Justin Vann Named Iron Sommelier in Periwinkle’s Annual Food and Wine Fete and Wine Pro Competish

Justin Vann Named Iron Sommelier in Periwinkle’s Annual Food and Wine Fete and Wine Pro Competish

Julie Dalton, Todd Burford

IN THE RUN-UP to Thanksgiving tippling, one Houston nonprofit got very serious about wine!


The Periwinkle Foundation, which provides programs it says positively change the lives of children, young adults and families who are challenged by cancer and other life-threatening illnesses at Texas Children's Hospital, hosted its annual Iron Sommelier. The event is a top-tier wine-tasting and competition among wine pros.

"Each competing sommelier selected three wines which focused on a particular wine region grape or style," explained a rep for organizers of the event, "and a panel of judges rated wine choice, presentation, creativity, and knowledge of their wine selections."

Out of concern for the ongoing Covid pandemic, the annual event was help virtually this year, with a grand meal and flight of tasting wines sent to all guests. Presentation from the competing somms and guest winemakers were live-streamed.

Noted and popular sommelier Justin Vann of Nancy's Hustle took home the title of Iron Sommelier 2021 with his cheeky "Italian White Wine: Drink It (with your Mouth)!" theme. March's Austin Farina was first runner-up and also won the People's Choice pirze. Andres Blanco of Le Jardinier was second runner-up, and Adele Corrigan, 13 celsius Wine Bar was honored as having the best presentation.

In the end, the event raised nearly $400,000 for Periwinkle's Camps, Arts and Survivor program.

Chris LaFavers

Competing sommeliers at The Periwinkle Foundation's Iron Sommelier 2021

Doug Suggitt, Executive Director of The Periwinkle Foundation

Elizabeth and Frank Karkowsky, Phyllis and Ronald Steinhart, David Steinhart

Gloria Sanders

Lorrie Lee, Miranda Lee, Winnie Hart, Vishal Sethi

Matthew Massey

Paul Stenhouse, Michael Cogan

Parties
Wellness Pro LeBrina Jackson on Gratitude at the Holidays: It’s a ‘Reset Button for my Mind’

LeBrina Jackson

AS WE GET into the holiday season, we’re reminded of what we have, what we want and what might be lacking. As Sheryl Crow says in her song, Soak up the Sun, “It’s not having what you want, it’s wanting what you've got.” We caught up with LeBrina Jackson, owner of Escape Spa in Cypress, Texas, and learned how she tackles the holiday season with hope, love and most importantly, gratitude.

Keep ReadingShow less

Gold high-low tulle mini dress, $698, by Chloe Dao, with diamond-and-pearl necklace, diamond earrings, diamond-flower bracelet, and diamond rings, all vintage Buccellati, and Macri cuff bracelets, from $32,000, by Buccellati, all at Tenenbaum Jewelers.

IN THE WARM glow of the holidays, festive frocks, elegant resort looks and baubles from Houston’s finest jewelers take on a regal new light.

Keep ReadingShow less
Style

The Rusty Parrot's courtyard

THE CLUES ARE there from the start: The Jackson Hole airport entrance is marked with an iconic arch made of elk antlers. The airport-transfer driver has binoculars perched on his dash. And the famously jagged Tetons immediately beckon on the picturesque drive to the lodge.

Keep ReadingShow less
People + Places