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
‘Embrace Changes,’ Says Valobra, Whose Namesake Jewelry Store Has Become a Houston Institution
How did you get to where you are today? I had little choice in the matter; I grew up being trained to become the fourth-generation jewelry designer behind my great grandfather, grandfather, and father. It was my duty to carry on the family business and continue the hard work and success they built from nothing, beginning in Torino, Italy in 1905. I was surrounded by jewelry and its craftmanship as a young child and was taught the business from a very young age.
Keep Reading Show less

EVEN THOUGH WE hope things cool down outside, some folks in Houston are about to get even hotter with the arrival of trendy fitness studio Ritual One next month in Uptown Park. The Dallas-based concept will offer classes like Power Sculpt, Hot Pilates, Power Yoga, Inferno Flow, and Inferno HIIT — all taking place in its infrared-heated studios.

Keep Reading Show less
Style

Evan and Kate Elsenbrook and Elyse and Drew Tolson

SUPPORTERS OF RONALD McDonald House Charities of Greater Houston gathered for a whimsically fun fete at the Hilton Americas hotel. The 2024 Boo Ball was themed "Once Upon a Time," and it raised a true happily-ever-after amount of $1 million — a new record!

Keep Reading Show less
Parties