FWFWF
What’s better than a weekend full of good food, drinks, and company? How about a festival that includes all three? The Fort Worth Food + Wine Festival (FWFWF) returns to the Heart of the Ranch at Clearfork for four delicious days and nights, starting Thursday, April 3, to Sunday, April 6. This year’s festival, marking its 10th anniversary, promises to be an experience like no other, set against the backdrop of Fort Worth’s vibrant culinary landscape, and amplifying the region’s culinary scene with a star-studded lineup of chefs and live musical performances.
The Fort Worth Food + Wine Festival, a heart-thumping celebration of North Texas’ culinary genius and artistic spirit, has dropped the curtain on what promises to be a thrilling 2025 lineup. The festival amplifies its star power, blending some of the area’s finest food and drink with a lineup of live performances that promise to shake things up, thanks to Visit Fort Worth’s (VFW) partnership as the official music sponsor.
This year, the kitchen heats up with chefs who are changing the game. Enter Dos Mares, the seafood sensation crafted by the visionary Rodrigo Cárdenas of Don Artemio fame. Then, Bocca Osteria Romana comes in with an Italian twist, where Alessandro Salvatore will bring fresh-made pasta and authentic Roman flavors straight from the heart of Italy.
For those craving a taste of Tex-Mex, Chef Eloy Reyes’ Mercado Juarez will serve up mesquite-fired perfection. At the same time, Omar Bernal and Landon Labarthe’s The Sicilian Butcher promises mouthwatering, house-cured meats and fresh pasta. At Burgers, Brews + Blues, From Scratch Hospitality’s Walloon’s Restaurant will take the classic burger to new heights, and at Rise + Dine, Deborah Williamson’s wholesome brunch spread at James Provisions will make mornings feel like a celebration.
But here’s where the magic truly starts: the soundtrack. Music lovers are in for an unforgettable experience. Picture this: Burgers, Brews + Blues kicks off with Michael Lee and the Wartime Limousine, a duo that channels the spirit of blues, building to the soulful crescendo of Danny Joseph. Then, on Sunday, Ring of Fire heats up with Max Stalling’s vintage country storytelling, followed by The Great Divide, one of Red Dirt’s most electrifying acts. A little flavor in the air, a little fire in the veins — it’s the perfect match for a weekend of indulgence.
And when it comes to drinks, the 2025 festival is tapping into something truly extraordinary. Dripping Springs Distillery, with its small-batch vodka, brings the taste of the Texas Hill Country to every sip, offering a crisp, mineral-rich spirit that’s won accolades on a global stage.
But wait — there’s more. At The Main Event, a unique pairing of culinary minds will take center stage. Celestina Blok, joining forces with Lindsey Lawing of Sweet Lucy’s Pies, will preview her much-anticipated cookbook, “Cowtown Comfort.” With 60 recipes celebrating Fort Worth’s culinary culture — think Don Artemio’s Sopa Tarasca and Reata’s carne asada with cheese enchiladas — this is the kind of book that’ll make you fall in love with the city all over again.
Visit Fort Worth (VFW) steps in this year as the official music sponsor, further elevating FWFWF’s position as an iconic event, with its presence adding a touch of vibrancy and sound to Heart of the Ranch at Clearfork. It’s a partnership that reflects the festival’s growing stature as a gathering for those who appreciate the best of food, drink, and culture.
FWFWF
Also, as a nonprofit organization, FWFWF works year-round to ensure this Festival continues to thrive — every ticket directly supports its return each year to highlight the best and brightest culinary talent, funds scholarships and programs for the next generation of culinary and hospitality students, supports the Southern Smoke grant, and fuels many other initiatives aimed at strengthening the local food and beverage community.
Beyond the four-day extravaganza, FWFWF continues to make waves in the culinary community. This month, the Foundation hosted its largest-ever CRAFT Conference, welcoming over 300 high school students from around the region. The event brought together industry mentors, hands-on workshops, and a spirit of mentorship, ensuring the future of Fort Worth’s food scene is in talented hands.
As the city prepares to host this dynamic festival, one thing’s for sure: The 2025 Fort Worth Food + Wine Festival isn’t just a feast for the senses — it’s a full-blown cultural experience, one that will resonate long after the last bite and the last note.
FEATURED CHEFS:
FWFWF
Tacos + Tequila – Thursday, April 3 | 5:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. | Heart of the Ranch at Clearfork
- Jon Bonnell – Bonnell’s Fine Texas Cuisine
- Jett Mora – Café Modern | Wolfgang Puck Catering
- Chris Garcia – Del Norte Tacos
- Rodrigo Cárdenas – Dos Mares
- Brandon Moors – FunkyTown Donuts & Drafts
- Hao Tran – Hao’s Grocery & Café
- Leena Shanaa – La Cabrona Cocina Mexicana
- Angel Fuentes & Amanda Yunger – Los Guapos Mexican Street Food
- Jenny Castor – Luckybee Kitchen
- Alberto Rodríguez – Magdalena’s
- Eloy Reyes – Mercado Juarez
- Chelo Martinez – Mesero
- Gabriel Deleon – Mi Dia From Scratch
- Francisco Islas – Paco’s Mexican Cuisine
- Chris Magallanes & Ernest Morales – Panther City BBQ
- Michael Vespa – Sweetie’s Cheesecakes
- Tagan Gann – Taco Darlin
- Julio Cartagena – Toro Toro
The Main Event – Friday, April 4 | 5:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. | Heart of the Ranch at Clearfork
- Alessandro Salvatore – Bocca Osteria Romana
- Jon Bonnell – Bonnell’s Fine Texas Cuisine
- Antonio Vatta – Bricks and Horses at Bowie House
- Marcus Paslay – Clay Pigeon
- Molly McCook – Ellerbe Fine Foods
- Preston Paine – Emilia’s
- Ben Merritt – Fitzgerald
- Greg Pawlowski – iL Modo
- Juan Rodríguez – Magdalena’s
- Braden Wages – Malai Kitchen
- Kari Seher – Melt Ice Creams
- Michael S. Thomson – MichaelsCuisine Restaurant & Bar
- Tom Perini – Perini Ranch Steakhouse
- Jake Morgan – Plank Provisions
- Damien Reyna – Quince
- Hector Marquez – Quince Restaurant
- Te’von Johnson – Roots Southern Table
- Felix Veloz – Savor Culinary Services
- Lindsey Lawing – Sweet Lucy’s Pies
- Patrick Ru – Teddy Wongs
- Omar Bernal & Landon Labarthe – The Sicilian Butcher
- Christian Lehrmann – Tinie’s Mexican Cuisine
- Gabriel Deleon – Winewood Grill
