Curated Texan
Houston Symphony Hosts Annual Wine Dinner & Collectors Auction
By Rob Giardinelli Photography by Priscilla Dickson
THE SCENE: Houston’s Jesse H. Jones Center for the Performing Arts was the setting of one of the city’s most anticipated annual epicurean events while raising funds for a very important cause. A sold-out crowd of over 300 of the city’s most notable sociables, foodies, and philanthropists turned out for the annual Houston Symphony Wine Dinner & Collector’s Auction. The evening featured great food, incredible company, and fantastic conversation, all of which are essential elements of a perfect evening.
THE VIBE: The black-tie crowd featured an elegant mix of colorful Spring attire mixed with classic black and white elegance, which created a welcoming environment for all. The fun began before guests even entered the venue where partygoers posed for photos against the backdrop of spring florals including hydrangeas and roses.
Once inside, patrons were treated to a lively cocktail hour. As guests mingled with old friends and met new ones, they were able to peruse an impressive lot of wines and spirits available at the silent auction. Others opted to enter to win five bottles of legendary Pappy Van Winkle Bourbon through a raffle that raised over $50,000.
Dinner chimes then rang, prompting revelers to head to their seats onstage at the Jones Center for the evening’s main program. Guests were treated to a delectable, multi-course meal courtesy of City Kitchen Catering with each course being perfectly paired with wine courtesy of Specs owners John and Lindy Rydman.
THE NON-PROFIT: The event, chaired by Bobbie Nau, with Bob Weiner serving as collector’s auction chair, raised a record-breaking $1.12 million dollars for the Houston Symphony. Proceeds raised from the evening will go towards Houston Symphony’s Education and Community Engagement initiatives.
