ATLANTA’S HIGH MUSEUM WINE AUCTION

THE GREAT WINE EVENT-PRESTIGE WITH PURPOSE

By Doc Lawrence

Celebrating its 20th anniversary, The High Museum Atlanta Wine Auction, the largest charity wine auction in the U.S. benefiting the arts and the fifth largest overall has brought more than $19 million over the years to the museum. All of Georgia and the Southeast directly benefit from the educational and exhibition events made possible from these funds.

Everything is ready to begin. From March 28 through March 31, the auction, held under the big-top tents in Atlantic Station, offers gourmet excitement including Dine Around Dinners on March 28, the all-inclusive global Trade Tasting plus in-home Winemaker Dinners on March 29. On Friday, the highly popular and meaningful tasting seminars fill the day, followed by the highly-anticipated Friday Night Fête, a special evening under the tents with acclaimed guest chefs preparing a multi-course menu served with fine wines while couples dance to live ballroom music. Saturday is the main event: the Vintners’ Reception and Live Auction.

2012 marks my 20^th year at the Auction and almost everything I know about the importance of wine to the arts has been acquired by countless enlightening encounters and priceless experiences. Over the years, thousands attending have been enriched by learning from authentic celebrity chefs, legendary winemakers, authors, television personalities, all intertwined with the culinary culture of the South and the planet.

I’ll be at the renowned Iberian Pig in Decatur on March 28 for a wine dinner, followed by appearances on seminar day beginning with a blind tasting challenge featuring 20 Oregon wineries, an event that is equal parts competition, classroom and mingling with winemakers.

Another special seminar is titled Discover Your Alter Ego with Château Palmer. The heralded wines of Château Palmer express the estate’s unique terroir and long history. With precision and concentration, Palmer’s wines represent finesse, elegance and emotion, the pinnacle of Bordeaux wines. Jean-Louis Carbonnier, U.S. manager of Château Palmer, shares insights into this acclaimed estate and conducts a tasting of six vintages of Château Palmer and Alter Ego.

Some say the word Chile may have been derived from a word that means “where the land ends.” You cannot learn too much about Chilean wines. This South American country’s winemaking dates back to the 16th century when Spanish conquistadores brought vines with them. Winemaker Miguel Torres Jr., leads a journey through the origin of Chilean viticulture featuring 2011 Torres “Santa Digna” Savignon Blanc, 2009 Torres “Santa Digna” Carmenere, 2008 Torres “Cordillera” Cariñena and 2007 “Manso de Velasco” Cabernet.

Please take a moment to say hello. Atlanta is home and I love to meet new people who will soon become friends.