Iron Sommelier Crowns New Champ at Wine-Fueled Rendezvous

Iron Sommelier Crowns New Champ at Wine-Fueled Rendezvous

Clayton and Kaylin Williams and Erika and Jonathan Hines

THE PERIWINKLE FOUNDATION hosted its annual Iron Sommelier event at The Post Oak Hotel, chaired by prominent vinophiles Sean Beck and Lara Lack.


The evening was attended by nearly 500 guests, who together raised more than $380,000 for the local organization, which hosts camps, arts and survivor programs for children who suffer from life-threatening illnesses like cancer, and their family members. Leukemia survivor Sara Agrawal spoke to the crowd about how the Periwinkle Foundation improved her quality of life; she looks forward to attending college next year.

About that wine: Thirteen sommeliers from restaurants and clubs all over Houston, including Georgia James, Le Jardinier, March and MAD, participated in the competition. Each selected three wines from a particular region, and a panel of three judges ranked their selections based on presentation, creativity and knowledge. Pappas Bros. Steakhouse somm Chris Havens was crowned the champion, and Rachel Van Til of The Clubs at Houston Oaks took home the People's Choice award.

The night also included an auction with unique items such as a private dinner hosted by Chris Shepherd, a 40-bottle lot of wine selected by Sean Beck, and various rare bourbons and whiskeys. Sip sip hooray!

Todd and Tammy Robertson and Julie and Doug Osburn

Amy and Tyson Kennedy

Suzanne and Bryan Monk

Becky Thomson, Paige Morgan, Guy Stout, Jim Veal

Andres Blanco of Le Jardinier

Steph Pierce and Jake Goodman

Sean Beck, Chris Havens, Lara Lack, Justin Goodman

Brandon and Patti Kerne, Natalie Leskiw

Britt and Megan Mitchell

Brandon and Suzette McDaniel

Carly Thibodeaux, and Mark and Amy Thibodeaux

Sarah Kaplan, Danielle Bodunrin, Louise Stephens

Madeline Clark and Sujith Murali

Rachel Van Til

Dax and Chelsea Booker

Darin and Gretchen Carroll

Rhonda and Paul Gerson

Zach Newman with Joy and Mike Rayburn

Corks for voting

Parties
Top Realtor Beth Wolff Says Her Career Took Off ‘When I Focused on Others’
How did you get where you are today? “Life is what happens while you’re making plans.” After graduating with a BBA from the University of Texas, I married, and was a stay-at-home mom. Divorcing when my children were just four and six, I became their sole supporter, and I chose real estate for the time flexibility and income potential. After four years working for another Broker, I founded my own company with one sales associate and 375 square feet. Little did I imagine this journey. Houston offers amazing opportunities for those who are willing to work hard and persevere! I have watched the city mature with the addition of all the wonderful, talented people from around the country and around the world who have made Houston their home. It was once said that Houston had a “can do, cowboy capitalism attitude.”
Keep Reading Show less

IT’S A MILESTONE year for Houston PetSet, a local nonprofit organization working to end Houston’s homeless animal crisis. The much-needed organization will celebrate 20 years of advocating for the animals of Houston with its biggest Fierce & Fabulous Soirée yet!

Keep Reading Show less
People + Places

Hungry's Tanglewood

THE SUMMER RESTAURANT scene has been hot, hot, hot — and August is, unsurprisingly, no exception. Favorite cafes are rapidly expanding, while others are staying put — but giving their menus a mega overhaul. Read on for this week's most delicious food news!

Keep Reading Show less
Food