“In the Room Where It Happened” and on Zoom… Competition for Periwinkle Foundation’s Iron Sommelier 2021

Lead Photo Credit: Samantha Nicole Tisci

RESULTS: At the end of the evening, Justin Vann, Nancy’s Hustle, took home the title of Iron Sommelier 2021 with his “Italian White Wine: Drink it (with your mouth)!” theme. Other awards included:

1^st runner up – Austin Farina, March 

2^nd runner up – Andres Blanco, Le Jardinier

People’s Choice – Austin Farina, March 

Best Presentation – Adele Corrigan, 13 celsiusWine Bar

OK… let’s back up for the details…

On November 4, Houston’s finest sommeliers were put to the test for the title of ​Iron Sommelier in the Houston’s premier wine tasting and competition benefiting The ​Periwinkle Foundation. Each competing sommelier selected three wines which ​focused on a particular wine region, grape or style, and a panel of judges rated ​wine choice, presentation, creativity, and knowledge of their wine selections.

As an effort to provide a safe and socially-distanced competition, The Periwinkle Foundation offered both virtual and in-person opportunities for guests to experience.Underwriters experienced live presentations and interactive conversations with the ​competing sommeliers at Caracol.

Individual Ticket holders were provided with a take-home dinner and a tasting flight of 12 wines, as well as access to the virtual live presentations from the competing sommeliers and guest winemakers. All guests had access to an exciting wine pull, auction, raffle, and Children’s Art sales.

​Sommeliers competing in the 2021 competition included: David Anderson – ​Mastro’sSteakhouse, Molly Austad – Bludorn, Andres Blanco – Le Jardinier, ​Farrah Cauley – Sonoma Wine Bar, Adele Corrigan – 13 celsius Wine Bar, Eric ​Estefano – Pappas Bros. Steakhouse, Austin Farina – March, John Mason – ​River Oaks Country Club, Emily Tolbert – Savoir, Justin Vann – Nancy’s Hustle, ​Robert Waltrip – The Club at Carlton Woods, Elyse Wilson – Camerata.

​The competing sommeliers were judged by:Craig Collins, MS- Sales Manager, ​VINTUS; Antonio Gianola– Manager, Houston Wine Merchants; Liz Palmer– ​Executive Director Texas Wine School/Managing Partner AOC.

At the end of the evening, Justin Vann, Nancy’s Hustle, took home the title of Iron Sommelier 2021 with his “Italian White Wine: Drink it (with your mouth)!” theme. Other awards included: 

1^st runner up – Austin Farina, March 

2^nd runner up – Andres Blanco, Le Jardinier

People’s Choice – Austin Farina, March 

Best Presentation – Adele Corrigan, 13 celsiusWine Bar

​The evening raised more than $390,000 for Periwinkle’s Camps, Arts and Survivor programs for children, teens and their families challenged by cancer and other life-threatening illnesses.  

GUESTS:                      ​Julie and Doug Osburn, Colin LaFavers, Anne and John Clutterbuck, Paulina and Jim McGrath, Jenifer and Scott Jarriel, Jayne and Carlos Rivera, Cathy Petrello, Chris and Steve Vierra

PHOTO CREDIT:​Eric Forsythe     ​

ABOUT:​​The Periwinkle Foundation develops and provides programs that positively ​change the lives of children, young adults and families who are challenged by ​cancer and other life threatening illnesses and are cared for at Texas Children’s ​Hospital. Funds raised through Iron Sommelier help support the Periwinkle ​Camps, Arts and Survivor Programs that serve more than 14,000 children, teens ​and families. This is made possible by a collaborative community of 20,000 ​supporters.

For more information, visit www.ironsommelier.org or www.periwinklefoundation.org.