Decanted, chaired by Chuck and Vanessa Ames, unlocks the best of our wines and each other in Southern Smoke’s wine auction, uniting wine lovers with vintners from around the world in a spectacular afternoon benefiting Southern Smoke Foundation. Save the date for March 29, 2025!

Tickets and Tables On Sale Now
Chefs - Vintner's Reception
Chefs - Live Auction + Pastry
Vintners
In-Home Chefs and Vintners
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Felipe Botero
Le Jardinier MFAH
Chef Thumbnail
Emmanuel Chavez
Houston, TX
Tatemó
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Mayank Istwal
Musaafer
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Felipe Riccio
MARCH
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Luis Roger
BCN
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Will and Nichole Buckman
Corkscrew BBQ
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Sara Brook
Houston, TX
The Dessert Gallery
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Anita Jaisinghani
Pondicheri Bake Lab
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Bobby Matos
State of Grace, La Lucha
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ADAMVS
Amy Particelli, General Manager
Napa Valley, CA
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Amalie Robert Estate
Ernie Pink & Dena Drews, Winemaker & Proprietors
Willamette Valley, OR
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Aperture Cellars
Aaron Robertson, Director of Wholesale
Sonoma County, CA
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Bevan Cellars
Victoria De Cresenzo, Co-Proprietor
Napa Valley & Sonoma, CA
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Blackbird Vineyards
Jeff Blaum, VP of Sales
Napa Valley, CA
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Bricoleur Vineyards
Joanna Lardie, Wine Club & Operations Manager
Sonoma County, CA
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Bruliam Wines
Kerith Overstreet, Winemaker & Proprietor
Sonoma County, CA
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Brundlmayer
Andreas Wickhoff MW, General Manager
Langenlois, Austria
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Bryant Estate
Edmund Lowman, Chief Business Officer
Napa Valley, CA
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Champagne Madame Zero
Nick Sanford, Director of Accounts
Vertus, France
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Chosen Family Wines
Channing Frye, President
Willamette Valley, OR
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Cimarossa
Beth Pryor, General Manager
Napa Valley, CA
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Cliff Lede Vineyards
Anne Champagne, Director of Sales, South
Napa Valley, CA
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Cristom Vineyards
Daniel Estrin, Winemaker & Vineyard Manager
Willamette Valley, OR
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Dalla Valle Vineyards
Maya Dalla Valle, Winemaker
Napa Valley, CA
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Donnachadh Family Wines
Vilma Mazaite, General Manager
Santa Barbara County, CA
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Duchman Family Winery
Drs. Stan and Lisa Duchman, Proprietors
Texas Hill Country
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Dunn Vineyards
Mike Dunn, Winemaker
Napa Valley, CA
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Emeritus Vineyards
Mari Jones, President/Owner
Russian River Valley, CA
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Flanagan Wines
Riley Flanagan, Winemaker & Proprietor
Sonoma County, CA
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Harumph Wines
Scotti Stark, Founder
Napa Valley, CA
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Hill of Tara Wines
Danny Fay, founder
Sonoma County, CA
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Hirsch Vineyards
Jasmine Hirsch, Winemaker
Sonoma Coast, CA
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Jonata
Natalie Vaclavik, National Sales Manager
Central Coast, CA
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Lerner Project
Brigid Babb, General Manager
Napa Valley, CA
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Matthiasson
Steve Matthiasson, Winemaker and Proprietor
Napa Valley, CA
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Morlet Family Vineyards
Armen Khachaturian, National Accounts Manager
Napa Valley, CA
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Pahlmeyer Winery
Lili Shariati, Brand Ambassador
Napa Valley, CA
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Paradigm Winery
Mary Ann Turrentine, Director of Sales & Hospitality
Napa Valley, CA
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Paul Hobbs Winery
James Watkins, Prestige Accounts Manager
Russian River Valley, CA
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Peay Vineyards
Brooke Sabel, National Sales & Marketing Director
Sonoma County, CA
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Raventos i Blanc
Josep Samsó Raventós, North American Sales Manager
Sant Sadurní d'Anoia, Spain
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Revana Estate
Dr. Madaiah Revana, Founder & President
Napa Valley, CA
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Reynolds Family Winery
Cameron Reynolds, National Sales Manager
Napa Valley, CA
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Robert Mondavi Winery
Euming Lee, Director of Brand Management
Napa Valley, CA
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Robert Sinskey Vineyards
Rob Sinskey, Winemaker
Napa Valley, CA
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Sanford Winery/Domaine Jean Francois
Jenn Hawley, Central Region Manager
Santa Barbara County, CA
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Simon Family Estate
Josh Kretchmer, Director of Sales
Napa Valley, CA
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Soter Vineyards
Kurt Johnson, Director of Sales
Willamette Valley, OR
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Stout Family Wines
Guy Stout, Wine Guy
Napa Valley, CA
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The Hilt Estate
Natalie Vaclavik, National Sales Manager
Central Coast, CA
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The Mascot
Mollie Maisch, Director
Napa Valley, CA
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Turley
Tegan Passalucqua, Director of Winemaking
Chef Thumbnail
William Chris
Kelsey Long, South Texas Territory Manager
Texas Hill Country
Chef Thumbnail
Zeitgeist Cellars
Mark Porembski, Winemaker & Proprieter
Napa Valley, CA
Chef Thumbnail
Chris Bianco
Phoenix, AZ
Pizzeria Bianco
Chef Thumbnail
Tiffany Derry
Dallas, TX
Tiffany Derry Concepts
Chef Thumbnail
Terrence Gallivan
Houston, TX
Chef Thumbnail
Stephanie Izard
Chicago/Los Angeles
Girl & The Goat, Little Goat Diner, Duck Duck Goat, Cabra, Valley Goat
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Alexandra Pena
Houston, TX
Bar Bludorn
Chef Thumbnail
Ryan Pera
Houston, TX
Coltivare
Chef Thumbnail
Ryan Prewitt
New Orleans, LA
Pêche
Chef Thumbnail
Felipe Riccio
MARCH
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Seth Siegel-Gardner
Houston, TX
LFG Hospitality
Decanted: Yachty by Nature
Saturday, March 29, 2025
2:00–6:00pm
Historic Eldorado Ballroom
2310 Elgin Street
Houston, TX 77004
Purchase Tables & Tickets

