Prospective buyers gathered in NRG Center Sunday, March 5, for the annual Rodeo Uncorked! Champion Wine Auction and Dinner. Auction lots included winning wines from the Rodeo Uncorked! International Wine Competition held Nov. 12–13, 2016.

The Grand Champion Best of Show, Arinzano Gran Vino Blanco, Pago de Arinzano D.O., 2010, sold for a price of $135,000 to The Clerkley Watkins Group, Inc.; Becky and Kelly Joy; Julie and Alan Kent; and Schaefer Ranchwear/Emily and Robert Clay.

Alan and Julie Kent are long-time supporters of the Show and the Champion Wine Auction. This was their second consecutive purchase of the Grand Champion Best of Show.

“Most of us were born in Houston and have been here most of our life,” Alan Kent said. “To be able to give back to Houston and Texas youth is just what we do, and we are so blessed to do so.” The Reserve Grand Champion Best of Show, Nice Winery Notorious Malbec, Mount Veeder, 2013, sold for $140,000 to buyers Emily and Brad Bonnecaze, Brad Fish, Elizabeth and Michael Hartfield, and Araly and Chuck Simmons.

“This is our 14th year to purchase wine at the auction,” Simmons said. “It’s a great way to give and enjoy [the Show].”

Champion wines were selected from 2,850 entries from approximately 20 different countries, including Australia, Austria, France, Italy, Japan, Peru, South Africa and Spain. These entries included 105 wines from the 2017 featured region of Tuscany, and 351 wines from Texas.

A selection of the champion wines will be available for tasting, by the glass and bottle, throughout the run of the Show, March 7 through 26, in the Champion Wine Garden, located in Carruth Plaza. Times are Monday through Thursday, 4 to 11 p.m.; Fridays, 4 p.m. to midnight; Saturdays, 11 a.m. to midnight; and Sundays, noon to 10 p.m. Educational seminars are available in the Champion Wine Garden, ranging from $45 to $65 per person. To learn more, visit rodeohouston.com/Visit-the-Show/Attractions-Activities/Wine-Garden.

The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is a Section 501(c)(3) charity that benefits youth, supports education, and facilitates better agricultural practices through exhibitions and presentation. Since its beginning in 1932, the Show has committed more than $430 million to the youth of Texas. For more information, visit rodeohouston.com and connect with #RODEOHOUSTON online via Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube for all of the latest news. The 2017 Show is scheduled for March 7–26.