At a stellar event April 29, the nonprofit organization raised over $200K for Hill Country Hospitality workers and industry research
AUSTIN, TX (May 15, 2023) – Texas Wine Revolution (TWR), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, is proud to announce that its second annual Texas Wine Auction raised a total of $245,134 through donations made during the live and silent auctions that took place at the event on April 29. The nonprofit organization surpassed its goal for this year and proceeds from the event will go to Texas A&M Agrilife Extension programs aimed at benefiting the Texas wine industry and wellness programs for Hill Country Hospitality workers.
The Texas Wine Revolution is also thrilled to announce the winner of its first chef competition, Chef Austin Simmons of TRIS. Chef Austin prepared an oak-grilled big rib with a kimchi vinaigrette, scallion and Korean chili that wowed the crowd and ultimately earned him the top prize. Chef Mike Hall of Hill & Vine came in second, followed by Chef Roshni Gurnani (Rosh) in third. All eight participating chefs —including Chef Angie Ragan, Chef Krystyna Pettus, Chef Evan Michels, Chef Matt Church and Chef Luis Villalva — presented dishes that paired expertly with Texas wines.
The Texas Wine Auction was developed to bring together a collective of Texas wineries and winemakers to showcase the beauty of Texas-grown wine and raise money for some incredible organizations. On April 29, over 200 wine enthusiasts came together in Fredericksburg, Texas, for an evening of sipping Texas-made wines, sampling dishes from local celebrity chefs and, of course, bidding on incredible auction items. A trip to Napa Valley was the biggest auction lot of the evening. Additional auction items included various staycations throughout Texas, a helicopter tour of the Hill Country, custom dinner packages and a set of hand-forged iron chef’s pans, which had the most bids during the evening.
“It was truly humbling to see how many people joined together to raise funds for the Texas wine industry,” said Dave Bryant, Cofounder of the Texas Wine Auction. “We have an incredibly strong and fun-loving community of wine enthusiasts that love our mission and we are grateful to them for raising their paddles in support of our hardworking Texas Hill Country hospitality workers.”
Funds raised from the auction of a 15-liter bottle of specially blended wine from over 17 wineries will go directly to AgriLife Extension for specialty projects in support of the Texas Wine Auctions mission. The winning bidder was the Auction Presenting Sponsor, Dr. Robert Ebeling III, MD, who will add this large-format bottle to his collection and get to participate in blending the wine along with the winemakers for the 2024 auction.
The success of the second annual Texas Wine Auction was made possible by community members coming together to support the Texas wine industry. Their donations will help provide the hospitality industry with easy access to simple medical care, mental health services and to fund the growth of the Texas wine industry to create new opportunities for local residents and Texas wine enthusiasts, and further Texas wine. More than 20 wineries participated, including 2023 featured wineries Inwood Estates and William Chris Vineyards. The Texas Wine Auction is excited to return in 2024 and will announce the date later this year.
To learn more about the Texas Wine Auction, please visit www.texaswineauction.com.
ABOUT TEXAS WINE REVOLUTION
Texas Wine Revolution is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to cultivating consumer education and awareness of Texas-grown wines as well as giving back to the industry and communities it operates in. In 2022 Texas Wine Revolution announced its inaugural Texas Wine Auction, an event supporting community and industry through a showcase of Texas wine and world-class cuisine presented by top culinary talents from around the country.
