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Supporting the Inaugural Sabor y Tú Farm-to-Chef Dinner
Yesterday evening, I had the honor of being one of the Bending Branch representatives at the inaugural Sabor y Tú: A Farm-to-Chef Dinner benefiting the San Antonio Food Bank. Our winery was proud to sponsor this extraordinary event that perfectly aligned with our values of sustainability and community support.
A Natural Partnership
When Philanthropy Manager Nikki Whitehead and Director of Food Sustainability Mitch Hagney reached out to us about this event, their passion for the Food Bank's mission was immediately compelling. Their inspiring descriptions of the wide-ranging and impactful Food Bank initiatives made it easy to want to get involved and advocate for the organization’s purpose.
Local Wines Supporting Local Food
Guests were welcomed with a Fig Old Fashioned cocktail featuring our ChickenDuck Wheated Bourbon, a bourbon that is sustainably crafted and 100% Texas-aged. The thoughtfully selected wine pairings complemented each course, highlighting both the chef's creations and our locally-grown Texas wines.
Picpoul Blanc and Tannat, hand-harvested from Lost Pirogue/Camledge Vineyard located approximately 60 miles from the San Antonio Food Bank, creating a genuine local connection from vine to table- Tannat Rosé featuring grapes harvested at Tallent Vineyards in Mason County, showcasing another distinctive and local vineyard
- All wines were produced at our Bending Branch Winery facility in Comfort, Texas
Leadership Support
Our team was well-represented, with President and Master Blender Alison Young—the driving force behind the Bending Branch sustainability initiatives—in attendance. CEO and Executive Winemaker Dr. Bob Young spoke about our support for the Food Bank's mission and guided guests through the wine pairings for each course.
Culinary Excellence
The five-course dinner was masterfully prepared by renowned chefs Steve McHugh (James Beard nominee, Cured) and Elizabeth Johnson (UNESCO City of Gastronomy Chef Ambassador, PharmTable). Each dish featured ingredients from the Food Bank's urban farm, locally sourced venison, and grass-fed beef—perfectly paired with our wines.
Impact That Matters
The San Antonio Food Bank’s service area spans 29 counties, including Kerr, Kendall, and Mason counties – counties where Bending Branch has tasting rooms and where the wines from the featured local vineyards are located. Proceeds from the dinner directly support the Food Bank's sustainability and agriculture initiatives. The vital connection between sustainable agriculture and food security resonates deeply with Bending Branch.
Looking Forward
The success of this inaugural dinner has already sparked conversations about future collaborations. We invite those who couldn't attend to visit our tasting room in Comfort to experience our commitment to Texas wines and sustainable practices firsthand.
For information about upcoming San Antonio Food Bank events, please visit their website.
Feb 26, 2025 at 8:52 AM
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Breaking Boundaries: Bending Branch Winery Named a 2024 Hot Brand by WineBusiness Monthly
Sometimes, true innovation comes from those willing to challenge the status quo. Bending Branch Winery has proven that passion, determination, and a little scientific curiosity can transform an entire approach to winemaking.
Selected as one of just ten wineries nationwide for WineBusiness Monthly's 2024 Hot Brands, Bending Branch was featured in the February edition of WineBusiness Monthly and participated in the Bottle Bash in Sacramento at the end of January.
At the heart of this achievement is Dr. Robert W. Young, M.D., MPH, or “Dr. Bob” as we all know him. He is a winemaker who refuses to accept limitations. Like a true pioneer, he believes in innovating and taking risks. Sometimes the ideas seem crazy, but there is always a scientific background and vision guiding his approaches.
In an industry full of challenges right now, Bending Branch stood out to the WineBusiness Monthly editorial team, who sought out wineries that embody resilience - brands led by innovators who are "stubborn enough to not let the bad news get to them."
When asked about what this acknowledgment means to him, Dr. Bob said, “Being recognized as a Top 10 Hot Brand out of thousands of wineries in the country is a once in a career tribute for Bending Branch Winery and validates our unique innovative winemaking processes. This has only been possible because of all the years of dedication by our team that has carried out numerous wine research trials to ever improve the quality of Texas wines in the face of increasingly challenging climatic growing conditions.”
It’s true - the skilled winemakers, lab technicians, and entire team have contributed to Bending Branch’s overall success. Constant experimentation and a drive for quality is part of the culture.
Where others see obstacles, Dr. Bob sees opportunities for discovery. This isn't just about making great wine. It's about proving that with creativity and an unwavering commitment to excellence, you can impact an entire industry.
Taste the Innovation
Want to experience the wine that caught WineBusiness Monthly's attention? This month's wine club allocation features our 2020 Tempranillo from Newsom Vineyards - a true expression of Texas terroir that was amplified with innovative winemaking. Grown by Neal and Janice Newsom in the Texas High Plains, this wine embodies the same spirit of innovation that earned us our Hot Brands recognition.
Join the Bending Branch Wine Club Today!
Be part of our journey. Receive this award-winning Tempranillo and explore the quality that is the throughline of Bending Branch. Join Now
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