There’s an interesting and exotic resort that’s just a stone’s throw from San Antonio. Zebras, giraffes and camels roaming the grounds are what you’ll see from the beautiful floor to ceiling windows that line the charming, elegant lodge at the Serengeti Resort.
The Serengeti is hosting a benefit called the “Wine to Wildlife Festival” Thanksgiving weekend for an organization that’s near and dear to my heart – The Bexar County Family Justice Center. It’s a fabulous place where victims of domestic violence can get all kinds of free services from counseling, to legal advice and even shelter if they need it.
I met many victims of abuse in my former role as a news reporter. Having a place like the BCFJC is a priceless refuge for them – just about everything they need to seek safety and rebuild their lives is offered under one roof.
So, if you’re looking for something to do Thanksgiving weekend, I hope you’ll consider the Wine to Wildlife Festival. It should be a lot of fun. Country star Collin Raye performs Friday night, and there are a number of other events with great food, new wines to try and even eclectic gifts so you can get your holiday shopping started.
The Serengeti Resort, located just eight miles west of U.S. Highway 281 off Texas Highway 46 at 408 Fuller Drive near Bergheim, TX. I’ve got more details below from their ace marketing whiz Jeanne Janes……
The first annual Serengeti Wine To Wildlife Festival begins Friday, November 27, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. with wine and food pairings, served under authentic Safari palapa structures complete with thatched roofs of dried palm leaves, and a Serengeti holiday shopping trail for those unique and different gifts. Guests also have the chance to take a photo safari and feed the resort’s collection of exotic animals by hand. The day of adventure continues at 7 p.m. with Collin Raye singing his string of hits and newest releases. The resort has pledged 100% of the concert profits will be shared by the Bexar County Family Justice Center and the Kendall County Women’s Shelter.
On Saturday, November 28 the fun continues with more wine, food, music, animal viewing/feeding and shopping from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. ending with a Safari Base Camp Dinner and fire throwing show.
“We promise to make this a turkey free zone,” said Lori Hagee, owner of the Serengeti Resort. “The Wine to Wildlife Festival will blend the best of two worlds – Texas and South Africa – showcasing their wines and cuisine with outstanding entertainment for a good cause.”
The day passes for Friday and Saturday are $20.00 each (or $30.00 for both days) and secures your entrance to the festival from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and includes five wine and cuisine pairings with additional tastings available for $1 each. The wines poured will be from lands under the equator, including Juno, a top winery in South Africa, and select vintages from New Zealand, Australia, Chile, and Argentina.
The Friday night benefit concert with Collin Raye begins under the stars of the Hill Country at 7 p.m. when he takes to the stage to perform. Raye shot to fame in 1992 with his first #1 country hit, “Love, Me,” but he’d been singing professionally long before then. Raye has also landed four #1 Billboard country singles, 21 Top 10 hits, five Platinum Awards, multiple Country Music Association and American Country Music nominations and years of sold-out tours. Tickets to the Wine to Wildlife Festival Benefit Concert are $30 in advance and $35 at the door. A pass to all the events on Friday is available for $50 in advance and $55 at the door. Children under 15 are $15 and under five years of age, free.
On Saturday night the Safari Base Camp Dinner with a live fire throwing show begins at 7 p.m. and features a South African Braai (which literally means to cook) with meats cooked over an open fire and prepared with a South African flair. Tickets for the dinner only are $50 in advance or $55 at the door. A pass for all the events on Saturday is available for $60 in advance and $65 at the door.
The Serengeti Resort is a luxury, boutique destination located north of San Antonio, at 408 Fuller Road, eight miles West of U.S. Highway 281 off Texas Highway 46. Giraffes, zebras, camels and more exotic animals roam the resort’s plains right outside the lodge windows. Guests can get up close and personal with the animals when they take a photo safari vehicle and feed the animals by hand. This beautiful oasis in the Hill Country, with a gift and wine shop, is a top choice for weddings and also holds corporate retreats, charity fundraisers, holiday parties and special events.
For more information on festival tickets and the festival schedule or the resort visit their website or call (830) 816-3600.
BTW, 100% of the proceeds from the event will be shared by the Bexar County Family Justice Center and the Kendall County Women’s Shelter.
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