New World Wine and Food Festival Continues Through Sunday

November 5, 2008 · For nine years the non-profit New World Wine and Food Festival has been working to educate the public about the tastes of San Antonio. 

"This festival really focuses on the confluence of cultures in San Antonio and the wine and food pairings from all over the world and how they influence culture in San Antonio," says Suzanne Taranto, President and CEO of the organization.

She says the festival goes beyond Tex-Mex and Big as your Face burgers they uplift various cultures of San Antonio ranging from its Canary Islander roots to its Czech influence.

"We really dive into a lot of different things that make San Antonio special, so we try to represent all of the different cultures."

She says the cultural diversity is key to promoting the city as a mecca for foodies.

"The festival itself is designed to promote San Antonio as a premiere destination for food and wine and we also represent as a cultural and culinary gateway to Mexico and Latin America."

The growing focus on Latin American foods is encouraged by San Antonio's Culinary Institute of America, which has a Latin flavor-focus.  The Institute is also a recipient of funds from the event through student scholarships.

Other groups who benefit from the festival include the San Antonio Food Bank and Child Advocates of San Antonio.

The multi-day, multi-venue festival wraps up on Sunday.