The Symphony Toasts Its Most Successful Wine Dinner Ever!

WINE, WHISKEY AND Champagne sorbet took center stage at Jones Hall last Friday during the Houston Symphony's annual wine dinner and auction.

More than 300 supporters turned out for the sold-out event, chaired by Bobbie Nau and Bob Weiner. Naturally, there was no shortage of sips and spirits, beginning with the cocktail hour, during which guests admired the springtime blooms courtesy of The Events Company.

Dinner by City Kitchen began with a twice-baked parmesan-and-goat-cheese soufflé and a refreshing salad, then grilled sea bass, then pan-seared duck breast — all followed by a palate-cleanser of cucumber-basil-Champagne sorbet between courses. What a feast!

Throughout the evening, tickets were sold for the raffle prize of five bottles of Pappy Van Winkle bourbon, and bids climbed for bottles of rare and spectacular vino and other spirits. In total, the night raised a whopping $1.12 million, which will go toward the Symphony's Education and Community Engagement efforts.

Bryan Price, Taylor Cooper, Aerin Smith, Sean Jamison

Vicki West, Ralph Burch, Bobbie Nau

Elia Gabbanelli, Alejandra de la Fuente

Tracy and Valerie Dietrich

Ellie Francisco, Deedee Marsh

Shannon Richards and Nathan Hale

Fady Armanious, Bill Baldwin

Robert and Joan Duff

Hallie Vanderhider, Betty Tutor

Lydia Gold, Karen Gold

Heather Almond, Cheryl Byington

John Mangum with Chairs Bobbie Nau and Bob Weiner

Lindy and John Rydman