Torre di Pietra winery near Fredericksburg will be the setting for an evening of opera, Italian buffet, and wine. Three tenors from the San Antonio Opera will be on hand to perform a tribute to Luciano Pavarotti this Saturday. On the left is Donald Braswell, who gained fame during his stint on the TV show America's Got Talent in 2008. Photo by Phil Houseal
Details:
Torre di Pietra will offer two seatings for Opera in the Vineyard, at 5:30 and 8:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 10. Reservations are $50 per person, and include an Italian Buffet by Macaroni Grill, glass of wine, and performance by three tenors from the San Antonio Opera. Seating is limited, but reservations will be taken as long as seats are available. Call 830-644-2829. Regular hours are Sunday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m. More information at www.texashillcountrywine.com.
Information on the San Antonio Opera can be found at www.saopera.com.
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Opera in the Vineyard
by Phil Houseal
Nov 7, 2007
How do you prefer your opera?
How about in the middle of a vineyard served with Penne Rustica, Mushroom Ravioli, and a glass of Chiaro de Luna?
That is exactly what the adventurous diner will bite into at the Opera in the Vineyard, an exclusive event this Saturday at Torre di Pietra, the relatively new wine destination east of Fredericksburg.
"We wanted to bring opera to an area where it is not typically heard," said Ken Maxwell, whose family owns the winery. "We wanted to create an opportunity for our neighbors to enjoy opera. It also gives our San Antonio friends the chance to share opera with communities in the hill country."
The Maxwells began planting vines in Doss in 2001. They have been cultivating the vineyard at their current location since 2003, and have added a tasting room, piazza, winery, and pavilion, which will be the site of this event.
I spoke with Al DiLiberto, Director of Development with the San Antonio Opera (you may remember him as the owner - and voice - of Boccone's Italian Restaurant). He has seen interest in opera grow locally since the company was revived 11 years ago.
"This is something brand new in San Antonio and Texas," he said of melding arias with entrees. "We came up with the idea together and decided to do it. It is going to be a relaxing afternoon with some wonderful music and a fine Italian dinner."
The evening is billed as a tribute to Luciano Pavarotti, famed Italian tenor who died this year. Tenors William Chapman, Donald Braswell (who became a finalist on the TV show America's Got Talent in 2008), and Tim Birt will perform selections made popular by the Three Tenors (Pavarotti, Domingo, and Carreras).
Maxwell noted this is the first time opera has been performed at a hill country winery. In addition to helping local fans enjoy opera, he is offering the event in support of the San Antonio Opera.
Maxwell believes that all music goes well with wine. The winery regularly hosts musicians who play every style, with Maxwell believing it brings out the best in people.
"Most wine lovers are also music lovers," he said. "We wanted a place for people to sit back, enjoy wine and live music, and shop. Music helps us become that type of destination."
The concept seems to be working. Maxwell cited a study that shows the Hill Country has become a wine destination second only to Napa Valley.
"We are trying to be patrons of the arts and music," he said. "It's a lot of fun - and a lot of work. But I am excited to support the arts, and we plan to do it again in the spring."
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