Nashville Wine Auction’s Pairings was back in person this year and, along with it, all the gusto of previous incarnations. The three-day event is rightfully billed as “Nashville’s ultimate wine and food weekend,” and for the 10th anniversary of this celebration, the organizers certainly proved it. And in the process, they brought Nashville’s wine community together to fund the fight against cancer.
The fun and fundraising began on Thursday night with the private vintner dinners. Hosted in 14 restaurants and homes around the city, these lucky connoisseurs met the featured winemakers, tasted their wines and enjoyed one-of-a-kind menus from some of Nashville’s favorite chefs, including Johnny Haffner, Tony Galzin of Nicky’s Coal Fired, Miel’s chef Jason Lalacona and Burke Conley of Cater615.
The next night, a jubilant crowd of neophytes, enthusiasts and aficionados flocked to City Winery for the sold-out Wined Up. Featuring 25 premier West Coast vintners pouring more than 60 wines, there was something for every taste, from sparkling and chardonnay to pinot noir and cabernet sauvignon. Some attendees even arrived with a must-try list of wines they wanted to taste.
Upstairs, in the popular Collectors’ Showcase, guests enjoyed some truly extraordinary offerings from top-notch vintners, like Senses, Opus One, The Spire Collection and Roy Estate. The more intimate setting provided not only a chance to chat leisurely with the winemakers, but also a perfect spot to watch the action below.
In addition to sipping and socializing, revelers participated in some competitive bidding for the exceptional wine lots in the silent auction, with the proceeds going to the Nashville Wine Auction and its local partners. Good company, great wine and a greater cause have been the trademark of Wined Up, and it once again lived up to its reputation as one of Nashville’s premier wine tasting events.
Holly Hoffman
Associate Editor
