Champion $210,000 wine sets Rodeo Houston record

Champion $210,000 wine sets Rodeo Houston record

A new record was set at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo on Saturday when the Champion Wine Auction and Dinner brought in a impressive $210,000.


The winning bid on the Grand Champion Best of Show, Alexander Valley Vineyards Cyrus, Alexander Valley, 2006, was made by the DeMontrond Automotive Group, John Eddie and Sheridan Williams, Raye G. White, and Robert and Michelle Marsh.


Last year's champion fetched $120,000 and the previous record was $201,000 for the 2008 winner.
"This is an opportunity to give back to the community and be part of the rodeo," John Eddie Williams said. "And let's be honest, children and education are the most important things."


Tom and Mimi Dompier, Jerrol and Pam Springer, Paul Somerville, and Jose Van Matre and Jennifer Currey also set a record by purchasing the Reserve Grand Champion Best of Show wine, Stanton Vineyards Cabernet Suavignon, Oakville, 2007, for $130,000.


The money "helps young people in the state of Texas and goes to youth and education, and we enjoy good wine," Somerville said.


The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo charities benefit youth, support education and facilitates better agricultural practices through exhibitions and presentation. RodeoHouston has committed more than $265 million to the youth of Texas.