For a few days the capital of country music became the capital of wine in the country with an amazing celebration of fines wines and foods, joy, friendship and generosity for a charitable cause, the fight against cancer.
Hugel together with Champagne Pol Roger, Louis Jadot Burgundy and Bordeaux's Château Palmer were the guests of honour of l'Ete du Vin, America’s oldest charity wine auction.
Part of the 3 days events was a tutored tasting with moderator Robin Kelly O'Connor, a black tie gala dinner and an auction where a magnum of our Gewurztraminer Sélection de Grains Nobles 1989 S raised a record 4200 $. These days also saw a series of lunches and dinners hosted by generous donours in their gorgeous home(s) with wines that went well beyond vintages and wines that we had donated.
Above all, Ete du Vin is a celebration of what fine wines is all about, sharing good moments with friends, old or new that included Patrice Noyelle of Champagne Pol Roger, with wife Benedicte whose family owns Clos de Tart, Jacques Lardière of Louis Jadot and Thomas Duroux of Château Palmer, a long time personnal friend.
New friends and local patrons, with most amazing cellars and generosity included Tom Black and Keith Pitts that hosted us in their amazing well cellared homes... current and future ;-)
A huge thank you to the organizers, especially Torrey Stella Barnhill, Events Director, executive director Michael Haney and wine director Collin Husbands. Their professionalism was as precious as their kindness. Last but not least American Airlines that went well beyond their duties to fly us making all possible arrangements... and more !
How could one spend some time in Nashville without a tour of music related landmarks and bars.
PFV friend Patrice Noyelle of Champagne Pol Roger also a partner in our US importer Frederick Wildman even found a soundtrack whose title is Drinking Champagne, feeling no pain... Winston Churchill could not have said it any better !
You can view here a selection of pictures of the event
Comments (3)
Holly Whaley:
Etienne,
Thank you so much for being our honored guest at l'Ete du Vin's Grand Auction this past weekend. It's the generosity of wineries such as yours that helps us raise much needed funds to fight against cancer. And, enjoy wonderful wines!
We hope you will come again,
Holly Whaley
Published by Holly Whaley | 07/14/2008 23:46
Published 07/14/2008 23:46
Torrey Stella Barnhill:
Etienne,
First of all, let me tell you how nice it was having you as one of honored guests. You brought so much to our events (not even factoring in the wines) and made them a huge success.
My only regrets during the auction events are that I do not get to spend time with our guests other than getting them from event to event and keeping them on track. I am afraid my role during the weekend is similar to that of a mother. Please know that I would have loved spending more time talking with you and sampling all of your great wines. I wish you a safe return home (and a great time in Miami). Best wishes, torrey
Warmest Regards,
Torrey Stella Barnhill, Events Director
l'Ete' du Vin
204 23rd Ave. N
Nashville, TN 37203
phone: 615-329-1760
fax: 615-329-1704
torrey.barnhill@nashvillewineauction.com
www.nashvillewineauction.com
Published by Torrey Stella Barnhill | 07/15/2008 12:59
Published 07/15/2008 12:59
Collin Husbands:
Gentlemen, we cannot thank you enough for your time, your wines, your knowledge, your senses of humor and your generous support of l'Ete du Vin. It goes without saying that we could not have done this without you, and that is not to say without "A Special Guest" in general. We have had the best winemakers from around the world honored at our events. They have selflessly given their time and products and have been instrumental in the past success of l'Ete du Vin. However, I can honestly say that we have seldom seen our guests take such a committed interest in making sure we achieve and exceed our goals. And for all your many gifts this weekend, we owe you most for that. I hope that you all enjoyed yourselves as much as we enjoyed having you and speaking for our chairpersons, our Board of Directors, our staff and me personally, you are all welcome in Nashville anytime. We look forward to seeing you here again very soon (We have a lot more wine to drink).
Sincerely,
Collin Husbands
Donations Director
L'Eté du Vin
Published by Collin Husbands | 07/15/2008 16:42
Published 07/15/2008 16:42