High Museum Atlanta Wine Auction launches 20th year

Lorri McClain and Kim Noonan, center, celebrate winning a lot at the High Museum Atlanta Wine Auction earlier this year. Image by CatMax Photography LLC.

ATLANTA – The High Museum Atlanta Wine Auction is celebrating its 20th anniversary and saluting all those who have helped make it such a success over the past two decades, including corporate sponsors, the volunteer committee, past co-chairs, chefs and the winemakers.

The High’s event, which will be March 28-31, is the largest charity wine auction in the U.S. benefiting the arts, and the largest fundraising event for the museum.

The funds generated by the auction, which amount to more than $19 million over the last 19 years, are a significant contribution to the High’s exhibition and educational programming.

The High Museum Wine Auction’s special guests of honor for 2012 are Jim Clendenen from Au Bon Climat, Robert Bower from Fladgate Partnership and Miguel Torres Jr. from Torres. David Fischer from Ramey Wine Cellars is the special friend-in-wine. Special guest chefs are Ben and Karen Barker from Magnolia Grill, Durham, N.C.,; Gerry Klaskala from Aria; Anne Quatrano from Bacchanalia, Floataway Café, Star Provisions, Quinones and Abattoir; and Frank Stitt from Highlands Bar and Grill, Birmingham, Ala.

“We look forward to great bidding on spectacular auction lots to ensure another successful wine auction.” said Cate Candler Singerman, wine auction maager.

Beginning Wednesday, March 28, and continuing through Saturday, March 31, the auction will again raise its trademark big-top tents in Atlantic Station. The week-of festivities will include the Artist Dinner and Dine Around Dinners on Wednesday, March 28, and the Trade Tasting and in-home Winemaker Dinners on Thursday, March 29. On Friday, March 30, several Tasting Seminars will be held, followed by the Friday Night Fête, a special evening under the tents for benefactors, sponsors and winemakers, with the 2012 special guest chefs preparing a multicourse menu. Saturday, March 31, will feature the main event: the Vintners’ Reception and Live Auction.

For more information about specific events, visit www.atlanta-wineauction.org.