El Paso's biggest wine bash is coming back downtown, and it's bringing more than 400 wines from around the world with it. The 13th annual El Paso Wine & Food Festival returns November 6 and 7 at the El Paso Convention Center, built around this year's theme, a toast to world peace, and organized once again by the Rotary Club of El Paso.
Two Nights, Two Very Different Vibes
The festival splits into two distinct events, according to KLAQ El Paso. The Chef Showdown kicks things off on November 6 from 5 to 7:30 p.m., pitting 12 culinary teams from the Culinary Institute by Southwest University against each other as they create original dishes paired with craft beers and fine wines. The following day, the Grand Tasting runs from 1 to 4 p.m. and serves as the festival's marquee event, offering more than 400 wines alongside bites from local restaurants.
The Grand Tasting features bites from local restaurants alongside wine selections from more than 100 participating wineries, according to the Rotary Club of El Paso. That breadth of wine selections alongside borderland cooking has become something of a signature for the event, giving attendees a chance to sample vintages without leaving downtown El Paso.
The Downtown Venue
The festival's event details include VIP areas and a Reserve Tasting.
This year's festival will be held at the El Paso Convention Center in downtown El Paso.
Where the Money Goes
Festival proceeds support local charitable initiatives, and the Rotary Club of El Paso organizes the event.
The festival's timing also lines up with a broader boom in Texas viticulture. A 2025 WineAmerica economic impact study found that the Texas wine industry generates $24.39 billion in total economic activity statewide.
Other Regional Events
El Paso's wine festival is one of several food and beverage events in the region. A downtown coffee crawl offers a $20 ticket covering 10 cafés. The Harvest Wine and Music Festival in Las Cruces is another regional event.
Tickets and further event information for the El Paso Wine & Food Festival are available on the festival's official website.
