The 2008 High Museum Wine Auction

A new twist was put on the venerable Oscars of Wine this year, thanks to the ingenuity of Todd Rushing of Concentrics Restaurants. Held at TROIS, the competition took on more of a Hollywood theme as guests sipped and voted for their favorites. Vajra Stratigos of Fifth Group was declared the winner for his entry into the Best Foreign category: Chateau Beaucastel, Chateauneuf du Pape 1998. Thanks go to wine experts Rick Stack (Wine Maverick), Chris Hinton (The Wine Store) and Michael McNeill (Quality Wine & Spirits) and celebrity judges Todd Rushing, Doug Bryant, Jane Garvey, Doug Strickland and Herve Pennequin. The Secret Cellars Tour was another festive event—guests visited and tasted wines at four incredible private cellars. The evening culminated with a sumptuous buffet at the home of Paul and Sara Steinfeld prepared by A Legendary Event.

Annie Boland, George Escarra and Cathy Dunn	Fifth Group's Vajra Stratigos, 2008 Winner
Dr. Steve & Jessica Smalt	Designer and owner of CP Fusao, Christine Philip, with model and TROIS server Maribeth Coulter
At The Secret Cellars Tour, Sommelier Herve Pennequin of The Tasting Room	Sommelier Jody Bauck from Cherokee Country Club
Revelers John Feltman, John Snodgrass and Hilton Howell	Sommelier Michael McNeill of Quality Wine & Spirits with Secret Cellar host Pete Mounts
Premier Benefactor Maggie Wheeler	Barbara Levy and Suzanne Plybon, partner, Arnall Golden Gregory Private Wealth Group, sponsors of the VIP Breakfast

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