Annual Black-Eyed Pea Cook-Off
Good Luck, Good Wine, Good Times — New Year’s Day in Hye
Start the Year with the Flavor of Tradition
Kick off the New Year in style at William Chris Vineyards’ Annual Black-Eye Pea Cook-Off on New Year’s Day, 2026! From 1 to 4 PM, join us for an afternoon filled with delicious food, live music, fun lawn games and, of course, Texas Wine. Your ticket not only secures you a spot at the heart of Texas-sized culinary competition but also treats you to a welcome glass of our finest wine and a good-luck plate from our culinary team, packed with savory flavors, including Black-Eyed Pea Cassoulet with smoked sausage and herb gremolata. Plus, you’ll get an exclusive t-shirt to remember the day by and the chance to taste and vote for your favorite Black-eye pea dish. Kids are welcome to join in the fun, too—their tickets include a delicious hot-dog plate and full access to the festivities.
Are You Ready to Compete?
Calling all chefs and Black-eye pea aficionados! This is your chance to shine by entering our legendary cook-off. With space for up to 12 two-person teams, gather your best recipe, gear up your cooking equipment, and get ready to serve up 350 – 1 oz. servings of your signature Black-eye pea dish. William Chris Vineyards will provide serving containers and utensils, so you can focus solely on the cooking. Entry costs just $75, and the stakes are high with prizes for the top three teams. Imagine walking away with not just bragging rights, but also $500 and a case of William Chris wine for first place, $250 and 6 bottles for second, and 4 bottles of wine for third. It’s not just about winning; it’s about bringing your best to the table!
View Full Cook-Off Rules Here
A Toast to 2026!
A sunny New Year’s Day in the Texas Hill Country, surrounded by friends old and new, with the sound of live music setting the soundtrack to your first day of 2026. Compete or relax, the choice is yours. As the day turns to dusk, we’ll gather to crown the cook-off winner and celebrate their culinary prowess. And what better way to conclude our festivities than with a toast from our Winemakers, cheering to a new beginning and the warmth of community?
Don’t miss out on a day to remember filled with joy, outstanding wine, and the spirit of tradition. Gather your loved ones, mark your calendars for January 1, 2026, and prepare for an unforgettable New Year’s celebration at William Chris Vineyards!
FAQ
Prohibited Items
No outside food or beverage
No coolers
Professional cameras and all other recording equipment aside from smartphones
Audio recording devices
Weapons including guns, firearms, knives of any size, tasers
Pet Policy
No animals will be allowed on the property for this event unless a service animal, as defined by the American Disabilities Act. Service animals must remain on a leash at all times while on Hye Estate.
Weather Policy
This is a rain-or-shine event.