Countdown to 2026 RODEOHOUSTON |

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MARCH 2 - 22, 2026

ROUNDUP & BEST BITES COMPETITION

presented by   Nan & Co Properties

Thank you for your interest in the Rodeo Uncorked! Roundup & Best Bites Competition, presented by Nan & Company Properties. Best Bites is one of the largest gourmet food and wine events in the world. With more than 450 award-winning wines and over 100 signature dishes from the area’s top restaurants and culinary institutions, it is a top destination for wine enthusiasts, food writers, and foodies alike.

All tables and general admission tickets for the 2026 Roundup & Best Bites Competition are SOLD OUT.
Please contact us at [email protected] for any questions.

2025 Results
Rodeo Uncorked! Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo

GUEST INFORMATION

EVENT MAPPARKING INFORMATION

When and where is this event?

The 2026 Rodeo Uncorked!® Roundup & Best Bites Competition will be held on Sunday, February 22, 2026 at NRG Center, Halls D & E.

How do I purchase tickets?

Tables and general admission tickets can be purchased via AXS or through a member of the Wine Sales Committee.

All tables and general admission tickets for the 2026 Roundup & Best Bites Competition are SOLD OUT.

How much do tickets cost?

General admission tickets are $185 (FMV $50) each. Tables of 10 can be purchased for $2,250 (FMV $500) in the Reserved Sections or $2,750 (FMV $500) in the Premium Section.

What is included with a General Admission ticket?

General Admission tickets are standing room only and include a commemorative wine glass and plate for use during the event. It also includes all the food and wine available from each of our winning wineries and participating restaurants! General Admission entry is at 6:30 p.m.

What is the difference between Reserved Tables and Premium Tables?

All tables include a commemorative wine glass and plate for each ticketholder (10 per table) for use during the event, as well as two bottles of wine preset on your table. The main difference between the table levels is placement within the event and the amount of your tax-deductible donation. Reserved tables are placed on the perimeter of the room, whereas Premium tables are placed in the center section of the room, with the food and wine tables surrounding them. Reserved and Premium table entry is at 6:00 p.m. See the Event Map for the general sections of table placement.

How do I access my tickets?

All tickets will be delivered by AXS Mobile ID. The AXS Mobile app is free to download from the App Store or Google Play Store. Be sure to log in with the same email address where you received your order receipt.

What is parking like for this event?

Complimentary self-park and valet parking are available. No parking credentials are required for this event. Guests should enter through Gate 10 at Kirby Drive & McNee Road. Click here to view the parking map specific to Roundup & Best Bites.

Is there a bag policy for this event?

The Rodeo does not have a clear bag policy on the grounds. Small purses or backpacks for personal items are allowed. Prohibited items include, but are not limited to:

    • air horns
    • alcohol
    • banners bearing advertisements
    • banners judged to be in poor taste or offensive
    • beach balls
    • firearms
    • fireworks
    • flag poles
    • footballs
    • Frisbee® and other sports discs
    • hover boards
    • laser pointers
    • professional camera equipment (photography lenses over 3 inches in length)
    • selfie sticks
    • weapons
    • whistles

Are there age restrictions for this event?

This event is ages 21+ only. Children are not allowed inside the event space even when accompanied by a parent or guardian.

What is the attire for this event?

Event attire is “Rodeo Chic” or “Wine Country Casual.”

REGISTER AS A CULINARY OR WINERY PARTICIPANT

This event would not be possible without the participation of our valued restaurant and winery participants. Please find all relevant participation information below.

Register Now

CULINARY PARTICIPANT REGISTRATION

As a participant and contributor, the Roundup & Best Bites Competition allows you to showcase your cuisine to our wine and food-loving guests. Guests will enjoy your bites while sipping award-winning wines from the Rodeo Uncorked! International Wine Competition. With its continuing success, we typically host more than 5,000 food and wine connoisseurs for this fun evening at NRG Center. Belt buckle awards will be given to our top competitors across multiple food categories.

RESOURCES

2026 Restaurant Handbook
2026 Signup Information
Release of Indemnity Form

TIMELINE

Monday, Sept. 2, 2025 Culinary signups open for the 2026 Roundup & Best Bites Competition
Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2025 Early entry deadline to receive additional benefits
Friday, Jan. 9, 2026 Entry deadline for guaranteed placement in the printed program
Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026 Rodeo Uncorked! Roundup & Best Bites event. Please see the 2026 Restaurant Handbook linked above for full-day timeline and details.

