For 47 years, l’Eté du Vin has united the wine community in the fight against cancer. 

What began as a new opportunity to support the American Cancer Society’s Davidson County fundraising in 1980 has transformed into an annual charity wine auction raising over $2 million each year for cancer research and patient/caregiver support organizations. 

l’Eté du Vin Dinner and Auction is the culmination of an exciting weekend of wine. This year, l’Eté du Vin presents The Art of Wine: Expressions of the Roederer Collection. Whether this is your first time joining us or you’re a returning patron, here’s everything you need to know before attending our signature fundraising event. 

The Evening at a Glance

l’Eté du Vin Dinner and Auction is a seated dinner and live auction experience bringing together the wine community for a night of exceptional wine, exquisite cuisine, and spirited fundraising for cancer research and support services for patients and caregivers.

This signature event is lively and celebratory, with a seat at the table for both first-time guests and longtime supporters. Dress code for the evening is cocktail attire. This is an elevated evening, but not black-tie or formal. Think polished, festive, and comfortable. 

Upon arrival, guests will enjoy a wine tasting reception with featured wineries. After the reception, the evening transitions to a seated, multi-course dinner. While l’Eté du Vin features outstanding wines during the reception, we do not provide wine during dinner itself. Most of our patrons bring their own cellar favorites to share with their table. We invite you to bring your own wine for dinner. 

During the auction, there are three ways to participate: Silent and Super Silent Auction (through Mobile Bidding), Live Auction, and Raise Your Paddle Mission Moment.

Welcoming guests of honor 

l’Eté du Vin welcomed its first official Guest of Honor in 1986, featuring a prominent personality in the wine community who could speak to certain wines and lend credibility. Charles Sonnenberg, owner of Frugal MacDoogal, agreed to approach his godfather Peter M.F. Sichel, who is internationally known for saving the German wine industry post-WWII and creating the Blue Nun brand. 

For the last 40 years, a Guest (or Guests) of Honor have joined us for l’Eté du Vin events, offering insights into their wines poured at the Vintners’ Tasting, enjoying a gourmet dinner alongside our community at the Patrons’ Dinner and celebrating together during the Dinner and Live Auction. 

This year, l’Eté du Vin will welcome Frédéric Rouzaud of Maison Louis Roederer and Nicolas Glumineau of Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande as Guests of Honor. 

Wine Tasting Reception 

The l’Eté du Vin Wine Tasting Reception begins at 5:00 pm. We recommend arriving during the reception – which lasts until dinner begins at 6:30 pm.

The Wine Tasting Reception will feature selections from the Roederer Collection, including Champagne Louis Roederer, Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande, Château de Pez, Diamond Creek Vineyards, Domaines Ott, Merry Edwards Winery, and Roederer Estate.

During the reception, guests are invited to browse an exciting selection of auction lots, including Ready to Buy, Ready to Drink magnums. These special lots are designed to be enjoyed that very evening, with bottles delivered directly to each winning bidder’s table once the Silent Auction closes. Consider bidding on one of these incredible bottles to share with friends and savor with dinner.

Guests can visit the Nicholas Air team in the lobby to learn more about luxury private air travel and stop by Clear360° for a glass-polishing demonstration. While there, be sure to enter their complimentary drawing for a Clear360° PRO Glassware Polisher.

This year’s featured raffle, Luck Meets Luxury invites guests to enter for a chance to win an unforgettable five-night Mykonos escape for up to six guests. Entries will be available through Mobile Bidding or during the reception, with the winner announced later that evening during the Live Auction. Picture yourself in Mykonos—and let luck take you there!

l’Eté du Vin Dinner 

The evening’s dinner will be prepared by the JW Marriott culinary team, led by Executive Banquet Chef Donald Thompson. The full menu will be published in the Auction Catalog, giving guests the opportunity to preview each course and plan their wine pairings in advance.

Participating in the Auction 

On Saturday evening, there are multiple ways to participate in the auction and we encourage you to engage at whatever level feels right for you! If you’ve never bid before, our team and volunteers are happy to help. The auctioneer will also guide you through the Live Auction step by step.

Silent and Super Silent Auction — Bidding in the Silent and Super Silent Auction takes place on your phone through Mobile Bidding. You’ll receive a link either via text or email to access the auction. No app download is required – just click the link. Bidding opens on Tuesday, July 28. The Silent Auction closes at 6:25 pm, and the Super Silent Auction closes around 8:15 pm on Saturday, August 1. 

Live Auction — The Live Auction takes place shortly after dinner is served — so come prepared to bid high and often! Pick up your paddle at registration and get ready for a high-energy, fast-paced, and fully guided experience. 

Raise Your Paddle Mission Moment — During this special time, guests may give at any level to directly support the cause. It’s a meaningful way to participate—and a powerful moment to join in, even if another lot doesn’t go your way. We hope you’ll raise your paddle and be part of the impact.

Pro Tip: Take a look at the lots before you arrive! While all lots are displayed during the reception, the Auction Catalog is mailed to registered guests who opt in for one 7-10 days prior, and posted online at NashvilleWineAuction.com. If you do not receive a catalog in the mail or forget to bring it on Saturday evening, you may pick one up at the registration table.

Learn more about our auction in our Auction 101 blog here. 

l’Eté du Vin puts the “fun” in funding the fight. 

This evening is always memorable and we’ve lost count of the exciting moments we’ve experienced over the last 47 years. Every paddle raised and bid placed directly funds cancer research and support services for patients and caregivers—leaving an impact that lasts long past the fun of the evening.

Tickets are on sale now for the 47th Annual l’Eté du Vin. Join us for a night of great fun all for a greater cause! Purchase tickets here.

Want to learn more about the history of l’Eté du Vin? Read more here. 

About the 101 Series

This article is an installment in our 101 series, inspired by the internal “101 sessions” we’ve long used to onboard new interns and new team members at Nashville Wine Auction. Over the years, these informal trainings have proven invaluable in breaking down the inner workings of our events and helping first-timers feel confident and prepared. We realized all our attendees could benefit from the same insider knowledge. In the coming months, we’ll continue the series with additional 101 articles designed to demystify different aspects of our events — from event overviews to wine selection and beyond.

The post l’Eté du Vin 101: Everything you need to know before attending the nation’s longest running charity wine auction appeared first on Nashville Wine Auction.

For nearly 250 years, the House of Louis Roederer has defined what Champagne can be. This summer, Nashville Wine Auction guests will experience wines from the legendary House of Louis Roederer and its collective of estates known as the Roederer Collection July 30-August 1. 

The 47th Annual l’Eté du Vin presents The Art of Wine: Expressions of the Roederer Collection, celebrating this extraordinary family of estates spanning Champagne, Bordeaux, Provence, the Rhône Valley, Portugal, and California. This year’s events will feature select wines from the Collection, offering guests a rare opportunity to experience several of its most distinctive expressions.  

