Every year, wine connoisseurs converge to take part in the High Museum of Art’s wine auction. Swillers and sippers are united with purveyors and sommeliers of esteemed excellence. The auction isn’t the only event, though—the High is offering a smorgasbord of vinocentric opportunities, beginning with “The Artist Dinner—The Genius Behind” on Wednesday, March 25. A bus departs at 5:30 to an intimate dinner at artist Thomas Arvid’s cabin studio. Jayson Woodbridge of Hundred Acre pairs wines with the specialties of Chef Jay Swift of 4th & Swift. Each couple will leave with an Arvid Limited Edition watercolor exclusively created for this event. $1500 per couple, sold by couples only (of which $600 is a charitable contribution).
On Thursday, March 26, are the winemakers’ dinners at 15 of Atlanta’s finest homes with Atlanta chefs cooking while some of the world’s greatest wines are poured by the winemakers themselves. $350 per person ($125 is charitable contribution.)
Friday, March 27, is for educating purposes. The seminar series include “Riesling Renegades” at 11 a.m. at the Four Seasons Hotel, Atlanta, with Chateau Ste. Michelle and Dr. Loosen Estate of Germany; “Martine Saunier & the Wines of Burgundy,” at 11 a.m. at Above Trois, where wine-lovers can taste the likes of Michel Gay & Fils 2004 Beaune-Greves 1er Cru, Chevalier Pere & Fils 2005 Ladoix Rouge “Les Corvees” 1er Cru, Denis Mortet 2006 Gevrey-Chambertin and Bruno Clavelier 2006 Chambolle-Musigny “La Combe d’Orveau” 1er Cru, among others; “Louis Latour & the Legacy of Corton Charlemagne,” at 2 p.m. at the Four Seasons Hotel, Atlanta, with the seventh Louis, Louis-Fabrice Latour and his label’s Grand Cru of Corton Charlemagne; and “Passion on the Vine: Wines that Inspired the Book,” at 2 p.m. at Above Trois, with author Sergio Espositio, whose evocative memoir details his journey from Italy to America. All seminars are $100, with $25 as a charitable contribution.
Friday evening is a brilliant blend of wine, food and music at the gala and lot preview, held under the tents in Atlantic Station. A Champagne de Venoge reception and auction preview kicks off the night at 7 p.m., followed by dinner at 8. Caterer A Legendary Event and local chefs Linton Hopkins, Scott Boswell, Sean Brock and Sam Mason partner up for this memorable meal. Dinner is served simultaneously to more than 700 guests. Reservations for this event are limited to Wine Auction Benefactors.
Saturday, March 28, is the final and perhaps the most anticipated event of this four-day adventure. The day begins with the Vintners’ Reception at 11 a.m., followed by the live auction at 1 p.m. As you sample wine from scores of world-class wineries while tasting gourmet goodies from the region’s top chefs, bid on a selection of rare wines, fantastic dinners, exotic trips and artwork. Tickets are $400 per person (with $175 as a charitable contribution).
Later, if you’re not utterly exhausted, tasting and dancing commences under the tents in Atlantic Station, beginning at 7 p.m. “The Big Finish” includes a culmination of everything the Wine Auction represents: great wine, exotic beers and ales, delicious food from Atlanta’s top restaurants, a silent auction and live music. Tickets are $100 for non-members and $75 for museum members ($25 is a charitable contribution).
For tickets to any of the events or for more information, e-mail reservations@atlanta-wineauction.org, visit www.atlanta-wineauction.org or call 404-733-5335.
