The weather looks great for the 37th edition of the largest wine festival in the Southwest, taking place in Grapevine. But tequila will steal some of the spotlight this week as a heartthrob actor pays a visit to a famed patio to promote a brand of his own. Also make plans to try a new Fort Worth whiskey releasing this Saturday.

Monday, September 11

Flecha Azul Tequila Happy Hour with Mark Wahlberg at Joe T. Garcia’s
The line at Joe T.’s will be a little longer than normal on Monday. That’s because actor Mark Wahlberg will visit the iconic Tex-Mex restaurant to introduce Flecha Azul Tequila, a brand he helped found, along with golfer Abraham Ancer. Both will be on-site from 7-7:45 pm for a short and sweet happy hour, where tequila samples and even “Marky Margs” will be served. Arrive early.

Tuesday, September 12

Discover Italy Wine Dinner at Carrabba’s
All three area locations of the Italian chain (Hurst, Plano, and Dallas) will host a four-course dinner that will journey through the wine regions of Italy. Menu highlights include beet and goat cheese salad, penne with black pepper cream sauce and sausage, chicken ardente, and chocolate mousse. Wines will be paired with each course and dinner is $55, plus tax and gratuity. Arrive by 6:30 pm.

Thursday, September 14

Grapefest
Four-day GrapeFest features the best of Texas-grown wines, and this year, guest wineries from Australia, Barossa Valley, and Napa Valley. New is the Rose Rendezvous sponsored by Messina Hof Winery, Landon Winery, and Llano Estacado Winery. Headlining acts include country singer David Lee Murphy (Friday) and Carnie and Wendy Wilson of Wilson Phillips (Saturday). GrapeFest opens at 11 am daily. Admission is free all day Thursday and on Friday until 5 pm. After that, adults are $10 ($5 for 62-plus and children 6-12). Note that admission does not include tasting experiences, including the popular People’s Choice Wine Tasting Classic, which is $28 (in advance) and booked in 90-minute increments throughout the weekend.

Tequila Dinner Experience at Toro Toro
The energetic downtown dining destination will host a four-course Latin-inspired dinner paired with Maestro Dobel tequila. Guests will partake in shrimp aguachile, smoked bison carpaccio, Rosewood Wagyu beef picanha, and yellow corn cake with cajeta ice cream. Tickets are $79, plus tax and gratuity, and dinner begins at 6:30 pm. Bonus: valet parking is always included with any visit to Toro Toro.

Saturday, September 16

TX Whiskey’s Newest Release at Whiskey Ranch
The latest in the TX Experimental Series line is a straight bourbon whiskey finished in Cabernet barrels. More specifically, finished for four years in Kenwood Vineyards Yoakim Cabernet barrels. Be among the first to grab a bottle ($39.99), sold exclusively at Whiskey Ranch. Admission is $10 and includes your first cocktail at the TX Tavern bar, plus access to the TX Ranch Store to sample and buy the new release. There’ll also be food trucks, live music, and complimentary bottle engraving. The event will run from 1-5 pm.