Hermann-Grima + Gallier Historic Houses hosted a hybrid digital and in-person “Wine Fête” event to support the educational programming and ongoing preservation of their two 19th century historic houses in the French Quarter. This is a celebratory year for the museum, celebrating its 50th anniversary, in addition to the 140th anniversary of The Woman’s Exchange, which is the board of managers that runs the museum.
Patrons were invited to participate at home with one of two menu options prepared by the Furloughed Four, a group made up of two chefs, Chef Doug Braselman and Chef Mario Reyes, and two sommeliers, Ray Gumpert III and Taylor Terrebonne, who found success catering private dinners and wine tastings while they were furloughed during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.
The tasting package for two came with wine from The Wine Seller and cheese from St. James Cheese Company. The pairings were Gruet Méthode Champenoise Brut with Brillat Savarin cheese; 2015 Hoj-Poj Clear Lake White Blend with Old Kentucky Tomme cheese; and 2019 St. Cosme Cotes-du-Rhone with Cambozola Black label cheese.
The catered dinners consisted of a salad course, roasted pork roulade and garlic-grilled asparagus with ginger-braised collard greens.
One very special dinner for 10 people was catered in-person by the Furloughed Four, complete with wine pairings, at the home of Betsey and Andrew Todd. As Gumpert guided guests through the pairings, HGGHH included virtual tours of the houses, segments about history, music, live raffle drawing and check-ins at the participating houses.
The Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra recorded a special segment with members from their horn section for viewers to enjoy. The silent auction, which took place online, offered prizes such as a one-night stay with breakfast for two at the Four Seasons Hotel, a framed print and autographed book from artist Simon Blake and a private cooking lesson in the Hermann-Grima House’s 19th-century kitchen.
Celeste Eustis and Dorothy Mann served as Event Chairs.
Event At A Glance
What: “Wine Fête,” benefiting Hermann-Grima + Gallier Historic Houses
When: Friday, April 30
Where: Home of Betsey & Andrew Todd, & Zoom
Look for “Philanthropic Events” on StCharlesAvenue.com to see more photos from this event
Follow Hermann-Grima + Gallier Historic Houses on Facebook @HermannGrimaGallierHistoricHouses and on Instagram at @HGrimaGallier1831.
Holt and Gordo Kolb
James and Erica Reiss with Konrad and Sarah Jackson
Katy Rouboin, Hunter Hill and Lauren Fitzpatrick
Rhonda Leopold, Kaylea Hill and Charlotte Meade
Tricia and Tommy Aucoin with Baldwin and Meredith Montgomery
There was a special guest at a special dinner for 10 people catered in-person by the Furloughed Four, complete with wine pairings, at the home of Betsey and Andrew Todd as part of Hermann-Grima + Gallier Historic Houses’ “Wine Fête”.