Guest of Honor Frédéric Rouzaud leads Maison Louis Roederer, which continues as one of the few Champagne houses to remain firmly in the same family since its founding in 1776. 

Since then, the name “Louis Roederer” has been renowned in the wine community, widely for its excellence in the production of Champagne. In the modern era, the Roederer Collection was created via a group of “Maisons” with shared values and a desire to work toward a common goal while maintaining each estate’s independence.

On August 1, guests of the l’Eté du Vin Dinner and Live Auction will enjoy a Wine Tasting Reception featuring selections from these estates: Champagne Louis Roederer, Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande, Château de Pez, Diamond Creek Vineyards, Domaines Ott, Merry Edwards Winery & Vineyards, and Roederer Estate. 

For guests, the evening offers an exclusive opportunity to experience the range of the Roederer Collection in one place — from celebrated Champagne and age-worthy Bordeaux to Provençal rosé, California sparkling wine, and iconic Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. Each wine tells its own story, while together they reflect a shared commitment to craftsmanship, place, and visionary stewardship.

Champagne Louis Roederer was founded in 1776 and for two centuries, seven successive generations have been responsible for building a reputation for quality and continuity. 

Louis Roederer prides itself on the art of making Champagne — an artistry that can only be attained when it begins with a commitment to the individual vines. 

The cuvées of the House of Louis Roederer are the fruit of patient work with fundamental ingredients, the collaboration of experts, a quest for the perfect balance, and hardy and generous grapes, cultivated in the Champagne soil, producing a wine with a vibrant character and crystalline elegance.

Champagne Louis Roederer will be pouring Louis Roederer Blanc de Blancs Brut 2019, Louis Roederer Brut 2018, and Louis Roederer Brut Rosé 2017 at the Reception. 

Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande is part of the original Bordeaux Grands Crus Classification of 1855 and often referred to as a “Super Second.” Nicolas Glumineau, General Manager & Winemaker for Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande and Château de Pez, will join Frédéric this year as Guest of Honor at l’Eté du Vin. 

Situated in the Médoc region in France, Maison Louis Roederer acquired the property in 2007 from May Eliane de Lencquesaing, who inherited the estate in 1978 and ran it with great devotion for 30 years.

Château Pichon Comtesse’s wines are spectacular characterizations of the Pauillac terroir, representing centuries of tradition, passion, and stewardship of the land.

Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande will pour Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande 2018 and Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande 2010 at the Reception.

Château de Pez’s history begins in the 15th century, making it the oldest domaine in Saint-Estèphe. The Pontac family, then-owners of Château Haut-Brion, gave Pez its vineyards, remaining in the hands of their descendants until the French Revolution. 

The vineyards were sold as a property of the state, belonging to a succession of families until 1995, when they were purchased by Champagne Louis Roederer.

Château de Pez consists of 104 continuous acres in Bordeaux’s Left Bank with 94 acres planted to prime grape varieties, mainly Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Château de Pez is counted among the most highly reputed crus of the Médoc and was reclassified as a Cru Bourgeois Exceptionnel in 2003.

At the Reception, Château de Pez will pour Château de Pez 2020.

For over half a century, Diamond Creek Vineyards has produced Single-Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignons from its estate in Napa Valley’s Diamond Mountain. It was founded in 1968 by Al and Boots Brounstein, pioneers of the modern Napa Valley wine industry. 

Early on, the Brounsteins recognized the valley’s sustainability for growing Cabernet Sauvignon and dissected the property into four parcels with distinct terroirs: Volcanic Hill, Gravelly Meadow, Red Rock Terrace, and Lake.

Diamond Creek was acquired by Maison Louis Roederer in 2020. The Rouzaud and Brounstein families have a relationship stretching back three decades, which continues today with a mutual respect for history and a generational vision for the future. 

Diamond Creek will pour Diamond Creek Volcanic Hill Cabernet Sauvignon 2022, Diamond Creek Gravelly Meadow Cabernet Sauvignon 2022, and Diamond Creek Red Rock Terrace Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 at the Reception.

After touring many vineyards in France, Marcel Ott—a recent graduate of agronomy engineering from Alsace—finally found an estate that inspired him in 1896. Ott discovered vines suffering from the insect pest phylloxera, securing cheaper land but sacrificing the vineyards. 

The wine lost its soul in the vineyard’s destruction, but Ott bought several estates and began renovating them determined to create great Provençal wines from noble grape varieties.

130 years later, Jean-François Ott represents the 4th generation at the helm of Domaines Ott and continues the story. In 2004, Domaines Ott joined the Roederer Collection and its fabulous selection of estates.

At the Reception, Domaines Ott will pour Domaines Ott Château Romassan Bandol Rosé 2024. 

Founded in 1997, Merry Edwards Winery produces terroir-driven, single-vineyard Pinot Noirs from 80 acres of estate vineyards in the Russian River Valley. The winery is also widely recognized for its acclaimed Sauvignon Blanc.

For over two decades Merry employed meticulous attention to detail to become known for crafting Pinot Noirs of immense depth, elegant structure and exceptional longevity while assembling the collection of vineyards. That same precision and dedication extend to Merry Edwards Sauvignon Blanc, known for its expressive aromatics, vibrant texture, and beautifully balanced character.

After Merry’s retirement in 2020, Merry’s handpicked successor Winemaker Heidi von der Mehden and Winery President Nicole Carter have taken up exactly where Merry left off. Merry Edwards Winery is now a Certified California Sustainable Winery. 

At the Reception, Merry Edwards will pour Merry Edwards Winery Sauvignon Blanc 2024.

Roederer Estate was established in 1982 by Frédéric’s father Jean-Claude Rouzaud in Mendocino County’s cool, fog-shrouded Anderson Valley. 

Operating as the California outpost of Champagne Louis Roederer, Roederer Estate winery builds upon a centuries-old tradition of fine winemaking. Roederer Estate’s sparkling wines are produced with Estate-grown grapes from the winery’s own vineyards. 

The multi-vintage Roederer Estate Anderson Valley Brut debuted in 1988 to great acclaim, followed by the Roederer Estate Brut Rosé and Roederer Estate’s tête de cuvée, L’Ermitage.

Roederer Estate will pour Roederer Estate Apple Alley Vineyard 2020. 

Discover the stories behind the Roederer Collection and sample these extraordinary wines on August 1 at l’Eté du Vin. Tickets available here. 

The post Uncorking the Roederer Collection at the 47th Annual l’Eté du Vin appeared first on Nashville Wine Auction.

