Nashville Wine Auction Gears up for 34th Annual l’Eté du Vin to Fight Cancer
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (May 14, 2013) – The Nashville Wine Auction is pleased to announce the 34th Annual l’Eté du Vin, which will take place from July 17-20, 2013. This year’s auction theme, Pour de France, will highlight the most notable wine regions of France, specifically Champagne, Burgundy and Bordeaux.
This year’s Co-Chairs, Jim and Lisa Fitzsimmons and Doug and Denise McMillan, are committed to continuing the traditions of all l’Eté du Vin events. “We are extremely excited to host these events to continue our efforts in raising money to support the fight against cancer,” says Nashville Wine Auction’s Executive Director, Holly Whaley. “We look forward to continued growth for our beneficiaries!”
As attendees “pour” their way through the wine regions of France, they will be joined by three guests of honor: Pierre-Emmanuel Taittinger, Martine Saunier and Nicolas Glumineau. Pierre-Emmauel Taittinger is the president of The Taittinger Estate, which is the third-oldest wine producing house in Champagne and one of the few remaining Champagne houses that is family-owned. Distinguished for its extensive vineyard holdings of 752 acres, Taittinger is recognized worldwide among connoisseurs for its delicate and natural flavor.
Martine Saunier, founder of Martine’s Wines, Inc., is commonly referred to as a “rock star of the wine world.” Martine has dedicated her life to bringing French wines to America and is the first woman to establish a wine importing company in the United States. Martine has earned an excellent reputation for her ability to recognize the most exceptional burgundies.
Nicolas Glumineau is the Chief Executive Officer of Chateau Pichon Langueville Comtesse de Lalande. Nicolas has spent time in some of Bordeaux’s greatest vineyards, including Chateau Margaux, Chateau Haut-Brion and Chateau Montrose. Chateau Pichon Langueville Comtesse de Lalande has been run by only three families whose work has made this Chateau and its Pauillac wines world-class.
The schedule of events is as follows:
- Grand Cru Evening, Thursday, June 20, 2013 – $250/person
- A Year in Burgundy, Wednesday, July 17, 2013 – $30/person, $100/VIP
- Vintners’ Tasting, Thursday, July 18, 2013 – $135/person
- Patrons’ Dinner, Friday, July 19, 2013 – $1000/person
- 34th Annual l’Eté du Vin, Saturday, July 20, 2013 – $275/person
The Grand Cru Evening will kick off l’Eté du Vin with a cocktail party for the Ladies’ and Gentlemen’s Underwriting Committee. The Nashville Wine Auction Catalog will be previewed on this night, allowing guests a glimpse of the wines to be auctioned.
A Year in Burgundy will be hosted by guest of honor, Martine Saunier, who will showcase her documentary, A Year in Burgundy, at The Franklin Theater. Guests can sample white and red burgundies and nibble on truffle popcorn as they learn about the French wine-making process. VIP guests will be able to attend a pre-event reception with Martine, taste premium wines, and have special seating.
The following evening will feature a unique selection of French Wines. With the guests of honor, the Vintners’ Tasting will give attendees the opportunity to learn more about the highlighted wines in depth.
The Patrons’ Dinner is an exclusive opportunity for the gourmand. James Beard Award winning chef, Sean Brock (McCrady’s Restaurant and Husk, Charleston, SC), will return to the Hermitage Hotel with Chef Tyler Brown (Capitol Grille, Nashville, TN) to prepare an exquisite night of wine and food.
At l’Eté du Vin, guests will enjoy a superb selection of wines, indulge in an impressive dinner, and bid on the wines, dinners, fine gifts, and travel featured in both Live and Silent Auctions. Great music and dancing conclude a celebratory evening all in support of a great cause!
ABOUT NASHVILLE WINE AUCTION: Established in 1980, the Nashville Wine Auction is the oldest charity wine auction in the country. It has raised over $17 million for organizations whose purpose is directly related to treatment, patient care, and eradication of cancer here in Middle Tennessee. The 2012 list of beneficiaries includes: American Cancer Society’s Hope Lodge, Pearl Point Cancer Support, Gilda’s Club/Nashville, Make-A-Wish Foundation® of Middle Tennessee, Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, Saint Thomas Cancer Network, and Williamson Medical Center Foundation.
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