Bubbles, wine and bourbon, what more could a benefit ask for? When it’s the Hermann-Grima + Gallier Historic Houses Wine Fête, gourmet cuisine and a silent auction were also part of the night’s festivities on March 10 at Hermann-Grima House.
The fête started with the patron party, themed Bourbon & Bubbles, which served up champagnes, sparkling wines, specialty bourbons and hors d’oeuvres, as well as a live music from the Jenn Howard Band and a silent auction preview.
Centered in the Hermann-Grima courtyard, the party also included food from its neighbor, Broussard’s and various vendors. Among the beverages poured throughout the night were Veuve Clicquot and Woodford Reserve, donated by Little Bar on Gravier for the patron party, and for the main event, wines were donated from Scott Levy Selections and some were selected by the Wine Seller, which included Joseph Drouhin St. Veran, Eberle Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon and Domaine Lafage Miraflors Rosé.
The silent auction featured a number of enticing items, with top bids going to a bottle of 2014 Harlan Estate, two nights at the Four Seasons Hotel New Orleans and garden design from The Garden Gates Landscaping Company.
Funds raised at the fête support the museum’s educational programs, including summer camps for kids, monthly lectures, seasonal and rotating exhibitions, historic cooking demonstrations and more.
Event co-chairs were Elizabeth Bush, Katie Key and Shameen Wrighton; vice-chairs were Caitlin Brewster and Katie Gilly. Lori Paige is the Women’s Exchange President (the Women’s Exchange manages the properties). Tessa Jagger is the museum’s executive director.
Fun Fact
HGGHH received national attention for “Urban Enslavement in New Orleans,” which was named one of the best tours by Condé Nast Traveler and “Artistry of Iron: Blacksmiths of New Orleans,” which won the Award of Excellence from the American Association for State and Local History.
Gallier House is the vampire Lestat’s home in AMC’s series “Interview with the Vampire.”
Justin Schmidt, Mary Schmidt, Lori Paige, John Paige
Tessa Jagger, Andrew Lamar Hopkins
Shannon Brice, Aimee Brice
Catherine Hales, Mary Martin Roth, Amy Robertson, Jeanne Swingle, Merisa Aranas Pasternak
Ellen Coleman, Annabel Coleman, Mary Johnson, Caroline Johnson
