Categories: CharityCulinaryEvents/What's HappeningNews

Magical Night in Houston: Wine Wizards Unite for Charity

A magical night of wine tasting at a charity event in Houston, showcasing the city's wine culture.

News Summary

Houston witnessed a remarkable gathering of wine experts as all seven Master Sommeliers came together for a charitable cause. Hosted at renowned chef Chris Shepherd’s home, the event aimed to support the Southern Smoke Foundation, showcasing a blend of passion for wine and philanthropy. Each sommelier shared a personal bottle, reflecting their extensive knowledge and dedication to the craft. As the culinary community united, the night highlighted the enchanting connections that wine fosters both in culture and community.

Magical Night in Houston: A Gathering of Wine Wizards for Charity

In the heart of Houston, a truly magical night unfolded as the city’s culinary community came together to support a cause close to their hearts. This special event was part of the Southern Smoke’s Decanted fundraiser, and it had a unique twist – it brought together *all seven Master Sommeliers* currently residing in Houston. That’s right! A rare lineup of top wine experts, all in one room, savoring their favorite bottles and sharing their passion for the art of wine.

Setting the Scene

The gathering was hosted at the beautiful home of Chris Shepherd, a talented James Beard Award-winning chef known for his love of food and community. Chris, who is deeply committed to helping those in the hospitality industry, whipped up delicious snacks for the evening, setting the perfect backdrop for this extraordinary event.

But what really made this evening special was that it had been auctioned off during last year’s Southern Smoke fundraiser. Two of the Master Sommeliers even traveled great distances, with one flying in just an hour before the event after a grueling nine-hour flight! It was clear from the start that this gathering was more than just a chance for a good meal; it was an illustration of camaraderie in the wine industry and a display of passion for their craft.

The Master Sommeliers: A Rare Aggregation

The Master Sommelier exam is famously tough, boasting a low pass rate of just around 3-8%. It requires candidates to have extensive industry experience—often around ten years—before they can even sit the Advanced Level exam. Out of only 279 Master Sommeliers in the world, Houston is lucky to have seven of these elite professionals, making it a hub for wine enthusiasts and experts alike! It speaks volumes about the city’s commitment to the intricate world of wine.

Tasting Night: Personal Bottles, Unique Stories

During the event, each Master Sommelier shared a personal bottle of wine, chosen for its special significance. These unique selections perfectly showcased their deep knowledge and love for wine:

Guy Stout: Brought the vibrant *Stout Cabernet 2014* and *Kyla*.
Julie Dalton: Chose *Donnhoff Dellchen 2016 GG*, a striking dry Riesling.
Keith Goldston: Served a refinement with *2013 Olivier Bernstein Les Cazetiers, Gevrey-Chambertin Premier Cru*.
Brandon Kerne: Made the evening unforgettable with selections that included the vintage *1989 Chateau Pape Clement*.
Steven McDonald: Highlighted *2012 Ca’ Brusa Bricco San Pietro Vigna d’Vai* (Barolo), painting tales of the vineyard.
Jack Mason: Sparkled the night with *Guilio Ferrari 2002*, a splendid sparkling wine.
June Rodil: Closed the night with a duo – *2007 Albert Morot Beaune Les Marconnets* and *Champagne Diebolt-Vallois ‘Fleur de Passion’ 2013*.

Giving Back: Southern Smoke Foundation

This enchanting gathering was also meaningful in the broader sense, as it supported the Southern Smoke Foundation. This foundation has provided a whopping $11 million to hospitality workers facing crises through its Emergency Relief Fund. It’s heartwarming to see the city’s culinary talent come together, showcasing their passion not just for wine but also for giving back!

Fun Beyond the Table

Additionally, Chris Shepherd, who also hosts the TV show *“Eat Like a Local”*, which airs every Saturday morning, had everyone engaged with stories about the culinary experience and the deep-rooted love for Texas hospitality.

As the night came to a close, the joy and commitment of the Master Sommeliers filled the air. It was an inspiring celebration of wine, camaraderie, and community, reminding everyone present that wine isn’t just a drink; it’s a passion, history, and a way to connect with others. Houston’s wine scene is truly one of a kind, and nights like this make it even more special!