Raise a glass to the return of coastal elegance. The Galveston Island Wine Festival invites you to indulge in a weekend of world-class wines, gourmet flavors, and breezy Gulf Coast charm. From crisp whites to bold reds, this Labor Day tradition brings together wine lovers, culinary creatives, and coastal culture for three unforgettable days. Enjoy curated tastings, expertly paired bites, and signature events led by celebrity chef David Cordua and some of the region’s most exciting chefs and sommeliers.
Whether you're a seasoned connoisseur or simply love a good pour with a view, this is your moment to sip, savor, and celebrate—Galveston style.
Pro tip: Book your hotel and tickets early to get the best packages and experiences.
11AM-5PM: Official Wine Store Hours
Take your favorite bottle of wine home! Featuring participating festival wines. Located in the Moody Gardens Hotel Lobby.
4-6PM: Welcome Reception
Start your weekend off right with complimentary beverages from sampling activations by our event sponsors. (Moody Gardens Hotel Guest Exclusive)
6-8PM: Seven on Seven Seafood Extravaganza
Sample varietals from participating wineries.
This event is a unique stand and taste experience in which seven top-tier chefs, including Chef David Cordúa, Chef Bryan Caswell, Chef Dominick Lee, Restaurateur Paul Miller and Chef James Lundy, and more will duel to create sensational dishes, each paired with a choice from seven of the world’s finest wine regions.
8:30AM: Restorative Yoga
A Moody Gardens Hotel Guest Exclusive.
10AM-12PM: Beck Brunch & Bubbles
Featuring a complimentary Graham Beck mimosa! Brunch reservations recommended. (Moody Gardens Hotel Guest Exclusive)
11AM-5PM: Official Wine Store Hours
Take your favorite bottle of wine home! Featuring participating festival wines. Located in the Moody Gardens Hotel Lobby.
3-4:30PM: Vineyards Around the World Luxury Wine Tasting (SOLD OUT)
Sample varietals from participating wineries.
Exclusive! Available only to the first 200 Moody Gardens Hotel guests who purchase the Saturday experience.
3-4:30PM: Billiards & Beer (SOLD OUT)
Exclusive! Available only to the first 200 Moody Gardens Hotel guests who purchase the Saturday experience.
6-9PM: Penguins & Pinot: Grand Tasting at the Aquarium
Sample varietals from participating wineries.
A delightful evening awaits at this stand-and-taste event as you tour the Oceans of the World with wine and spirit tastings, food bites from Gulf Coast restaurants, and marine animal encounters. This experience will take you to new depths!
9-10PM: Wine’d Down After Hours at Palm Beach
Enjoy fantastic live entertainment with the opportunity to relax, chill out or kick up your heels and dance! The evening wraps up with a spectacular fireworks show over Offatts Bayou.
8:30AM: Morning Yoga
A Moody Gardens Hotel Guest Exclusive.
10AM-12PM: Brunch & Bubbles
Featuring a complimentary mimosa! Brunch reservations recommended. (Moody Gardens Hotel Guest Exclusive)
11AM-3PM: Official Wine Store Hours
Take your favorite bottle of wine home! Featuring participating festival wines. Located in the Moody Gardens Hotel Lobby.
3PM: Regular Guy Wine Seminar
Hosted by Level 2 Sommelier Paul Miller from Gr8 Plate Hospitality. Featuring Graham Beck and Lange Twins Winery. (Moody Gardens Hotel Guest Exclusive)
5-7PM: Bourbon Dinner
Sample exclusive Bourbons!
Enjoy an exceptional Bourbon tasting inside Shearn’s.
This Friday evening event is a unique experience in which seven top-tier chefs, including celebrity chef David Cordúa from the Lymbar, will duel to create sensational dishes, each paired with a choice from seven of the world’s finest wine regions. Chefs will compete head-to-head with spectacular pairings and a special presentation.
A very special evening awaits you on Saturday as you tour the Oceans of the World with wine, chef presentations and marine animal encounters all along the way. Stop at the South Atlantic as the penguins create special paintings with the opportunity for you to purchase their art with proceeds donated to ocean conservation. Next, you’ll find yourself in the North Pacific as the seals and sea lions splash, swim and hang out. You’ll see beautiful jellyfish, tropical fish and close encounters with gnarly sharks as you meander through the Caribbean for a wine experience that will take you to new depths.
Enjoy fantastic live entertainment with the opportunity to relax, chill out or kick up your heels and dance! The evening wraps up with a spectacular fireworks show over Offatts Bayou.
