HIGH MUSEUM ATLANTA WINE AUCTION CELEBRATES 30TH ANNIVERSARY AS NATION’S LEADING CHARITY WINE AUCTION FOR THE ARTS

Wine enthusiasts from around the world are invited to celebrate the 30th annual High Museum Atlanta Wine Auction as “the legend grows” with three event-filled days, March 24-26, 2022.

The Wine Auction is the largest fundraising event for the Museum and the biggest wine auction in the United States benefiting the arts, boasting more than $33 million raised over the last 29 years. More than 175 wineries and restaurants will participate this year as the Auction returns to the tents at Atlanta’s Atlantic Station.

Since it launched in 1993, the Auction has provided significant funding for the High’s exhibitions and education programs. The Paddle Raise, benefiting the Museum’s Art Access program, has raised more than $1.7 million since it began in 2006. These funds provide teacher resources and museum access to more than 125,000 students throughout the state each year.

“As we celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Wine Auction, we reflect on our many years of success and our benefactors’ steadfast support, which was essential to help us navigate the past two years,” said Rand Suffolk, Nancy and Holcombe T. Green, Jr., director of the High. “Without their generosity, the Museum wouldn’t be what it is today. We can’t wait to bring our incredible vintners, chefs and restaurant partners together to raise vital funds for the Museum; funds that empower us to deliver extraordinary artistic engagement and be the place where all of Atlanta is comfortable coming together.”

Steven Hargrove, associate director, Wine Auction and special events for the High, added, “Wine, food and art are best enjoyed in the company of friends. This year, we are thrilled to shift back to all in-person celebrations after hosting many of our events virtually over the past two years. We look forward to celebrating our Wine Auction history and toasting to many more years at the 2022 events.”

The 2022 Wine Auction co-chairs are Katie Johnson and Caryl Smith. Johnson has been involved with the Auction for many years as a committee member and event host, and she previously served as co-chair in 2006. Smith returns this year after co-chairing last year’s Auction, which raised over $1.1 million.

The 2022 Special Guest of Honor is Paula Kornell, principal of Kornell Wine Company. Reviving a Napa Valley tradition begun by her father, pioneering winemaker Hanns Kornell of Kornell Champagne Cellars, Paula carries on her family legacy with Paula Kornell Sparkling Wines and as a consultant with esteemed wine brands and appellations throughout Napa and Sonoma counties. Deeply connected to philanthropy, she has been involved with the Wine Auction since its inception in 1993 and has participated every year in various capacities. In 2009, she served as president of the board of directors for the Napa Valley Vintners, filling a position her father held 45 years earlier.

This year’s Special Guest Chef is Mashama Bailey, award-winning executive chef and co-founder of the critically acclaimed restaurant The Grey in Savannah, Georgia. She also founded and runs its all-day counterpart, The Grey Market, in partnership with Johno Morisano. Since opening in December 2014, The Grey has earned numerous accolades, including being named a Food & Wine magazine Restaurant of the Year, one of Time Magazine’s “The World’s Greatest Places” and a semifinalist for the James Beard Foundation’s Best New Restaurant award. With the premiere of the sixth season of Netflix’s “Chef’s Table,” Bailey became the first African American chef to star on the show. She is the chairwoman of the Edna Lewis Foundation, and she published a co-written culinary memoir, “Black, White and The Grey” with Morisano in January 2021.

This year’s Wine Auction events kick off on Thursday, March 24, and conclude on Saturday, March 26:

High Revelry — March 24: This is the perfect event to start your Wine Auction journey and a great way to tickle your taste buds with a dozen (or more) pours from superb wineries, along with sample treats from some of Atlanta’s best restaurants. It’s a mini-vintners’ reception in the tents with music.

Winemaker Dinners — March 24: Hosted in the most gracious homes, these events feature visiting winemakers pairing wines for each course of intimate, luscious dinners created by celebrated chefs from Atlanta and beyond.

Ladies Luncheon — March 25: Chef Anne Quatrano and a team of women vintners, chefs and winemakers will host a lunch at award-winning Bacchanalia for the ladies of the Wine Auction.

Gents Lunch — March 25: Winemakers open their best bottles to be shared over a multicourse meal at this event that will also include bourbon tastings and auction lots.

Uncorked! — March 25: Join Special Guest Chef Bailey and winemakers for a seated, gourmet dinner celebrating the craft and artistry of wine, with renowned vintners seated at each table, pouring their pride and joy. After dessert, stick around for live music and dancing.

Vintners’ Reception and Live Auction — March 26: One thousand guests gather for the main event to celebrate wine, food, art and friendship, with more than 100 world-class vintners and dozens of Atlanta’s top restaurants showcasing their best wines and savory samples. At the Auction, benefactors bid on lots featuring unique experiences, unforgettable wines and once-in-a-lifetime

For more information, visit www.highmuseumwine.org.