Texas Border Business
By Roberto Hugo González / Texas Border Business
McALLEN, Texas — The Santa Fe Steakhouse Wine Classic returned on April 17, 2026, with a sold-out celebration themed “TANGO at Quinta Mazatlán,” treating guests to an evening of world-class wines, exceptional cuisine, live music, and Argentine Tango performances— all in support of scholarships and educational programs across the Rio Grande Valley.
The annual event is presented by the Santa Fe Steakhouse Foundation, established by Sony Rego, Albert Rego, and Fred Harms. The three founders are recognized for creating Santa Fe Steakhouse, Republic of the Rio Grande, and University Drafthouse while maintaining a longstanding commitment to philanthropy, education, and community development throughout the Rio Grande Valley.
According to Sony Rego, the Wine Classic was founded with a vision that extended beyond food and wine, showcasing the region’s culinary talent and creating educational opportunities for students.
“We wanted to create an event that celebrated the extraordinary culinary talent of the Rio Grande Valley while raising funds for scholarships and educational opportunities,” Sony said. “What began as a wine event quickly evolved into a beloved community tradition with a lasting purpose.”
Sony said the event was designed to bring people together through exceptional food and fine wines from around the world while investing in future generations. Over the years, she said, the Wine Classic has grown into one of South Texas’ premier culinary and philanthropic events, featuring hundreds of wines, local restaurants, live entertainment, silent auctions, and immersive annual themes. Since its inception, the event has raised more than $350,000 to support scholarships and educational programs throughout the region.
“The Tango theme combined elegance, passion, and entertainment in a beautiful setting,” Sony said. “Quinta Mazatlán provided the perfect backdrop, and guests were able to experience not only incredible wines and cuisine but also a Tango show.”
She continued, “I look for themes that create a unique experience and allow our guests to travel somewhere through food, wine, and music,” she said. “The goal is always to surprise and delight our guests.”
Creating a welcoming environment remains central to the event’s mission, according to Rego.
“The Wine Classic is about bringing people together and giving our guests the opportunity to experience food and wine,” she said. “Whether someone is a wine expert or tasting wine for the first time, we want everyone to feel comfortable and welcomed.”
Local restaurants, chefs, hospitality professionals, and students also play a significant role in the event’s success.
“They are the heart of the event,” Sony said. “The Wine Classic would not be possible without the generosity and talent of our local restaurants, chefs, and, of course, our Culinary Art Program Students and hospitality professionals.”
She said proceeds from ticket sales, sponsorships, and donated auction items support scholarships and educational initiatives that help students access training, skills, and career opportunities.
Sony also emphasized the importance of supporting educational institutions such as South Texas College.
“South Texas College plays a vital role in preparing students for careers that strengthen our local economy and community,” she said. “Supporting programs such as Culinary Arts and Hospitality Management helps create opportunities for talented students who may otherwise face barriers to achieving their goals.”
Asked about the most rewarding aspect of the event, Sony pointed to the students who have benefited from scholarships.
“Without question, it’s seeing the students who benefit from the scholarships and programs supported by the Wine Classic,” Sony said. “Meeting young people who are pursuing their dreams and knowing that our community played a role in helping them succeed is incredibly rewarding.”
Beyond the food and wine experience, Sony said she hopes attendees leave with a deeper connection to the community and the event’s educational mission.
“The food and wine are wonderful, but the true purpose is bringing people together to support education and create opportunities for future generations,” she said.
This year’s participating restaurant sponsors included Republic of the Rio Grande, Palominos, Brasas, and the South Texas College Culinary Arts Program, joining Santa Fe Steakhouse & Cantina in providing culinary experiences for guests.
Sony also recognized the event’s major sponsors, including The Bert Ogden Auto Group, The Jules Gasseaux Foundation, The Warren Group, the City of McAllen, PNC Bank, Vantage Bank, and ICCON, as well as numerous community partners, wineries, volunteers, and silent auction donors.
“These partnerships are essential,” Rego said. “Their support allows us to create a first-class event while maximizing the funds directed toward scholarships and educational programs.”
The Santa Fe Steakhouse Wine Classic remains a signature fundraising event that combines hospitality, culinary excellence, and community support to expand educational opportunities for students across the Rio Grande Valley.
