Party Watch
Steakhouse sommelier wins top honors, beating out a dozen others in wine-tasting competition
What: The Periwinkle Foundation Iron Sommelier competition and wine tasting.
Where:The Houstonian Hotel, Club & Spa.
The 411: While sampling wines from across the globe, more than 500 guests helped raise $230,000 for the non-profit that creates special programs for children challenged by life-threatening illnesses. Kudos to event chair John Clutterbuck and wine chair Sean Beck.
Pappas Bros. Steakhouse sommelier Steven McDonald took top honors besting a dozen challengers. Christian Varas of River Oaks Country Club was first runner up and Evan Turner of Table on Post Oak was second runner up. Winning honors for best tasting room presentation was Vanessa Trevino Boyd of 60 Degrees Mastercrafted. Fleming's Sam Governale won the People's Choice award.
Esteemed judges were Antonio Gianola of Houston Wine Merchant, Ben Roberts of Republic National Distributors and Vince Henderson of Henderson Distributors.
Who:Ruth and Randy Adams, Marti and Jack Carr, Thao and Steve Lai, Marilyn and Louis Mogas,Sarah and Steve Sprengnether,Curt Rohrman, Larry Geiger, Mary Jo and Mick Cantu.