NASHVILLE, TN (May 15, 2025) – Nashville Wine Auction is now accepting applications for the 3rd Annual Somm Showdown, an exciting live competition showcasing skilled and passionate Tennessee sommeliers. Contestants will face off on Sunday, November 15, 2026 at GEODIS Park. 

The Somm Showdown engages sommeliers, chefs and guests in a celebration of wine knowledge, skill, and service. In front of a live audience of over 100 wine lovers, contestants will pair wines with a dish created by an assigned local chef, test their knowledge under pressure, and demonstrate blind tasting skills, all for a chance to win up to $2,000 toward continued wine education.

“The Somm Showdown is our most engaging event — providing an opportunity for talented sommeliers to show their knowledge and wine-loving guests to play along, while local chefs share their culinary skills,” Nashville Wine Auction President and CEO Loren Chumley says. “It’s exciting to bring back the Somm Showdown this year.”

Celebrating the growing talent and community of local sommeliers, the Somm Showdown challenges six contestants to go head-to-head in a three-part, judged event:

• Round 1: A wine and food pairing contest – 6 contestants will participate; the 4 contestants with the most points for best pairing will move to the second component.

• Round 2: A wine theory and knowledge test that will be conducted in a Jeopardy style format – The top 4 contestants from round one will participate. The 2 contestants with the most points after the event will move on to the final component.

• Round 3: A blind tasting of two to three dry wines – the contestants must analyze, describe and identify the wine by grape, country, region and vintage.

Applications are open now to sommeliers and wine professionals who are 21 or older, live in Tennessee, and have at least three years of experience in the wine or hospitality industry. Full eligibility details and the application form can be found at: nashvillewineauction.com.

“What a way to spend a Sunday! Connecting with the Nashville wine community and challenging yourself to grow as a sommelier all in support of cancer research—it’s a great chance to bring awareness all around,” LeeAnne Arnold, CMS Certified Sommelier, General Manager of Harvest Wine Market and winner of the 2nd Annual Somm Showdown, says. 

Last year, Arnold received a $2,000 cash prize to go toward continuing her wine education. She used the funds to support examination fees for the Court of Master Sommeliers-Advanced Theory Exam in early 2026, as well as a brief trip to Europe in February to visit the Douro Valley in Portugal and attend WineParis.

“For those who are hesitant to apply, don’t be! It’s fun, even if it is nerve wracking. Make sure you taste your dish with the wines and connect with your chef,” Arnold says. “Getting through the first round is the hardest part…once you’re through round one, you’re back in control with your theory knowledge and blind tasting. You can do this.”

Winners will be selected by a panel of judges from the wine, food, and hospitality world — including returning 2025 champion LeeAnne Arnold — in tandem with audience votes from guests tasting along with the competition.

Limited tickets for the Somm Showdown will be available through the 47th Annual l’Eté du Vin Auction, Nashville Wine Auction’s signature fundraiser supporting organizations whose missions directly impact the fight against cancer. Tickets go on sale when the l’Eté du Vin Silent Auction goes live on Tuesday, July 28.  Register for the 47th Annual l’Eté du Vin here to bid online or call the office to reserve your seat.

In addition to recruiting contestants, sponsorship opportunities are now available. Local businesses can support wine education and fund the fight against cancer while enjoying premium brand visibility. To learn more about sponsorships, visit: nashvillewineauction.com.

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ABOUT THE NASHVILLE WINE AUCTION 

Nashville Wine Auction’s mission is to unite the wine community to fund the fight against cancer. In 2026, Nashville Wine Auction will celebrate Pairings: Nashville’s Ultimate Wine and Food Weekend on February 26 – 28 and the 47th Annual l’Eté du Vin on July 30 – August 1 at JW Marriott. Established in 1980, the Nashville Wine Auction has raised more than $44 million for organizations whose purpose is directly related to cutting-edge research, innovative treatment, and family/patient/caregiver support. www.NashvilleWineAuction.com 

NASHVILLE WINE AUCTION BENEFICIARIES 

American Cancer Society’s Hope Lodge, Ascension Saint Thomas Foundation, Blood Cancer United, Gilda’s Club Middle Tennessee, The Heimerdinger Foundation, HopeKids, Inc. Nashville General Hospital Foundation, Make-A-Wish Foundation® of Middle Tennessee, Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Survivor Fitness Foundation, Tennessee Breast Cancer Coalition, and Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center.

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NASHVILLE, TN (April 16, 2026) – Nashville Wine Auction’s Judgment of Paris: 50 Years Later – A Historic Re-Enactment on Saturday, April 11 was a resounding success, bringing together wine professionals and guests at Union Station Hotel for an immersive and educational experience inspired by one of the most pivotal blind tastings in wine history.

The event honored the legendary 1976 Judgment of Paris while inviting participants to experience firsthand the challenge and nuance of evaluating exceptional wines in a blind tasting format. Guests tasted and scored 19 wines — nine whites and 10 reds — using the original 20-point scoring method, and gained a deeper appreciation for the discipline, subjectivity, and skill required to rank remarkable wines side by side.

A highlight of the afternoon was the leadership of renowned wine authority Karen MacNeil, who served as moderator. Throughout the tasting, MacNeil guided participants through the experience with warmth, clarity, and deep expertise, answering a broad range of questions and bringing the entire room along on the journey. Her knowledge and professionalism elevated the event and helped guests better understand not only what they were tasting, but how wine professionals evaluate youth, structure, balance, and age-worthiness in fine wine.

“It was so lovely to taste 19 wines – 9 white, 10 red – that were already so extraordinary. This allowed all of us, over the 3 hours we tasted, to really concentrate on the beauty of each of these wines,” MacNeil says. “In the end, there were winners, but there were no losers. All the wines were quite incredible.”

In addition to MacNeil, the tasting included eight wine professionals plus guests who generously purchased tickets to participate, creating a rare opportunity for both seasoned wine professionals and enthusiastic non-professionals to engage in the same exercise. For many attendees, particularly those without formal tasting experience, the event was both exciting and demanding, offering unique insight into the complexity of assessing young wines with long aging potential.

All of the wines featured in the re-enactment were exceptional in their own right, making the task of ranking them especially challenging. That reality became one of the event’s most meaningful takeaways, underscoring just how difficult blind tasting can be — even, and perhaps especially, when every wine in the lineup is of such high caliber.

One of the most engaging discussions of the day centered on how wine professionals assess young wines and anticipate what they may become over time. MacNeil explained that wines built for aging do not always evolve in a straight upward line, but often pass through phases in which they may seem less expressive before opening into their full potential. This concept added an important educational dimension for guests, many of whom were encountering a formal blind tasting of this scale for the first time.

For many non-professional participants, the red flight proved especially challenging due to the youth and intensity of several wines. That difficulty also sparked conversation about the realities of modern wine consumption, including the fact that the vast majority of consumers today purchase wine for immediate consumption and do not have the ability or interest in cellaring wines for 10 or 20 years before enjoying it.

