'Best Cellars' Returns with Fine Wine, Fab Food — and Big Names

Dave Rossman
'Best Cellars' Returns with Fine Wine, Fab Food — and Big Names

Nick and Jennifer Altman and Leah and Blake Nommensen

AFTER A TWO-YEAR hiatus, the Best Cellars wine dinner, benefiting the Martell Foundation, returned to the Hotel ZaZa in the Museum District.


Nearly 200 guests raised a glass (or several) to cancer research, and also enjoyed a delicious meal prepared by some of the city's finest chefs. Chef Chairman Mark Cox rounded up talent including BCN's Luis Roger, Le Jardinier's Alain Verzeroli and Felipe Botero, and Musaafer's Mayank Istwal to create plates that paired beautifully with rare fine wines from the cellars of local collectors.

The event, chaired by Franelle Rogers, included an exciting live auction as well as an afterparty with a performance by Texas-country singer-songwriter George Birge.

Tracy and Valerie Dieterich

Amalia and Brian Stanton

T.J. and Margaret Farnsworth

Anthony Zogheib and LeTricia Wilbanks

Cathy and David Herr

Mark Cox, Franelle Rogers and Robert Sakowitz

Chef Alain Verzeroli and Franelle Rogers

Lesha Elsenbrook, Caroline Kenney and Denise Monteleone

Dean Putterman, John Obsta and Ed Finger

Kimberly and James Bell

Fady Armanious and Bill Baldwin

Julia Gonzalez and Thor Egeli

George Birge

Jim and Jane Brann and Laura and Jerry Kent

Jan and Robin Lindley

Jill and Christian Varas

Parties
Spa-tacular Getaway Opportunity: Retreat to Mexico this Summer with a Houston Wellness Expert

Palmaïa The House of AïA

THIS SUMMER, LEBRINA Jackson, owner of Escape Spa in Cypress, is taking her wisdom and joie de wellness to the jungle. Far beyond the walls of her beautiful spa, she’s aiming to create a quiet space for people to work on their personal growth in a community-centric atmosphere. She shares what participants will get out of the trip and why it’s important to take time for self-care in 2025.

Why is it important for people to “retreat”? Life can feel like a non-stop marathon, and sometimes we forget to just... breathe. Retreating offers a chance to step off the treadmill for a bit and hit the reset button. It's about giving your body and mind some much-needed TLC, allowing for genuine relaxation and rejuvenation. Beyond the personal perks, retreats often create a cool sense of community, connecting you with others on a similar path. By carving out space for self-reflection, you can recharge and return to your daily life with a clearer head and a bit more pep in your step.

Keep Reading Show less
Wellness+Giving Back

Alejandra and Edgar Rincon. Patty and Karl Schmidt

ONE OF THE most feel-good fetes of the year, the 2025 Make-A-Wish Gala once again broke records, raising a whopping $1.8 million for the Gulf Coast and Louisiana chapter of the organization.

Keep Reading Show less
Parties

SUPPORTERS OF THE Houston organization BRASS (Baylor Research Advocates for Student Scientists) celebrated the group’s 30th anniversary at a beautiful River Oaks home. BRASS president Elsie Eckert and a former BRASS scholar Sharon Bright were among those who welcomed everyone to the event.

Keep Reading Show less
Parties