Clifton McDerby, executive director of Food & Vine Time Productions, and the Houston West  Chamber of Commerce  are launching the Second Annual “Zest in the West” food, wine, spirits and craft beer “Zestival.” The three-day affair includes intriguing and entertaining “Best in Zest” mixologist events at West Houston area restaurants, each hosting a spirit ambassador, with tastings, education and interaction.  The zestivities  will take place Thursday through Saturday, Oct. 22-24.

Friday evening brings “Foam on the Range” where beer lovers will be in suds heaven with craft beers from around the world along with live music at the newly opened City Centre. The

Jeannie Bollinger, president of the Houston West Chamber, says, “This is a wonderful opportunity to meet the culinary and business leaders in our community, help raise funds for scholarships and have a zesty time in the process. ”

For tickets and more information, visit www.zestinthewest.com or call 713-557-5732.

White: 

Firestone Riesling Central Coast 2007 – Divided by three people, the bottle became empty too fast.  $9.99

Saintsbury Chardonnay Carneros Unfiltered 2007 – Yum. Unbelievable price!  $11.99

J Vineyards Pinot Gris Russian River Valley 2007 – Crisp with “white peach, orange blossom and honeysuckle.”  $16

Dry Creek Sauvignon Blanc 2008 – Fruit from a narrow selection of benchland and valley floor vineyards. Distinctive and refreshing.  $16

Blackstone Chardonnay Sonoma Reserve 2007 – Great wine from new winemaker Gary Sitton.  $16

Kunde Sauvignon Blanc Magnolia Lane Sonoma Valley 2008 – One of the most refreshing, pure renditions of Sauvignon Blanc on the market.  $17

Fess Parker Chardonnay Santa Barbara County 2008 – Gorgeous. Incredible value.  $18

Gamble Sauvignon Blanc Napa Valley Gamble Vineyard 2008 – From a family that has been farming in Napa Valley since 1916. Very good by itself, but with its excellent acidity, magic occurs when paired with goat cheese on a cracker.  $28  

J Vineyards Chardonnay Russian River Valley 2007 – Peaches and pears with a hint of crème brulee.  $28

Lynmar Estate Chardonnay 2006 – A “must visit” winery when in Sonoma County. Apples, pears and a dollop of lemon custard.  $30

Clos La Chance Chardonnay Santa Cruz Mountains Biagini Vineyard 2007 – Unfiltered, rich, creamy. Butterscotch and caramel/ apple flavors. Try with lobster and lots of butter.  $35

Ojai Vineyard Chardonnay Sta. Rita Hills Clos Pepe Vineyard 2006 – Substantial. Alluring.  $40

Marimar Estate Chardonnay Dobles Lias Don Miguel Vineyard 2005 – Wow! A beautiful, unfiltered Chardonnay with rich flavors of custard, pine nuts and just the right kiss of oak.  $45

Nickel & Nickel Chardonnay Napa Valley Truchard Vineyard 2007 – Ripe peach, apple and tropical flavors. No malolactic fermentation, which in this case results in super-bright, luscious  fruit!  $45

Frank Family Chardonnay Reserve Carneros 2007 – Always one of my favorites. Made by world-class winemaker Todd Graff. Red Snapper with crabmeat.  $55

Far Niente Estate Chardonnay Napa Valley 2007 – Enticing tropical fruit flavors. Rich, creamy—lovely finish. Try with roasted chicken with mango salsa or lemon sole.  $55

Red:

Pillar Box Red Padthaway (Australia) 2007 – 65 percent Shiraz, 25 percent Cabernet Sauvignon, 10 percent Merlot. One of the best “under $10” wines on the market. Dark color and rich, spicy flavors. All-purpose red.  $9.99

Clos La Chance Violet-Crowned (hummingbird) Merlot Central Coast 2006 – Elegant taste of plums and cranberries. A steal.  $18

Sebastiani Pinot Noir Carneros 2007 – Perfect with anything from turkey sandwiches to grilled salmon.  $25

Frank Family Zinfandel  Napa Valley 2006 – Spicy. Meat pizzas! Barbecued beef.  $36

Ehlers Lane Estate Merlot 2006 and Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 – The vineyards are certified organic and the farming is biodynamic. Profits go to fund international cardiovascular research through this winery ’s relationship with the esteemed Leducq Foundation.  Roasted duck with the Merlot and beef tenderloin with the Cabernet.  $45 each

Paraduxx Napa Valley Red Wine 2006 – 64 percent Zinfandel, 27 percent Cabernet Sauvignon, 7 percent Merlot and 2 percent Cabernet Franc. One of the very best red wines made primarily with Zinfandel. Each succeeding vintage seems even better than the last. A member of the Duckhorn stable of fine wines. Spicy sausage, beef stew, bacon cheeseburger or venison with black currants!  $48

Dessert:

Graham’s 20 Year Tawny Port – As good as the 10 Year Tawnies are, the 20s are much better. This one’s a perennial winner with puddings, almond cake or cookies, chess pie, poached pear with caramel sauce, etc. Mellow and nutty with butterscotch and caramel flavors. Gets better with each sip.  $40

Chalk Hill Botritized Semillon Russian River Valley Estate Vineyard Selection 2006 – Apricot, nutmeg and caramel flavors. In the same class with Dolce and about the same price. As good as it gets. Try with almond torte, crème brulee, lemon custard, etc. Ethereal!  $80 (375 ml)