“The wines we tasted represent the same vintners who were on the table in 1976. While some of the French estates have been producing wine for centuries, many of the California wineries were just getting their start fifty years ago,” Loren Chumley, President & CEO of Nashville Wine Auction, says. “Today, they are all performing at an exceptionally high level. That consistency reflects a sustained commitment to quality, precision, and continuous improvement—and I felt incredibly fortunate to taste them side by side in this setting.”

Following the tasting, guests were welcomed to a dinner prepared by Executive Chef John Welch and the Union Station Hotel culinary team, an elegant close to an afternoon defined by discovery, conversation, and exceptional wines. The dinner allowed guests to reflect on the experience while enjoying the hospitality and sense of community that are hallmarks of Nashville Wine Auction events.

At the conclusion of the tasting, the top-ranked wines from the full group were announced.

Top Three White Wines

Chalone Vineyard Estate Grown Chardonnay 2024 

Joseph Drouhin “Clos des Mouches” Beaune 1er Cru 2023 

Spring Mountain Vineyard “Heintz Vineyard” Chardonnay 2024 

Top Three Red Wines

Château Mouton Rothschild 2020 

Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars “SLV” Cabernet Sauvignon 2023 (the 1973 Stag’s Leap won the 1976 tasting for red wines)

Ridge “Monte Bello” 2021 

While Château Mouton Rothschild 2020 captured the top spot in Red Wines for both wine professionals and all tasters (the wine came in second in the 1976 tasting), the findings of the wine professionals diverged on other choices: 

Top Three White Wines – Wine Professionals

Domaine Leflaive Les Pucelles Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru 2022 

Chateau Montelena 2023 (the 1973 Chateau Montelena won the 1976 tasting)

Spring Mountain Vineyard “Heitz Vineyard” Chardonnay 2024 

Top Three Red Wines – Wine Professionals 

Château Mouton Rothschild 2020 

Ridge “Monte Bello” 2021 

Château Haut-Brion 2020 (the 1970 Haut-Brion was also 3rd in the 1976 tasting)

Through experiences like Judgment of Paris: 50 Years Later, Nashville Wine Auction continues to unite the wine community through exceptional events that educate, inspire, and support its mission to fund the fight against cancer. 

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ABOUT THE NASHVILLE WINE AUCTION 

Nashville Wine Auction’s mission is to unite the wine community to fund the fight against cancer. In 2026, Nashville Wine Auction will celebrate Pairings: Nashville’s Ultimate Wine and Food Weekend on February 26 – 28 and the 47th Annual l’Eté du Vin on July 30 – August 1 at JW Marriott. Established in 1980, the Nashville Wine Auction has raised more than $44 million for organizations whose purpose is directly related to cutting-edge research, innovative treatment, and family/patient/caregiver support. www.NashvilleWineAuction.com 

NASHVILLE WINE AUCTION BENEFICIARIES 

American Cancer Society’s Hope Lodge, Ascension Saint Thomas Foundation, Blood Cancer United, Gilda’s Club Middle Tennessee, The Heimerdinger Foundation, HopeKids, Inc. Nashville General Hospital Foundation, Make-A-Wish Foundation® of Middle Tennessee, Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Survivor Fitness Foundation, Tennessee Breast Cancer Coalition, and Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center.

The post Nashville Wine Auction’s Judgment of Paris: 50 Years Later Re-Enactment Brings History to Life Through Education and Extraordinary Wines appeared first on Nashville Wine Auction.

Nashville Wine Auction’s signature event, the Country’s Longest Running Charity Wine Auction, to take place July 30-August 1, 2026.

NASHVILLE, TN (April 13, 2026) – Nashville Wine Auction will host “The Art of Wine: Expressions of the Roederer Collection,” the 47th Annual l’Eté du Vin, on July 30-August 1, 2026. This three-day series of events has something for every wine lover featuring: Vintners’ Tasting on July 30, Patrons’ Dinner on July 31, and the 47th Annual l’Eté du Vin Dinner and Live Auction on August 1.

Nashville Wine Auction is thrilled to welcome Frédéric Rouzaud of Maison Louis Roederer and Nicolas Glumineau of Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande as Guests of Honor for the 47th Annual l’Eté du Vin. 

Rouzaud is the President & CEO of Maison Louis Roederer, joining the family business in 1996. He was named president in 2006 and now leads all flagship companies of the Roederer Collection, representing the seventh generation of family leadership at the legendary Champagne house. 

Glumineau is the General Manager & Winemaker for Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande and Château de Pez. Since joining Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande in 2012, Nicolas has overseen a remarkable period of success. His impressive career includes leading the estate through an era of achievement, highlighted by multiple 100-point wines. Glumineau joined Nashville Wine Auction as Guest of Honor in 2013.

“L’Eté du Vin is not only a great event that is well-organized and a lot of fun, but it’s also—for me—a true opportunity to meet wine lovers and connoisseurs who I have had the pleasure to be in touch with since 2013,” Glumineau says. “It’s a kind of nice friendship that crosses the ages, thanks to the sharing of wine.” 

This year’s event will be chaired by Noelle Daugherty & Dr. Jack “Jay” Erter, longtime supporters of Nashville Wine Auction. Dr. Erter is a former Nashville Wine Auction Board Chair and oncologist, and the couple has chaired Pairings: Nashville’s Ultimate Wine and Food Weekend. 

Proceeds from l’Eté du Vin, the country’s longest running charity wine auction, supports 13 local nonprofit organizations whose purpose is directly related to cancer research, innovative patient treatment, and caregiver/patient support.

“It is an honor to welcome Frédéric and Nicolas to Nashville this summer. The Roederer Collection represents the pinnacle of fine wine, where craftsmanship and an unwavering commitment to excellence come together across generations,” President and CEO of the Nashville Wine Auction Loren Chumley says.

Tickets for l’Eté du Vin are limited and all events sell out quickly. Those wishing to attend are encouraged to purchase their tickets early here.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Vintners’ Tasting — Thursday, July 30, 2026

Join Nashville Wine Auction for a seated, structured tasting of wines from the Roederer Collection led by Guests of Honor Frédéric Rouzaud and Nicolas Glumineau. This tasting is hosted at Hillwood Country Club from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm. 

$285 per person | Business Attire

Patrons’ Dinner — Friday, July 31, 2026

Join honored guests for a champagne reception and gourmet wine dinner at the Four Seasons Hotel Nashville from 6:30 pm to 10:00 pm. The 2026 Norman M. Lipman Award recipients will also be announced. 

