The vino flowed at The Houstonian as proud sommeliers presented their best before a thirsty audience of 300 supporters of the Periwinkle Foundation. With 50 different wines representing regions ranging from Greece to Napa Valley, the tasting was, shall we say, spirited.
Each sommelier selected three wines for public tasting and one premium wine presented at the private Grand Tasting Room, reserved for benefit underwriters. Their selections, knowledge thereof and presentation of the wines were judged by a trio of wine experts.
Masraff's Ben Roberts was named Iron Sommelier in the annual competition that is as playful as it is serious. Steven McDonald of Pappas Bros. Steakhouse came in second and Mike Sammons of 13 Celsius ranked third. Earning a special award for the Grand Tasting Room presentation was Evan Turner of Janco Beverage Importing & Distributing Co. And, of course, the paying customers had their say, bestowing the People's Choice award on Christian Varas of River Oaks Country Club.
Marsaff's Ben Roberts was named Iron Sommelier in the annual competition that is as playful as it is serious.
The sommeliers were judged by certified sommelier Saree Mims of Republic National Distribution Co., master sommelier James Tidwell of the Four Seasons Dallas at Las Colinas and Dr. Madaiah Revana, owner of Revana Family Vineyard in California and Oregon.
Sean Beck and John Clutterbuck chaired the evening that raised close to $150,000 for the foundation. Keeping partygoers abreast of the business of the evening was emcee Lisa Malosky.
Joining in the vino-infused fundraising effort were KHOU Channel 11 meteorologist Chita Johnson, Mindy and Jeff Hildebrand, Terri and John Havens, Franelle Rogers, Charles Schwartz, Anne and John Clutterbuck, Marilyn and Louis Mogas, Cynthia and Tony Petrello, Sarah and Doug Foshee and Sam Governale, Fleming's Prime Steakhouse operating partner.
