RodeoHouston officially begins on Tuesday at NRG Park, but several events have already taken place in anticipation of the main festivities. One of the highlights was the 22nd annual Champion Wine Auction and Dinner, which took place on Sunday. The event, hosted by meteorologist Chita Craft, featured a four-course white glove dinner and both live and silent auctions, drawing wine enthusiasts and philanthropists alike.
A total of 518 wines from the Rodeo Uncorked! International Wine Competition in November were auctioned off. The Grand Champion Best of Show, Champagne Bollinger Special Cuvée Brut Champagne AOC, NV, was sold for an impressive $200,000 to a group of buyers. Meanwhile, the Reserve Grand Champion, a Markham Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley, fetched an even higher price at $225,000, with notable buyers including developer J Alan Kent and rapper Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson.
Silent Auction Highlights and Global Wine Showcase at RodeoHouston Festivities
In addition to the high-profile live auction, a silent auction offered unique luxury experiences such as international hunting trips, coastal lodging in Spain, and a Caviar and Champagne tasting. Nearly 3,000 wines from 965 brands across the world were featured in the competition, with top entries coming from the U.S., Italy, France, and Argentina. Texas wines were also well-represented, with 558 entries showcasing the state’s growing influence in winemaking.
The naming of the wine Grand Champion and Reserve Grand Champion followed the World’s Championship Bar-B-Que Contest, another major event leading up to RodeoHouston. The weekend also featured the annual Rodeo Parade, which wound through downtown Houston, bringing excitement and anticipation for the upcoming rodeo events. With such a strong kickoff, RodeoHouston is set to deliver another year of thrilling competitions and celebrations.