$1,300 per person | Black Tie Optional

47th Annual l’Eté du Vin Dinner & Live Auction — Saturday, August 1, 2026

Celebrate 47 years of funding the fight at the 47th Annual l’Eté du Vin: The Art of Wine: Expressions of the Roederer Collection, featuring Guests of Honor Frédéric Rouzaud and Nicolas Glumineau. The evening begins with a Silent Auction and Wine Sampling Reception at 5:00 pm featuring selections from The Roederer Collection: Champagne Louis Roederer, Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande, Château de Pez, Diamond Creek Vineyards, Merry Edwards Winery & Vineyards, Domaines Ott, and Roederer Estate. A seated dinner & spirited Live Auction begins at 6:30 pm. 

$650 per person | Cocktail Attire

*Please note the ticket price increases to $700 per person Tuesday, July 1, 2026.

The Nashville Wine Auction is proud to have the following sponsors for this event: Buchalter, Clinical Solutions Pharmacy, Tennessee Oncology, Husch Blackwell, The Navin Group, Parker’s Paws, The Hearn Foundation, Nicholas Air, Frugal MacDoogal, Pure Insurance, Hub International, Gordon Rees Scully Mansukhani (GRSM), Chazin & Company, King & Spalding, Holland & Knight, Ogletree Deakins, GenMab and Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center.

If you are interested in sponsoring the 47th Annual l’Eté du Vin, please contact Kathy Maynard at kathy@nashvillewineauction.com. 

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ABOUT THE NASHVILLE WINE AUCTION 

Nashville Wine Auction’s mission is to unite the wine community to fund the fight against cancer. In 2026, Nashville Wine Auction will celebrate Pairings: Nashville’s Ultimate Wine and Food Weekend on February 26 – 28 and the 47th Annual l’Eté du Vin on July 30 – August 1 at JW Marriott. Established in 1980, the Nashville Wine Auction has raised more than $44 million for organizations whose purpose is directly related to cutting-edge research, innovative treatment, and family/patient/caregiver support. www.NashvilleWineAuction.com 

NASHVILLE WINE AUCTION BENEFICIARIES 

American Cancer Society’s Hope Lodge, Ascension Saint Thomas Foundation, Blood Cancer United, Gilda’s Club Middle Tennessee, The Heimerdinger Foundation, HopeKids, Inc. Nashville General Hospital Foundation, Make-A-Wish Foundation® of Middle Tennessee, Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Survivor Fitness Foundation, Tennessee Breast Cancer Coalition, and Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center.

The post 47th Annual l’Eté du Vin presents The Art of Wine: Expressions of the Roederer Collection appeared first on Nashville Wine Auction.

Nashville Wine Auction is pleased to welcome Nicolas Glumineau to Nashville as Guest of Honor for the 47th Annual l’Eté du Vin July 30, 2026 – August 1, 2026.

Nicolas is the General Manager & Winemaker for Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande and Château de Pez. He will be joined by Frédéric Rouzaud, Président & CEO of Maison Louis Roederer.

Nicolas studied at the University of Oenology in Bordeaux and obtained a Master of Genetics applied to oenology. He furthered his studies at the National Agronomic School of Montpellier to become an engineer in viticulture and winemaker.

His career began at Château Haut-Brion in 2005 and Château Margaux in 2006. In 2012, he became the general manager and winemaker at Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande (Pauillac) and Château de Pez (Saint-Estèphe), owned the Roederer Collection.

Since joining Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande in 2012, Nicolas has overseen a remarkable period of success. His impressive career includes leading the estate through an era of achievement, highlighted by multiple 100-point wines.

Nashville Wine Auction recently spoke with Nicolas ahead of his visit to Nashville this summer for l’Eté du Vin:

You joined us as a Guest of Honor in 2013. What stayed with you from that visit, and what made you say “yes” to returning to Nashville for l’Eté du Vin this year?

L’Eté du Vin is not only a great event that is well-organized and a lot of fun, but it’s also—for me—a true opportunity to meet wine lovers and connoisseurs who I have had the pleasure to be in touch with since 2013. It’s a kind of nice friendship that crosses the ages, thanks to the sharing of wine. 

Younger consumers are drinking differently today—more moderation, more experiences, and more choice across categories—which is reshaping the wine world. How are you welcoming new collectors while preserving the heritage and standards of Champagne Louis Roederer and Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande?

I feel pretty optimistic with the willingness of this new generation to discover our wines and to focus on quality. Drinking less, but better. And at some point, I think that all generations shift to quality and premium wines. That’s why it’s so important for me to travel around and meet loyal friends and new amateurs of Pichon Comtesse so they can taste and know that great wines last! True wine lovers recognize great and consistent wineries and their wines, whatever the fashions are.

Because Champagne Louis Roederer and Pichon Comtesse are part of the same family, collectors love tracing a “Maison signature” across regions. When you look across the Maison Louis Roederer and the Roederer Collection, what common thread links these wines—and can you give us a small preview of what guests will have the chance to taste and experience at l’Eté du Vin?

We all have a part to conduct that is written in Bordeaux, Champagne, or in Napa Valley. But we all have this artistic intention. 

Purity. Minerality. Depth. Delicious complexity. Endless Layers of creamy tannins. With the permanent obsession of revealing the essence of a unique terroir. We share this!

You also own Château de Pez, in Saint-Estèphe. Is it your laboratory for Pichon Comtesse, where you can experiment in secret what you’d like to apply at Pichon? 

Château de Pez is a beautiful winery located a few kilometers North from Pichon, and it’s the most ancient vineyard of St Estèphe (back to the 14th century). We have invested  a lot there to upgrade the quality of our wines to a premium stage. Everything experimented at Pichon Comtesse—if it’s good for our soils, our vines and finally for our wines—we do apply it at Pez. We definitely pay a lot of attention to Château de Pez to write there a new successful chapter thanks to wines that really deserve that you taste them.

It’s a great pleasure for me to share Château de Pez with you during l’Eté du Vin 2026!

Join us this summer and meet Nicolas when the 47th Annual l’Eté du Vin presents The Art of Wine: Expressions of the Roederer Collection. Learn more here.

The Roederer Collection currently includes Champagne Louis Roederer, Champagne Deutz, Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande, Château de Pez, Domaines Ott, Maison Delas Frères, Ramos Pinto, Roederer Estate, Scharffenberger Cellars, Domaine Anderson, Merry Edwards Winery, and Diamond Creek Vineyards.

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Author of The Wine Bible to lead blind tasting recreating the legendary 1976 competition

NASHVILLE, TN (March 11, 2026)  — The Nashville Wine Auction is pleased to announce that Karen MacNeil, one of the world’s most influential wine authorities and the author of The Wine Bible, will serve as moderator for the Judgment of Paris: 50 Years Later – A Historic Re-Enactment, taking place April 11, 2026 at Nashville’s historic Union Station Hotel.

