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

Leadership in Action: ‘Setting Clear Goals’ Among Secrets of Success for Attorney Jess Bailey

Al Torres
Leadership in Action: ‘Setting Clear Goals’ Among Secrets of Success for Attorney Jess Bailey

How did you get to where you are today? A few key principles integrated into my life: setting clear goals, maintaining a growth mindset, building strong habits, and surrounding myself with the right people. Goals provided direction, while a growth mindset helped me turn challenges into opportunities for learning. Consistent habits, like disciplined work and effective communication, kept me moving forward. Being surrounded by motivated, supportive individuals has elevated my standards and kept me accountable. They’ve provided advice, encouragement, and sometimes that extra push I needed to stay on track. With these elements, I’ve been able to create a framework that helps me succeed and ensures I continue to grow and evolve.

Keep Reading Show less
People + Places
parties

Rodeo Season Alights with Record-Breaking (and Vibrant!) Trailblazers To-Do

Brigitte Kalai, Alicia Smith and Deborah Duncan

A WHOPPING 2,100 people showed up to toast the 25th annivesrary of the Trailblazers Awards Luncheon and Fashion Show, one of the Houston Livestock and Rodeo's most successful events.

Keep Reading Show less
Style
parties

'Homemade' Haute! Runway Show at Tootsies Raises $75K for At-Risk Kids

Lisa Rich, Jessica Givens, Coco Lu

BETWEEN AN EXCITING raffle and runway show, Homemade Hope's fash bash at Tootsies was a truly tasteful success! More than 160 well heeled attendees also enjoyed browsing the season's most stylish offerings and chatting with Homemade Hope's executive director, Blair Bentley Ozenbaugh, about its mission to support at-risk children via mentoring and culinary lessons.

Keep Reading Show less
Style