PEARLAND — After a multi-year hiatus brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Pearland Wine Fest made its long-anticipated return this weekend at Pearland Town Center, reestablishing itself as a signature event in the city’s cultural calendar.

Founded in 2011, the festival was suspended during the pandemic and had not returned until this year. According to the event’s organizer—formerly a Pearland vineyard owner who has since transitioned into the CBD industry—the push to revive the festival came directly from the city.

“They reached out and said it was time to bring it back,” he said. “Although I’m no longer in the wine business, I’m committed to continuing this annual tradition.”

This year’s festival featured 21 vendors offering a wide selection of regional wines, artisanal foods, handcrafted goods, and boutique clothing. Held Saturday evening from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., the event drew an estimated crowd of close to 1,000 attendees.

Among the vendors was Devin Williams of Missouri City, owner of Vector Creation Engravings, a custom woodworking and laser engraving business. After being laid off from his job installing fiber-optic internet cables, Williams turned his longtime passion for craftsmanship into a full-time pursuit.

“This is my fifth show,” Williams said. “I’ve always wanted to own my own business and loved building things with my hands. I started with a $100 engraver, and I loved it so much I returned it and bought a $1,000 model the next day.”

One of his featured works included a detailed wooden depiction of a ferry, which he said took him approximately six hours to complete.

The festival also welcomed Joey Bagnasco and his family, owners and winemakers at Valley Mills Vineyards, located just outside Waco. “My father started the vineyard in 2007,” Bagnasco said. “We grow on about 12 acres and use only 100 percent Texas-grown grapes. We offer a variety of wines but specialize in dry reds.”

Attendees included Terri and Daniel Bondoc of Lake Jackson, who were visiting the Wine Fest for the first time, although they are familiar with the Pearland Town Center through previous events. Terri, herself a vendor of pickles, jams, jellies, and brittles, said she appreciates supporting local artisans and businesses. The couple’s favorite offering of the evening was a ginger wine produced by a local vendor.

In addition to wine tastings and shopping, guests enjoyed music provided by a live DJ, with many seen dancing and socializing throughout the evening.

With its strong turnout and positive reception, the return of Pearland Wine Fest signals not only a recovery from pandemic-era disruptions but also a renewed community spirit.

Organizers say the event is poised to remain a yearly celebration of Texas wine, local craftsmanship, and small business enterprise.