The event commemorates the 50th anniversary of the landmark 1976 Judgment of Paris, the blind tasting organized by British wine merchant Steven Spurrier that stunned the wine world when California wines outscored France’s most celebrated producers—reshaping the global perception of American wine and ushering in a new era of international competition.

In Nashville, guests will step into the role of judges, recreating the famous tasting through modern vintages from the same iconic producers featured in the original competition. Participants will blind taste a lineup of Chardonnays followed by Cabernet Sauvignon–based wines and Bordeaux, scoring the wines themselves before the results are revealed.

MacNeil will guide the tasting and provide historical context throughout the afternoon. She is President of Karen MacNeil & Company, author of the bestselling The Wine Bible, co-founder of Come Over October and Share & Pair Sundays, founder and chair emerita of the Culinary Institute of America’s Professional Wine Studies Program, CEO and editor of the digital newsletter WineSpeed, and recipient of the James Beard Award for Wine & Spirits Professional of the Year.

“Karen MacNeil is one of the most respected voices in the world of wine,” Loren Chumley, President and CEO of the Nashville Wine Auction, says. “Her ability to bring both history and perspective to the glass makes her the perfect guide for revisiting one of the most consequential tastings ever held.”

Following the blind tasting and scoring session, guests will gather for a Champagne reception and a multi-course dinner created by Executive Chef John Welch and the Union Station Hotel culinary team.

A few seats remain available for purchase here. 

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Wines to Be Featured

Chardonnay

Batard-Montrachet Ramonet-Prudhon 2023

Beaune Clos des Mouches Joseph Drouhin 2023

Chalone Vineyard 2024

Chateau Montelena 2023

David Bruce Winery 2023

Freemark Abbey Winery 2022

Meursault Charmes Roulot 2023

Puligny-Montrachet Les Pucelles Domaine Leflaive 2022

Spring Mountain Vineyard Heintz Vineyard 2024

Red Wines

Château Haut-Brion 2020

Château Léoville Las Cases 2021

Château Montrose 2020

Château Mouton-Rothschild 2020

Clos du Val Winery 2022

Freemark Abbey Winery 2019

Heitz Wine Cellars Martha’s Vineyard 2019

Mayacamas Vineyards 2021

Ridge Vineyards Monte Bello 2021

Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars 2023

ABOUT THE NASHVILLE WINE AUCTION 

Nashville Wine Auction’s mission is to unite the wine community to fund the fight against cancer. In 2026, Nashville Wine Auction will celebrate Pairings: Nashville’s Ultimate Wine and Food Weekend on February 26 – 28 and the 47th Annual l’Eté du Vin on July 30 – August 1 at JW Marriott. Established in 1980, the Nashville Wine Auction has raised more than $44 million for organizations whose purpose is directly related to cutting-edge research, innovative treatment, and family/patient/caregiver support. www.NashvilleWineAuction.com 

NASHVILLE WINE AUCTION BENEFICIARIES 

American Cancer Society’s Hope Lodge, Ascension Saint Thomas Foundation, Blood Cancer United, Gilda’s Club Middle Tennessee, The Heimerdinger Foundation, HopeKids, Inc. Nashville General Hospital Foundation, Make-A-Wish Foundation® of Middle Tennessee, Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Survivor Fitness Foundation, Tennessee Breast Cancer Coalition, and Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center.

The post Karen MacNeil to Moderate Historic 50th Anniversary Re-Enactment of the Judgment of Paris in Nashville appeared first on Nashville Wine Auction.

Funds benefit cancer research and patient support in Middle Tennessee

NASHVILLE, TN (March 5, 2026)  — More than $1 million was raised during Pairings: Solid Gold, the 14th iteration of Nashville’s Ultimate Wine and Food Weekend on February 26-28. 

For 47 years, Nashville Wine Auction has engaged the Nashville wine community in generous giving at world-class events, supporting the lives of thousands through donations and event attendance. Pairings: Solid Gold was co-chaired by Carrie Kitko & Matt Leavitt and Jennifer & Chris Cordes, each a longtime supporter of Nashville Wine Auction’s mission and events. 

“Thank you to the generous Nashville wine community, our vintners and chefs. You all came together in the best way to help fund our fight against cancer,” Carrie says. “We exceeded our fundraising goals and raised more than $1 million to help support our beneficiaries. I am beyond thrilled with the success of the Pairings weekend.”

Nashville Wine Auction welcomed Renowned Guest Chef Dustin Valette, Chef/Owner of Valette, The Matheson, Roof 106, and Valette Wines, who prepared an exquisite five-course meal for Saturday evening. Valette also participated in a Private Vintner Dinner earlier in the weekend, where Valette Wines were poured.

“I was honored to bring our restaurants, Valette and The Matheson, along with Valette Wines, to beautiful Nashville as we united in the fight against cancer,” Valette says. “The generosity of theNashville community was truly inspiring, and I look forward to the day I can bring a little Sonoma Style back and enjoy some more of your famous hot chicken!”

The weekend kicked off with Private Vintner Dinners hosted in homes and restaurants across Nashville on Thursday. More than 275 guests enjoyed meeting winemakers and tasting their fantastic wines at 13 special dinners prepared by renowned chefs. 

Friday evening, Nashville Wine Auction hosted Wined Up! & The Collectors’ Showcase, a lively walk-around tasting and Silent Auction at City Winery. Nearly 400 guests attended across both events, with more than 100 wine lovers experiencing exclusive pours at the Collectors’ Showcase. 

Featured vintners for Wined Up! included: Aperture Cellars, Arrington Vineyards, CIRQ. | CHEV. Estate, City Winery, Clos Solène Winery, Col Solare, Compris Vineyard, Covert Estate, Dakota Shy Winery, DuMOL Winery, Hyde de Villaine, Innumero, Kelly Fleming Wines, L’Aventure Winery, Limerick Lane Cellars, Linne Calodo, Lombardi Wines, Nysa Vineyard, Outpost Wines, PATEL Napa Valley, Peay Vineyards, RAEN Winery, Ramey Wine Cellars, Small Vines, Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars, Stonestreet Vineyards, The Setting Wines, Three Sticks Wines, Valette Wines and WillaKenzie Estate.

“Brian and I are in awe of the Nashville community and its unwavering commitment and support of the vintners and this event,” Sheree Thornsberry, owner of Innumero Wines, says. “The Nashville Wine Auction team continues to be number one in effectively managing an event of this magnitude. Their support of all the vintners, but particularly of a boutique brand like Innumero Wines is more meaningful than any words can describe.” 

Pairings Dinner and Live Auction capped the weekend, indulging guests in a five-course gourmet dinner featuring West Coast wines at Loews Vanderbilt Hotel. Throughout the evening, attendees raised their paddles to bid in the always-exciting Live Auction. 

