What: The Periwinkle Foundation Iron Sommelier competition.
Where: The Houstonian Hotel, Club & Spa.
The 411: The ballroom was packed with more than 500 foundation supporters who turned out not only to raise funds but also to visit the stations of 14 of the city's leading sommeliers competing for top honors. The group raised more than $260,000 for programs that assist children, teens and their families challenged by cancer and life-threatening illnesses.
Master Sommeliers Craig Collins of Austin's Elm Restaurant, Jack Mason of Marta in New York City and Bobby Stuckey of Frasca, Boulder, Colorado, judged the competitors and in the end Evan Tuner of Helen Greek Food and Wine was named supreme sommelier. All were judged on presentation, knowledge and choice of wines.
The paying guests had their say as well as they coursed the ballroom tastings wines presented at the 14 stations and selecting their fave. Sam Governale of Fleming’s River Oaks won People’s Choice for the second year in a row. Houston executive chef Neal Cox provided the tasty morsels that paired with the wines.
Sean Beck and John Clutterbuck chaired the lively gathering with AutoSol as presenting sponsor.
Who: Anne Clutterbuck, Melinda and Matt Mogas, Judy and Chris Simon, Cyndi and Steve Ford, Marilyn and Louis Mogas, Lindsey Brown and Chris Shepherd and Janet and Brian Franklin.
Craig Collins, Bobby Stuckey, Jack Mason.