Eddie Cantu, Hidalgo County Commissioner. TBB image
I’m a proud supporter of the Wine Classic because I know Sony Rego and the Santa Fe team have tremendous hearts and a genuine passion for giving back to our community. Their commitment to helping others and supporting local causes is evident in everything they do, and the Wine Classic is a reflection of that spirit of generosity and service.
The Santa Fe Steakhouse Wine Classic is a wonderful example of how generosity, hospitality, and community partnership can come together to make a lasting difference. The Wine Classic has become a meaningful community tradition that brings people together in support of culinary arts, improving lives across McAllen and South Texas. I am proud to support an effort that reflects the very best of McAllen: generous hearts, strong partnerships, and a shared commitment to helping others.
Ike Tawil, City Manager, McAllen, Texas. TBB image
Laura Nassri Warren, AIA. TBB image
Sony is one of the most generous and selfless people I know. She created the Classic as a way for the community to come together, enjoy great food and wine, and support scholarships for students.
Fifteen years ago, she launched the event in partnership with the McAllen Chamber of Commerce, benefiting its Top 25 scholarships program. Later, support expanded to the International Baccalaureate School, helping outstanding McAllen graduates pursue their education.
Today, through the Santa Fe Foundation, Sony partners with South Texas College and UTRGV to support culinary and hospitality programs. Students from both institutions volunteered at this year’s event.
Thanks to her vision and generosity, more than 400 students have received scholarships through her foundation. I am proud to call her my friend and to witness the lasting impact she continues to make in our community.
Rigo Villarreal, Owner of Ares Services Inc/Lobbyist. Courtesy photo
The Wine Classic continues to elevate McAllen’s reputation as a premier destination for culinary excellence and entertainment, drawing visitors from across the region while creating a meaningful impact on our community.”
Felida Villarreal, VIDA President, CEO. TBB image
The Santa Fe Steakhouse Wine Classic is a remarkable example of how our community comes together to invest in the future. Beyond being one of South Texas’ premier events, it supports educational opportunities, workforce development, and scholarships that help students reach their full potential. Sony Rego’s leadership has created an event that not only showcases the best of the Rio Grande Valley but also strengthens pathways to success for future generations.
We know that the wine classic is a major source of funds for the Regos’ philanthropic activities. South Texas College’s culinary department has been a major beneficiary of their generosity, so it’s a cause we’re happy to participate in.
Paul R. Rodriguez, Chairman of the Board of STC. TBB image
The Santa Fe Wine Classic is an innovative program that addresses the needs and challenges of preparing students to compete globally while celebrating the cultural art of wine and cuisine. As proponents of initiatives that support youth and educational development, we believe our collaborative partnership is a win-win for our community and region.
Jamie L. Brown Rosas, SVP, Texas Regional Bank. TBB image
Our Culinary Arts program at STC is growing significantly, and the Santa Fe Wine Classic has provided our students the chance to continue their education in an ever-growing industry,” said Solis. “It also gives us the opportunity to have our students train and work with top restaurants within our region. The RGV has great talent, and Sony and Albert Rego showcase this through their foundation and their restaurants. They are tremendous assets and contributors to our community and especially our growing Culinary Arts programs in McAllen and Mid-Valley regions.
STC President Ricardo J. Solis, Ph.D.
The Santa Fe Wine Classic is the epitome of wine-tasting, gourmet food, and music events in the entire RGV. Best of all, the net proceeds go for scholarships to McAllen high school students in culinary programs. Bravo, Sony.
Richard F. Cortez, Hidalgo County Judge. TBB image
I will always support initiatives like this because they have a positive impact on the community. In particular, I greatly value the effort that Sony and Alberto Rego put into organizing events that help raise funds for education. These actions reflect their commitment to the development of our region and to providing better opportunities for future generations.
Carlos Canales of TRANCASA. TBB image
I believe that social and charitable events like these are essential because they bring together people who are committed to important causes and create a positive impact that benefits the entire community.
Ms. Sony Rego has put the Rio Grande Valley on the map with this fabulous event. It is such a pleasure to see key community people from all over the Rio Grande Valley come together to enjoy a fabulous evening.
Cynthia M. Sakulenzki, President/CEO of the Rio Grande Valley Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. TBB image
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