Premier Teton Pairing
A worldly celebration of food, wine and philanthropy descended upon the Tetons this weekend. Over the course of three days beginning Thursday, the Jackson Hole Wine Auction hosted patrons mixing and mingling with some of the world’s most renowned chefs and winemakers, while simultaneously sampling their acclaimed creations – all to benefit the valley’s beloved Grand Teton Music Festival. One of the premier events of its kind, the Wine Auction frames rare access to food and wine luminaries within the friendly context of Jackson Hole.
To lead the gourmand experience, several special guests had been recruited as guides. Drew Nieporent, the event’s Culinary Directory, leads the Myriad Restaurant Group, an empire of more than 35 restaurants around the world including Bâtard, Tribeca Grill, Nobu New York City, Nobu Fifty Seven, Nobu London and Nobu Next Door. Jackson’s own Neil Loomis of Fine Dining Restaurant Group served as Wine Director.
Matt Kramer, whose career as an independent wine writer spans four decades and includes a column in Wine Spectator, served as moderator of the opening event – the Grand Wine Tasting – Thursday afternoon. The Tasting sampled selections from the wineries featured throughout the Wine Auction including Domaine Zind-Humbrecht, Flowers Vineyard and Winery, Masi Agricola, Pahlmeyer and Tenuta San Guido. Principals from all of the wineries partook in the lively discussion.
Palates peaked by the tasting continued their ascension by boarding the Bridger Gondola for Taste of Jackson Hole, a showcase of local culinary color. The lively evening, staged at Couloir Restaurant, plated bites prepared by chefs from Jackson’s top restaurants with handpicked pours of wine, beer and spirits. Live music from local’s favorite One Ton Pig amplified the festive ambiance.
On Friday night, patrons were invited to experience a truly singular pairing: a celebrated chef works in collaboration with one of the featured vintners entertaining a dinner party inside a spectacular private home. The Signature Private Dinners starred the chefs flown in for the Wine Auction: from New York, April Bloomfield of The Spotted Pig, Ryo Hasegawa and Ricky Estrellado of Nobu, Markus Glocker of Bâtard; from Chicago, Giuseppe Tentori of GT Fish & Oyster; and from New Orleans, John Besh of Restaurant August. A once-in-a-lifetime dinner, never to be replicated again.
After the festivity of Thursday and the intimacy of Friday came Saturday’s centerpiece: the Auction & Gala Dinner. Staged at Snake River Ranch, the event, designed by WRJ Design, channeled the aesthetic of a vineyard chateau with a palette of lavender, blue and slate. The evening began with sparkling wine, hors d’oeuvres, and a silent auction, followed by a six-course dinner curated by the chefs and vitners celebrated throughout the week. Between courses, spirited bidding ensued for the live auction lots – an alluring array of rare wines and luxury experiences. Fritz Hatton, an expert wine auctioneer, expertly stoked bids for the rare lots, with all proceeds benefiting the Grand Teton Music Festival. After dessert, the party waltzed into the evening hours with live music and dancing.
Those sad to have missed this year’s Wine Auction should mark their calendars for next year’s fête, slated for June 23 through 25.