2026 Participant Digital Materials

Let your followers and customers know that you are participating in our event! The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo™ also provides digital medals for restaurants to use in promoting their winning dishes in online and social media marketing efforts after the event. Winning restaurants should choose the medal that corresponds with the award they won. Please note, this artwork is the only approved format in which to use the Rodeo’s logo in conjunction with your winning dish.

Downloads:

  • 2026 Participant Sticker: PDF | PNG

    WINERY PARTICIPANT REGISTRATION

    Wines that place in the Rodeo Uncorked! International Wine Competition as Class Champion, Texas Class Champion, Region Class Champion, Reserve Class Champion, Texas Reserve Class Champion, Region Reserve Class Champion, or Double Gold medal are required to participate in the Roundup & Best Bites event with the donation of (2) 9L cases or volumetric equivalent of each winning wine. In addition, we invite these wineries to attend to pour and market their wines to over 5,000 attendees at the event.

    All qualifying wineries are requested to complete an online form to indicate whether they will attend. Up to (2) representatives from the winery are invited to attend and pour. Qualifying wineries may sign up here.

    If you are unable to attend, we will staff your table with volunteers to pour and promote your wines. If your table will be staffed by volunteers, please email tasting notes for the qualifying wines to [email protected]. This information will be shared at the table so the pourers can best promote your wines to event guests. Please ensure the email references that the materials are for your Best Bites pourers.

    TIMELINE

    Thursday, Nov. 21, 2024 Rodeo Uncorked! International Wine Competition Results Announced
    Friday, Dec. 6, 2024 Notification sent to all qualifying Roundup & Best Bites and Champion Wine Auction & Dinner wines. The sign-up link to indicate attendance at Roundup & Best Bites to go live.
    Friday, Jan. 10, 2025

    Deadline for wineries to indicate attendance at Roundup & Best Bites by utilizing the link above.

    Deadline to deliver wine for the Rodeo Uncorked! Roundup & Best Bites Competition. All wine entries which won a saddle, buckle or double-gold medal must participate.
    Sunday, Feb. 23, 2025 Rodeo Uncorked! Roundup & Best Bites event. All participating wineries must check in between 4:30 – 5 p.m. Please see Event Day Information download above.

    Winery Digital Awards

    The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo provides digital medals for wineries to use in promoting their award-winning wine(s) in online and social media marketing efforts. Wineries should choose the medal that corresponds with the award won by a specific wine in the Rodeo Uncorked! International Wine Competition (double gold, gold, silver or bronze). Please note, this medal art is the only approved format in which to use the Rodeo’s logo in conjunction with your winning wine.

    Downloads


    Class and Top Award Stickers

    • Grand Champion Best of Show: PDF | PNG
    • Reserve Grand Champion Best of Show: PDF | PNG
    • Top Red Wine: PDF | PNG
    • Top White Wine: PDF | PNG
    • Top Sparkling Wine: PDF | PNG
    • Top Dessert Wine: PDF | PNG
    • Top Texas Wine: PDF | PNG
    • Top Value Wine: PDF | PNG
    • Top Region Wine: PDF | PNG
    • Top Wine Company: PDF | PNG
    • Top Region Wine Company: PDF | PNG
    • Top Texas Winery: PDF | PNG
    • Top All-Around Winery: PDF | PNG
    • Class Champion: PDF | PNG
    • Reserve Class Champion: PDF | PNG
    • Texas Class Champion: PDF | PNG
    • Reserve Texas Class Champion: PDF | PNG
    • Region Class Champion: PDF | PNG
    • Reserve Region Class Champion: PDF | PNG

    WINE HEADLINES

    Introducing Oregon

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    Written by Monique Studak Every year the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo International Wine Competition Rodeo Uncorked! ® International Wine Competition spotlights a unique growing…

    CONTACT US

    Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo
    NRG Center
    3 NRG Park
    Houston, Texas 77054

    Email: [email protected]
    Phone: 832.667.1184

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    Join the Rodeo Uncorked! conversation on Facebook. The Facebook page showcases updates, photos and fun facts.

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