Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo 2015 Champion Wine Auction

March 1, 2015 – Houston: The 2015 Rodeo Uncorked! Champion Wine Auction and Dinner overflowed with generous bids from supportive buyers of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. Approximately 900 people interested in purchasing the award-winning wines attended the auction Sunday, March 1 at NRG Center.

The auction sold award-winning wines from the 2015 Rodeo Uncorked! International Wine Competition held in November.

For a record price of $232,000, the 2015 Grand Champion Best of Show Wine sold to buyers Mimi and Tom Dompier; Kristina and Paul Somerville; Jennifer and Joe Van Matre; Sheridan and John Eddie Williams. The Grand Champion Best of Show Wine was Rombauer Vineyards Diamond Selection Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, California 2010.

“The Rodeo does the best job of distributing the money to where it needs to go — the young people in the state of Texas,” said buyer Paul Somerville.

The Reserve Grand Champion Best of Show Wine, Charles-Le-Bel, Brut, Champagne, France NV sold for $200,000 to buyers Brad Fish; Gay and Red Griffin; and Araly and Chuck Simmons.

“My husband and I have always dedicated February and March to the Rodeo. The good that they do is incomparable.” said Gay Griffin. “We will always be here.”

The auction presented 53 lots with a total of 330 wines from the International Wine Competition. The competition boasted 2,578 entries, including wines from 43 Texas wineries and 16 different countries. Medals were awarded to 2,221 wines by 20 panels of judges, consisting of wine experts, collectors, and knowledgeable consumers.

The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is a Section 501(c)(3) charity that benefits youth, supports education, and facilitates better agricultural practices through exhibitions and presentation. The 2015 Show runs March 3 – 22. For tickets and more information, visit rodeohouston.com and connect with RODEOHOUSTON online via Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, Pinterest and Tumblr for all of the latest news. Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Heritage Partners are NRG, Ford, Miller Lite, Coca-Cola, BP America and Mattress Firm.