Press RoomPress ReleasesHigh Museum Celebrates “Together in Spirit” To Support Nation’s Leading Charity Wine Auction for the Arts

High Museum Celebrates "Together in Spirit" To Support Nation's Leading Charity Wine Auction for the Arts

January 21, 2021

ATLANTA, Jan. 21, 2021 — Wine enthusiasts around the world are invited to join “together in spirit” March 18-20 as part of the 29th annual High Museum Atlanta Wine Auction. Taking place both virtually and with limited in-person viewing opportunities, the Wine Auction will celebrate art and wine as the largest fundraising event for the Museum.

Raising more than $33 million since its start in 1993, the Auction provides significant funding for High’s exhibitions and education programs throughout the year. 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.

“We have had to evolve as an organization in many ways this year, but the loyalty and commitment our patrons have shown during these difficult times has been outstanding,” said Rand Suffolk, Nancy and Holcombe T. Green, Jr., director of the High. “The3 Wine Auction is a vital source of funding for the Museum, and the unwavering support we receive allows us to continue showcasing renowned artists and presenting world-class exhibitions for our Atlanta community.”

Steven Hargrove, associate director, Wine Auction and special events for the High, added, “While we wish we could celebrate together this year under the big tents, we were encouraged by the success of last year’s virtual auction and look forward to 2021’s mix of online and in-person events. We’re grateful for our benefactors’ support and the collaboration of our amazing vintners, chefs and restaurant partners.”

The 2021 Wine Auction co-chairs Aarati Alexander and Burch Hanson return this year and will be joined by Caryl Smith. The trio, along with their husbands, are longtime supporters of the High and have participated in the Auction for more than 20 years combined.

Dr. Madaiah Revana, owner of the Revana Wine Portfolio, will also return as this year’s Special Guest of Honor. Revana has developed a passion for wine and traveled to find distinct wines and outstanding vineyards around the world. His experience began on his family’s farm outside of Bangalore, India, and he now owns three wineries in the United States and internationally— Revana Winery in Napa Valley, California; Alexana Winery in Willamette Valley, Oregon; and Corazon Del Sol in Mendoza, Argentina.

The 2021 Special Guest Chef is Chris Hall, owner and head chef of Local Three. Hall is a native Atlantan who worked his way through several critically acclaimed restaurants before returning home to establish his own. His passions include mentoring other members of the food and beverage industry and giving back to his community through involvement in charitable organizations, including The Giving Kitchen.

This year’s schedule of in-person and virtual events kicks off on Thursday, March 18, and concludes on Saturday, March 20.

  • Winemaker Dinners—March 18: This year’s intimate winemaker dinners will welcome a limited number of guests into Atlanta’s finest homes for an evening of socially distanced dining, helmed by the city’s top chefs and accompanied by pours from renowned winemakers.</liL
  • Ladies Luncheon—March 19: Chef Anne Quatrano and a team of female vintners, chefs and winemakers will host a lunch at award-winning Bacchanalia for the ladies of the Wine Auction.
  • Gents Lunch—March 19: Special Guest Chef Chris Hall will prepare a hearty lunch for the gentlemen at Local Three, with plenty of wine, beer and bourbon to accompany the meal.
  • Virtual Auction—March 20: This year’s virtual auction aims to bring everyone “together in spirit” with a meal prepared by Chef Chris Hall, delivered to guests’ front doors and paired with must-try wines and bubbles. Enjoy the meal, then log on to view the Live Auction and get ready to bid! For a minimum Paddle Raise donation of $100, participants can receive access to the virtual live stream.
  • Vintners’ Reception and Live Auction—March 20: Top–level donors are invited to attend the Auction in person to experience an evening of incredible wines and bid on once-in-a-lifetime lots.

For more information, visit www.highmuseumwine.org.

High Museum Atlanta Wine Auction
Founded in 1993, the High Museum Atlanta Wine Auction is the largest fundraising event for the High Museum of Art. It is the top charity fundraising event in Atlanta and the number one charity wine auction benefiting the arts. Proceeds generated by the Auction, which have amounted to more than $33 million over the last 28 years, provide a significant source of funding for the Museum’s exhibitions and educational programs and help make possible special exhibitions and partnerships. The Auction also provides funds for dynamic youth education programs, which draw more than 65,000 schoolchildren to the High each year. For more information, visit www.highmuseumwine.org.

About the High Museum of Art
Located in the heart of Atlanta, the High Museum of Art connects with audiences from across the Southeast and around the world through its distinguished collection, dynamic schedule of special exhibitions and engaging community-focused programs. Housed within facilities designed by Pritzker Prize–winning architects Richard Meier and Renzo Piano, the High features a collection of more than 17,000 works of art, including an extensive anthology of 19th- and 20th-century American fine and decorative arts; major holdings of photography and folk and self-taught work, especially that of artists from the American South; burgeoning collections of modern and contemporary art, including paintings, sculpture, new media and design; a growing collection of African art, with work dating from prehistory through the present; and significant holdings of European paintings and works on paper. The High is dedicated to reflecting the diversity of its communities and offering a variety of exhibitions and educational programs that engage visitors with the world of art, the lives of artists and the creative process. For more information about the High, visit www.high.org.

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Media contact:
Marci Tate Davis
Manager of Public Relations
marci.davis@high.org
404-733-4585