� Both Central Market stores (4001 N. Lamar, 206-1000; 4477 S. Lamar, 899-4300) celebrate the flavor of Hatch chile season in many store departments over the next two weeks, in addition to offering the distinctive peppers by the pound, either fresh or roasted. Also, the annual No-Holds-Barred Hatch Chile Recipe Contest is being held exclusively online this year, so submit Hatch chile recipes at www.centralmarket.com by Aug. 29. Recipes will be judged on creativity, taste, and presentation, and winners at each store will receive cool prizes. Now through Aug. 31.

� Fall Creek Vineyards (1820 CR 222, Tow, 325/379-5361, www.fcv.com) north of Lake Buchanan holds its annual Grape Stomp & Harvest Festival on two consecutive weekends. Festivities include hayrides and winery tours, live music on the patio, guided tastings with Miss Jane Nickles, and catered wine luncheons (11:30am and 1:30pm each day, $22 per person, reservations necessary). Saturdays, Aug. 21 and 28, 11am-5pm.

� Texas Hills Vineyards (878 RR 2766, Johnson City, 830/868-2321, www.texashillsvineyard.com) holds its 10th annual Grape Stomp event with tastings of three new wines paired with Texas artisan meats and cheeses. Stomp grapes for free. Aug. 21-22 and 28-29; Saturday, 10:30am-5pm, and Sunday, 12:30-4pm.

� Fans of Basque wines, foods, and culture can exp-erience all three at Vino Vino (4119 Guad­a­lupe, 465-9282, www.vinovinotx.com) during the Txak Bloc presentation of Basque white wines. Drink wines and ciders from a traditional porron, sample Basque pinxtos (appetizers), and visit with Spanish wine expert André Tam­es. $20 at the door. Saturday, Aug. 21, 1-3pm.

� Kocurek Family Artisanal Charcuterie offers a five-course dinner showcasing various cuts of pork at the Swoop House (3012 Gonzal­es). $75 per person, BYOB. Make necessary reservations at www.supperfriends.com or kocurekfamilycharcuterie@yahoo.com. Thursday, Aug. 26, 7pm.

This article appears in August 20 • 2010.

A note to readers: Bold and uncensored, The Austin Chronicle has been Austin’s independent news source for over 40 years, expressing the community’s political and environmental concerns and supporting its active cultural scene. Now more than ever, we need your support to continue supplying Austin with independent, free press. If real news is important to you, please consider making a donation of $5, $10 or whatever you can afford, to help keep our journalism on stands.

SUPPORT US