When spring gala season reaches full crescendo, few evenings deliver the kind of multisensory bacchanal as the Houston Symphony’s Wine Dinner and Collector’s Auction. On May 2, a sold-out crowd of 365 stylish guests made a grand entrance at Jesse H. Jones Hall for the Performing Arts, where fine wine, lavish décor, and a five-course feast awaited.

  

Photo by Priscilla Dickson

Houston Symphony executive director and CEO Gary Ginstling, Margaret Ginstling; chairs Elia and Michael Gabbanelli.

A revelry worthy of Dionysus himself. In black-tie, of course.

Leading the charge were Elia and Michael Gabbanelli, gala chairs and proud heirs of the famed Gabbanelli accordion family — a fitting touch of musical lineage. They were joined by Jack Matzer, whose stewardship of the collector’s auction helped orchestrate the evening’s finale: More than $900,000 raised for the symphony’s Education and Community Engagement initiatives, which bring music to schools, hospitals, and underserved venues.

The foyer buzzed with energy as guests in all their finery sipped champagne and circled the silent auction, eyes gleaming at the fabulousness of oenophilic riches. Standout lots included six vintage bottles of Red Bordeaux, two bottles of 1982 Château Margaux (yes, the unicorn vintage), and a week-long Tuscan getaway for those dreaming of vineyard vistas and sun-drenched serenity. Bidding was brisk and focused — more than one guest looked ready to conduct their own blind tasting right on the spot.

At the dinner hour, the scene shifted dramatically as guests were ushered onto the Jones Hall stage, transformed by The Events Company into a sumptuous Roman mirage. Towering candelabras crowned with coral and ruby blooms stood sentry over lace-red linens strewn with votives, pomegranates, and overflowing grapes. Four statues, wreathed in greenery, added a mythic flair—as if Bacchus himself might pop out to pour the next glass. And the next.

But it wasn’t just about the wine. Culinary star chef Danny Trace of Potente crafted an ambitious five-course menu that married elegance and indulgence. A standout starter of heirloom tomato and whipped burrata with cucumber ribbons gave way to Potente’s signature black truffle pasta, then diver scallops with sweet corn risotto and a show-stealing veal perigeux with goat cheese polenta. Dessert? A double chocolate cake kissed with Chambord and crowned with caramel crunch pearls.

Wine pairings, curated by John and Lindy Rydman and Lisa Rydman Lindsey of Spec’s Wines, were introduced by master sommelier Stephen McDonald, the Pappas Bros. Steakhouse wine expert who earned the sommelier award at the 2024 Michelin Guide Texas ceremony. Guests clinked, tasted, nodded in approval — oenophiles united in appreciation.

Among those spotted in the stylish crowd were Ann and Jonathan Ayre, Betty and Jesse Tutor, Janet Clark, Gary Ginstling and Margaret Lederer, Joan and Robert Duff, Margaret Alkek Williams, Barbara Burger, Lydia Gold, Quentin and Aerin Smith, Hallie Vanderhider and Bobby Dees, Vicki West and Ralph Burch, Mary Lynn Marks, Bob Weiner, Robert Sakowitz, David Peavy and Stephen McCauley, Aggie Foster and Steve Simon, Virginia Clark, Brigette Kalai, Farida Abjani, Jennifer and Scott Allison, Carey Kirkpatrick, Ken and Mady Kades, and Sippi and Ajay Khurana.