Guest Chef Dustin Valette, Chef/Owner of Valette, The Matheson, Roof 106, and Valette Wines, carefully prepared a “Pairing” for each dinner course. Dinner featured wines from Gran Moraine, Peay Vineyards, Innumero, Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars and Clos Solène Winery. 

Guests enthusiastically raised their paddles throughout the evening, bidding on exclusive wine collections, luxury travel experiences, and unique dinners and tastings. 

“As always, the Nashville wine community generously supported the fight against cancer,” Nashville Wine Auction President/CEO Loren Chumley says. “For the third year in a row, we raised more than $1 million and enjoyed a fantastic weekend of great company, incredible food, and exceptional wine.” 

The top lots sold in the Pairings Live Auction on Saturday included: 

• Refined & Romantic Yet Rustic; Relais & Châteaux Resort in Montana for Two – $40,000: This all-inclusive, adults-only retreat for two at Triple Creek Ranch, nestled in the Bitterroot Mountains, offering refined rustic luxury in the Montana Rockies, was popular, selling four times at the auction.

• Next Gen Mondavi Dinner – $36,000: Robert Mondavi’s grandchildren, Carissa Mondavi and Brian Mondavi Borger, will host an intimate dinner for 15 couples featuring a curated tasting of exceptional bottles from the exquisite cellar of Pam & Steve Taylor.

• Another Shucking Good Time – $32,000: It is the return of the Shucking Good Time party, the fabulous Raw Bar and Seafood Boil featuring top-level wine pairings at the preeminent party home of Loren Chumley and Scott Peterson for 40 guests.

• The Keys to Whiskey House; Tasting for Ten – $28,000: With a name like Whiskey House, expectations run high — and this one delivers. This lot also sold four times; each winning bidder and their group of 10 will each experience a customized whiskey tasting.

• A Dinner to Celebrate the Women of Wine and Food – $24,750: This dinner for 32 winning bidders will be held at The Butter Milk Ranch with featured Chefs Alyssa Gangeri & Hannah Miller and wine pairings from brilliant female winemakers in celebration of women who are shaping both the wine and culinary worlds.

There were more than trips and dinners up for auction Saturday evening. The top wine lots included:

• Pairings from the Heart: A Tribute to Stan Kweller – $10,000: This collection begins with a playful throwback to the early years, then shifts into an exceptional lineup of wines and Bourbon that reflects just how far Stan’s taste (and ours) ultimately traveled. We like to think he’d be smiling at this journey down memory lane.

• A Fitting Prelude to Summer: Cristal – $9,000: This six-bottle offering of Champagne Louis Roederer Cristal 2015 serves as the official preview lot for l’Eté du Vin. Offered as the closing lot of the Pairings Live Auction, it is both a statement of excellence and an invitation to the unforgettable experiences that await this summer.

The Nashville Wine Auction is proud to have the following sponsors for the event: Amy & Brannan Atkinson Giving Fund, Clinical Solutions Pharmacy, Tennessee Oncology, Husch Blackwell, Parker’s Paws Animal Hospital, The Navin Group, Cambre, and Maryland Farms Wine & Spirits. 

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ABOUT THE NASHVILLE WINE AUCTION 

Nashville Wine Auction’s mission is to unite the wine community to fund the fight against cancer. In 2026, Nashville Wine Auction will celebrate Pairings: Nashville’s Ultimate Wine and Food Weekend on February 26 – 28 and the 47th Annual l’Eté du Vin on July 30 – August 1 at JW Marriott. Established in 1980, the Nashville Wine Auction has raised more than $44 million for organizations whose purpose is directly related to cutting-edge research, innovative treatment, and family/patient/caregiver support. www.NashvilleWineAuction.com 

NASHVILLE WINE AUCTION BENEFICIARIES 

American Cancer Society’s Hope Lodge, Ascension Saint Thomas Foundation, Blood Cancer United, Gilda’s Club Middle Tennessee, The Heimerdinger Foundation, HopeKids, Inc. Nashville General Hospital Foundation, Make-A-Wish Foundation® of Middle Tennessee, Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Survivor Fitness Foundation, Tennessee Breast Cancer Coalition, and Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center.

The post Nashville Wine Auction raises more than $1M at Pairings: Solid Gold appeared first on Nashville Wine Auction.

Wine lovers are invited to experience Wined Up!, Nashville’s premier upscale wine-tasting celebration, at City Winery on Friday, February 27. 

The second night of Pairings weekend brings together more than 30 acclaimed West Coast vintners for a lively night of exceptional pours, heavy hors d’oeuvres and a wine-focused Silent Auction. 

Whether this is your first wine event or you’re simply new to Wined Up!, here’s everything you need to know before you arrive to sip and swirl your way through this walk-around tasting! 

The Evening at a Glance

Wine novices and veterans alike will enjoy the freedom of Wined Up!, which is an elevated walk-around tasting that encourages conversation and fun. In addition to visiting premier wineries, guests will enjoy heavy hors d’oeuvres and food stations throughout City Winery and in the main tasting room. 

This tasting is a come-and-go event, meaning you can arrive any time after the doors open at 6:00 pm. Dress code for this event is snappy casual attire (think business casual or polished, comfortable attire). 

Prior wine knowledge is not required to attend or enjoy this event. Wined Up! is designed for everyone — from first-time wine event guests to seasoned enthusiasts — giving you the chance to discover what you do and don’t like, ask questions, and learn directly from winemakers and winery representatives.

You’ll taste wines rated 91 points or higher—a benchmark for outstanding quality, character, and craftsmanship. The widely used 100-point rating scale helps compare overall wine quality, and scores in the 90s represent some of the best wines being made. At Wined Up!, you’ll be tasting from that top tier.

Plan your evening (or don’t!)

Every winery pours tasting-sized samples of wines. This allows you to taste a wide variety of wines throughout the evening. Pacing yourself is encouraged — enjoy what interests you most.

You don’t have to taste everything — and most guests don’t. Before the event, be sure to check out the wine list and map for Wined Up! at nashvillewineauction.com/wined-up/. This is your opportunity to preview participating wineries and create a loose game plan.

Pro tip: If you love Chardonnay (or Cabernet, Pinot Noir, etc.), find those wineries on the list and visit them first — then circle back to your favorites.

If you have questions when you arrive, stop by the Information Desk in the lobby. Our team can help you get oriented, answer questions, and point you in the right direction.

The Silent Auction 

In addition to tasting decadent wines and enjoying delicious bites, guests are encouraged to participate in the Silent Auction. Lots will be on display at City Winery, and bidding takes place conveniently on your phone throughout the evening via Mobile Bidding. 

Registered attendees will receive a link via text for Mobile Bidding on Tuesday, February 24. No app download is required – just click the link. The auction closes at the conclusion of Wined Up! and lots can be picked up that evening or the following week at the Nashville Wine Auction office. 

