For more information about Fort Worth Food + Wine Foundation or to set up an interview, please email Ivy Lopez at ivy@hollandcollective.co.
Fort Worth Food + Wine Spring Events:
- NEW EVENT – Dinner Among Visionaries: Trailblazers and Legends: A Dinner at TX Whiskey Ranch – Saturday, February 22; 6:30 pm – 9:30 pm Ticket Price: $250/individual | $2500/table of 8 sponsorship
Ticket Price: $250/individual | $2500/table of 8 sponsorship
In collaboration with Visit FW, FWFWF unveils an evening of fine culinary innovation and craftsmanship as four renowned chefs take the stage to showcase their signature styles and creativity at Trailblazers and Legends. Jon Bonnell of Bonnells Restaurant Group, Jenny Castor of Luckybee Kitchen, John Tesar of Knife Restaurant Group, and Matt Pittman of Meat Church BBQ join forces to serve an unforgettable multi-course menu, expertly pairing each elaborate dish with fine wines and delighting the senses with bold flavors. The Walter Kaufman Lifetime Achievement Award will also be presented during the evening, honoring the visionary co-founders of TX Whiskey, Troy Robertson and Leonard Firestone, whose trailblazing spirits have pioneered change in the whiskey industry.
- ANNUAL EVENT: Reserve Wine Tasting: Experience the Art of Fine Wine – Thursday, March 6; 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Ticket Price: $129
In an unparalleled tasting experience, attendees are taken on a journey of over 25 reds, whites, and sparkling wines from across the globe, selected by esteemed local wine connoisseurs and complimented by the refined appetizers of Cafe Modern and Wolfgang Puck Catering.
2025 Annual Spring Festival
- Tacos + Tequila – Thursday, April 3; 5:30 PM – 9:00 PM
Early Entry – $129
General Admission – $75
In this fan-favorite event, eighteen of Funkytown’s finest chefs and twelve of its most loved tequila vendors serve up their unique spins on the mouth-wateringly classic combination of tacos and tequila. *Ticket covers all of the food and beverages you can (responsibly) consume at the event, so come ready to eat!
- The Main Event – Friday, April 4, 5:30 PM – 9:00 PM
Early Entry – $229
General Admission – $145
Twenty-seven of North Texas’ best chefs, restaurateurs, artisan producers, and crafters bring their A-game with delicious bites that are perfectly paired with over 100 exceptional wines, craft beers, and spirits to take attendees on the ultimate culinary endeavor. *Ticket covers all of the food and beverages you can (responsibly) consume at the event, so come ready to eat!
- Rise + Dine – Saturday, April 5; 11:00 AM – 2:30 PM
Early Entry – $99
General Admission – $65
With a menu that varies from seafood options to classic brunch dishes, the fresh and local ingredients that comprise this brunch-themed celebration give attendees a sample of tastes from 25 chefs and 35 beverage vendors amidst the backdrop of a beer garden and live music. *Ticket covers all of the food and beverages you can (responsibly) consume at the event, so come ready to eat!
- Burgers, Brews + Blues – Saturday, April 5; 5:30 PM – 9:00 PM
Early Entry – $149
General Admission – $95
In this rockin’ party set along the Trinity River, celebrity judges and guests alike select their favorites from a lineup of 13 chef’s All-American mini-burgers and local craft breweries’ signature pours as bangin’ live tunes roll on. *Ticket covers all of the food and beverages you can (responsibly) consume at the event, so come ready to eat!
- Ring of Fire – Sunday, April 6; 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Early Entry – $149
General Admission – $95
Twenty-two pitmasters and chefs team up with 15 beverage vendors to gather around the campfire and take cookout to the next level. From classic BBQ to daringly-exotic meat dishes, guests can enjoy the pairing of smoky flavors and rich caramelizations with wine, beer, and spirits to the tunes of a live band under the open air. *Ticket covers all of the food and beverages you can (responsibly) consume at the event, so come ready to eat!
FORT WORTH FOOD + WINE FESTIVAL AT-A-GLANCE
DETAILS:
- April 3 – April 6, 2025
- Heart of the Ranch at Clearfork 500 Clearfork Main St
- Fort Worth, TX 76109
- Website: fwfwf.org
- Facebook: facebook.com/FortWorthFoodandWineFestival/
- Instagram: @fortworthfwf
ABOUT Fort Worth Food + Wine Foundation:
Fort Worth Food + Wine Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit charitable foundation that is funded by proceeds from the annual Fort Worth Food + Wine Festival and its generous donors. The Foundation celebrates local culinary talent today while also helping protect it for tomorrow, funding culinary scholarships, grants, and more, creating bright futures for local students, their families, and the community. For more information, visit FWFWF online.
