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