2022 Champion Wine Auction: Grand Champion Sells for Rodeo Record

HOUSTON, TX -- The 2022 Rodeo Uncorked! Champion Wine Auction & Dinner was held at NRG Center today. Enthusiastic supporters gathered for the annual event, where winning wines from the 2022 Rodeo Uncorked! International Wine Competition were auctioned.

The 2022 Rodeo Uncorked! International Wine Competition Grand Champion Best of Show sold for a Rodeo record $250,000. J. Lohr Vineyards Cuvee PAU Red, Paso Robles, 2017, was purchased by Andrea and Bruce Bryant, John M. Cotterell, Julie and Alan Kent, and Kristina and Paul Somerville.

The 2022 Reserve Grand Champion Best of Show, Nice Winery Cabernet Franc, Paicines, 2018, owned by past Rodeo scholarship recipient Ryan Levy, was purchased by Amegy Bank of Texas, Lisa M. Blackwood, Fidelis New Energy, LLC, and Randa and Ray Gilliam, for $200,000.

The 2022 Top Texas Wine, Hye Meadow Winery Boooom Red, Texas High Plains, 2017, was purchased by Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson and Sire Spirits, LLC (Branson Cognac and Le Chemin Du Roi Champagne), for $125,000. Famed rapper and business mogul “50 Cent” exhibited the 2021 Reserve Grand Champion Best of Show with his Le Chemin Du Roi Brut, Champagne AOC, NV.

The 2022 Rodeo Uncorked! International Wine Competition was held in honor of Charles M. “Bear” Dalton, founding member of the annual wine competition, as well as the Rodeo’s wine committees. This year’s competition featured 2,862 entries from 17 countries, including France, Spain, Italy, Israel, Peru, Argentina and South Africa. Of those entries, 480 entries were from Texas wineries, and 203 entries came from this year’s featured region, Washington State, an established wine-growing region with a reputation for excellence in wine production.

For more information on the Rodeo Uncorked! visit rodeohouston.com/wine.

The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo promotes agriculture by hosting an annual, family-friendly experience that educates and entertains the public, supports Texas youth, showcases Western heritage and provides year-round educational support within the community. Since its beginning in 1932, the Rodeo has committed more than $550 million to the youth of Texas and education. The 2022 Rodeo is scheduled for Feb. 28 – March 20. For more information, visit rodeohouston.com and connect with #RODEOHOUSTON online via Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube for all the latest news.

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