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

From Your Site Articles
Related Articles Around the Web
promoted

Fall Philanthropy Report: Children’s Assessment Center Touts ‘Healing’ for Child Abuse Victims

Fall Philanthropy Report: Children’s Assessment Center Touts ‘Healing’ for Child Abuse Victims

What is your mission? The Children’s Assessment Center (The CAC) provides healing services to over 6,300 child sexual abuse victims and their families each year. We offer forensic interviewing, family advocacy, mental health services, medical care, and court services at no cost. We facilitate community outreach and prevention training to raise awareness about child abuse in our community and how to keep children safe. Last year, we provided prevention training to over 35,000 community members, including 23,500 children in schools.

Keep Reading Show less
promoted

As Escape Spa Expands in 2025, Owner Has Advice on Personal Growth: ‘Focus on Intention Setting’

CHANGE IS A good thing, and with the start of a new year, I always like to reflect on how far I've come and start fresh by setting self-care goals for the coming months. Personal growth is a passion for me, and also something I enjoy. Guiding a business through growth and change is also one of my passions, so I am very pleased to announce that Escape Spa is going to be expanding in 2025! We’re honored that we’ve built such a loyal following since opening in Cypress in July of 2022, and we’re thrilled to be in a position to grow our wellness and recovery sanctuary just outside of Houston.

Keep Reading Show less
nightlife

Nightlife Veterans Team Up to Bring Buzzy New Bar to the Heights

photo by Chris Nguyen

THE OWNERS BEHIND two of the Heights' most beloved nightlife destinations are teaming up to bring the neighborhood a new hangout.

Keep Reading Show less
Food