Vinophiles Pour It On for Periwinkle Foundation, Crown New 'Iron Sommelier'

Dave Rossman
Vinophiles Pour It On for Periwinkle Foundation, Crown New 'Iron Sommelier'

A WINE-TASTING rendezvous at the Post Oak Hotel benefited a heartwarming charity — to the tune of $410,000!


At the Periwinkle Foundation's Iron Sommelier competition, more than 600 well-heeled Houstonians gathered to enjoy curated wines and an evening program promoting Periwinkle's camps, arts and survivor programs that support pediatric cancer patients and their families. Fourteen of the city's top sommeliers vied for the title of Iron Sommelier, handpicking wines according to a region, grape or style. The judges, including Paul Hobbs of Paul Hobbs Wineries, a.k.a. the Steve Jobs of Wine, evaluated based on selection, presentation, originality and expertise.

In the end, Guard & Grace's Matthew McLaughlin was crowned the 2024 Iron Sommelier Champion; his clever chosen theme was “Rhône If You Want To: Rhône Around the World.”

An exciting auction touted unique items like a wine-centric vacation in Gigondas, France; a personalized wine cellar with 40-plus curated bottles; and several other to-dine-for restaurant experiences.

John Gill and Andrea Kulberg

Third-place winner Alvin Pham of Andiron

Sean Beck, Paul Hobbs, Iron Sommelier Winner Matthew McLaughlin, James Watkins

Robert and Courtney Adams

Bryan and Suzanne Monk

Chris and Judy Simon, Joe and Carol Birkhofer

Caroline Kenney, Sandra Crittenden, Pat Mitchell

Amy and Jason English

Christina and Mike Slabic

Emcee Kevin Quiin, Periwinkle Executive Director Doug Suggitt

Natalie and Justin Goodman, Lorrie Lee, Roger Bailey

Frederick Brown, Phaedra Buchanan

Natalie Vaclavik, Nick Nguyen

Jennifer Kanak, Jim Veal, Paige Morgan

Blake Wellborn, Sarah Kaplan

Leadership in Action: Entrepreneur Saba Syed of Moroccan Bath Determined to Build ‘Lasting Legacy’

Saba Syed, Founder of Oasis Moroccan Bath

How did you get to where you are today? My journey began with a need to be financially independent and an even a deeper drive to create a lasting legacy. The centuries-old Hammam tradition has always fascinated me—not just for its relaxation benefits, but for its holistic approach to cleansing the body, mind, and soul. So, combining my passion with a vision to bring an authentic yet luxurious Hammam spa experience to Houston, I took the leap less than two years ago to open my own spa.

Keep Reading Show less

Buddy & Kylie Carruth, Margaret & Jay Magness

A RECORD 486 party animals donned their most boo-tiful and spookiest costumes to celebrate the Houston SPCA’s 100th anniversary at its annual Howl-O-Ween Ball.

Keep Reading Show less
Parties

Buttermilk Baby

WANT TO FEEL like a kid again? Fall into these fun and spooky eats and drinks, win a costume contest, and indulge in seasonal sweets!

Keep Reading Show less
Food