Be sure to check out all the auction lots! Many guests say the Silent Auction is a highlight and placing bids is an easy way to help fund the fight against cancer.

To learn more about our auctions, be sure to read our Auction 101 blog here. 

Look for chances to take wine home 

When you’re in between glasses, look out for drawings around the room! Entering these drawings gives you a chance to win wine. 

And don’t forget your complimentary wine glass — you’ll pick it up on the way out. 

A note about the Collectors’ Showcase

The Collectors’ Showcase is a separate, upgraded experience designed for serious collectors. It features rare and limited-production wines in a more intimate setting, starting at 5:30 pm. Availability is extremely limited and is already sold out. 

This evening truly puts the “fun” in funding the fight against cancer. Wined Up! is meant to be exciting, social, and memorable — with incredible wine, great food, and an important cause at its heart. 

Tickets are on sale now for Wined Up! Purchase your tickets here. 

About the 101 Series

This article marks the third installment in our 101 series, inspired by the internal “101 sessions” we’ve long used to onboard new interns and new team members at Nashville Wine Auction. Over the years, these informal trainings have proven invaluable in breaking down the inner workings of our events and helping first-timers feel confident and prepared. We realized all our attendees could benefit from the same insider knowledge. In the coming months, we’ll continue the series with additional 101 articles designed to demystify different aspects of our events — from event overviews to wine selection and beyond.

The post Wined Up! 101: What to Expect at Nashville’s Ultimate Wine Tasting appeared first on Nashville Wine Auction.

The fun and glamour of the disco era comes to Pairings: Solid Gold as dinner is served and auctioneer Charles Antin calls out the unbelievable lots in the Live Auction on Saturday, February 28 at Loews Vanderbilt Hotel. 

Pairings Dinner and Auction is the conclusion of Nashville’s Ultimate Wine and Food Weekend. This year, guests will savor wines expertly paired with an exquisite 5-course meal prepared by Guest Chef Dustin Valette while raising their paddles in the Live Auction for a spectacular night of generosity and celebration. 

Whether you’ve already grabbed your tickets or you’re still thinking about it—here’s what to expect at the Pairings Dinner & Auction, so you can feel confident, comfortable, and ready to enjoy one of the most exciting nights of the weekend.

The Evening at a Glance

Pairings Dinner and Auction is an elevated, seated dinner and live auction experience that brings together exceptional wine, curated cuisine, and meaningful fundraising—all in support of cancer research and patient services.

The evening is celebratory, energetic, and welcoming to both first-time guests and longtime supporters. Dress code for the evening is cocktail attire. This is an elevated evening, but not black-tie or formal. Think polished, festive, and comfortable. 

Upon arrival, guests will enjoy a wine tasting reception featuring select wineries. After the reception, the evening transitions to a seated, multi-course dinner with wines donated by our guest wineries placed on the table. During the auction, there are three ways to participate: Super Silent Auction (through Mobile Bidding), Live Auction, and Raise Your Paddle Mission Moment. 

Pairings Reception 

The Pairings Wine Tasting Reception begins at 5:45 pm. We recommend arriving during the reception – which lasts until dinner begins at 7:00 pm. During the reception, you can enjoy select wines donated by guest vintners and hors d’oeuvres, preview auction lots on display, and get comfortable with the space and evening flow. This is also a great time to ask questions and get oriented before dinner!

During the reception, featured wineries will include CHEV Wines, Dakota Shy Winery, DuMOL Winery, Hyde de Villaine, L’Aventure Winery, Limerick Lane Cellars, Nysa Vineyard, Ramey Wine Cellars, The Setting Wines, and Three Sticks Wines.

Pairings Dinner & Wine Pairings 

Guests will indulge in a five-course gourmet dinner paired with featured West Coast wines while raising their paddles in the always-exciting Live Auction beginning at 7:00 pm. These wines will be placed at the table, each one paired with a dinner course prepared by Chef Valette. Guests are encouraged to experience these selections, which are graciously donated and presented by the winemakers.

On February 28, 2026, guests will indulge in the following wines alongside Chef Valette’s savory creations: 

First Course Pairing: Gran Moraine Brut Rosé NV

Second Course Pairing: Peay Vineyards Estate Chardonnay 2020

Third Course Pairing: Innumero Little Boot Vineyard Pinot Noir 2023

Fourth Course Pairing: Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars ‘ARTEMIS’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2022

Fifth Course Pairing: Clos Solène ‘Harmonie’ 2022

If you’d like to learn more about these pairings, read the tasting notes here.

Participating in the Auction 

We strongly encourage participating in the auction, however it is not required. If you’ve never bid before, our team and volunteers are happy to help. The auctioneer will also guide you through the Live Auction step by step. 

Pro Tip: Preview the lots before you arrive! While all lots are displayed during the reception, the Auction Catalog is mailed to registered guests 7-10 days prior, and is posted online at NashvilleWineAuction.com. If you do not receive a catalog in the mail or forget to bring it on Saturday evening, you may pick one up at the registration table.

There are multiple ways to participate — engage at whatever level feels right for you!

Super Silent Auction — Participation in the Super Silent Auction takes place on your phone through Mobile Bidding. You’ll receive a link either via text or email to access the auction. No app download is required – just click the link. Bidding opens on Tuesday, February 24 and closes around 8:30 pm on Saturday, February 28. 

Live Auction — The Live Auction takes place between dinner courses — so come prepared to bid high and often! Pick up your paddle at registration and get ready for a high-energy, fast-paced, and fully guided experience. 

Raise Your Paddle Mission Moment — During this special time, guests may give at any level to directly support the cause. It’s a meaningful way to participate—and a powerful moment to join in, even if another lot doesn’t go your way. We hope you’ll raise your paddle and be part of the impact.

Learn more about our auction in our Auction 101 blog here. 

Your attendance and participation matter. 

Every bid, every raised paddle, and every donation directly supports cancer research and patient & caregiver support. Saturday night is about celebrating great wine and food—while making a meaningful difference.

Tickets are on sale now for Pairings: Solid Gold. Join us for a night of great fun all for a greater cause! Purchase tickets here. 

About the 101 Series

This article marks the second installment in our 101 series, inspired by the internal “101 sessions” we’ve long used to onboard new interns and new team members at Nashville Wine Auction. Over the years, these informal trainings have proven invaluable in breaking down the inner workings of our events and helping first-timers feel confident and prepared. We realized all our attendees could benefit from the same insider knowledge. In the coming months, we’ll continue the series with additional 101 articles designed to demystify different aspects of our events — from event overviews to wine selection and beyond.

The post Pairings Dinner & Auction 101: What to Expect Saturday Night appeared first on Nashville Wine Auction.