The Saveur Texas Hill Country Wine and Food Festival is out to prove everything really is bigger and better in Texas.
Now in its 18th year, it's the second largest wine and food festival in the country. One difference in this year's lineup is that nothing is from France.
"We wanted to embrace what Texas is all about. We don't need to have France prove Texas is good with food and wine. By embracing the ranch, we're embracing all the energy of Texas. We have exotic game here that makes it a lot of fun," festival organizer Fernando Saralegui said.
This year's theme is "Back to Ranch," so it's only fitting it be held at the Texas Disposal Systems Exotic Game Ranch.
Texas Culinary Academy chef and instructor Ken Rubin was serving wild boar and venison, among other exotic foods.
You don't even have to be a Texan to appreciate it.
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Food Festival
Enjoy Texas' culinary delights through Sunday.
 
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Bobby Flay, a world-renowned chef, took time off from the Food Network to showcase his southwestern style of grilling. Flay, a native New Yorker, adds Texas flavor to the menu in his Manhattan restaurant, the Mesa Grill.
"I love the spirit of Texas. I love the food; I love the wine of Texas. And I think a lot of people in this country really don't understand how great the wine in Texas is," he said.
Texas wine has become quite popular. It's now the fifth largest wine-producing state in the country. Messina Hof Winery and Resort Paul Bonarrigo said that Texas started out with three wineries; now there are 73.
More than 40 events are scheduled and the largest one is Sunday, when about 5,000 people are expected for an outdoor party at the Salt Lick Barbecue in Driftwood, the heart of Hill Country. Tickets are $40.