Welcome aboard S.S. Decanted: Yachty by Nature—a vintner’s tasting reception and auction where luxury meets purpose. Imagine yourself savoring the finest wines and gourmet delights, with the breezy beats of Yacht Rock and classic Hip Hop setting the perfect backdrop.

Enjoy an expertly curated tasting reception before raising a toast (and a paddle!) to the food and beverage industry at a seated live auction benefiting Southern Smoke Foundation. Through critical emergency relief funding and mental health resources, Southern Smoke Foundation provides a safety net to food and beverage workers nationwide, ensuring they have the support they need when times are tough.

So gather your friends, dust off your captain’s hats, and join us for an inspiring celebration that toasts to resilience, community, and the power of giving back.

In-Home Dinners
Thursday, March 27, 2025
6:30pm
Purchase Your Table

Notorious Admiral’s Club Tables Only

Start off Decanted Weekend with a bespoke dining experience for 10 in your home, featuring premier chefs and two celebrated vintners of your choice.

Chris Bianco
Seth Siegel-Gardner
Terrence Gallivan

Tiffany Derry
Alexandra Pena

Stephanie Izard
Ryan Pera

Ryan Prewitt
Felipe Riccio

Desserts for all dinners by Alyce Garcia, pastry chef of Nobie’s

 

Chefs - Vintner's Reception
Chefs - Live Auction + Pastry
Vintners
In-Home Chefs and Vintners
Chef Thumbnail
Felipe Botero
Le Jardinier MFAH
Chef Thumbnail
Emmanuel Chavez
Houston, TX
Tatemó
Chef Thumbnail
Mayank Istwal
Musaafer
Chef Thumbnail
Felipe Riccio
MARCH
Chef Thumbnail
Luis Roger
BCN
Chef Thumbnail
Will and Nichole Buckman
Corkscrew BBQ
Chef Thumbnail
Sara Brook
Houston, TX
The Dessert Gallery
Chef Thumbnail
Anita Jaisinghani
Pondicheri Bake Lab
Chef Thumbnail
Bobby Matos
State of Grace, La Lucha
Chef Thumbnail
ADAMVS
Amy Particelli, General Manager
Napa Valley, CA
Chef Thumbnail
Amalie Robert Estate
Ernie Pink & Dena Drews, Winemaker & Proprietors
Willamette Valley, OR
Chef Thumbnail
Aperture Cellars
Aaron Robertson, Director of Wholesale
Sonoma County, CA
Chef Thumbnail
Bevan Cellars
Victoria De Cresenzo, Co-Proprietor
Napa Valley & Sonoma, CA
Chef Thumbnail
Blackbird Vineyards
Jeff Blaum, VP of Sales
Napa Valley, CA
Chef Thumbnail
Bricoleur Vineyards
Joanna Lardie, Wine Club & Operations Manager
Sonoma County, CA
Chef Thumbnail
Bruliam Wines
Kerith Overstreet, Winemaker & Proprietor
Sonoma County, CA
Chef Thumbnail
Brundlmayer
Andreas Wickhoff MW, General Manager
Langenlois, Austria
Chef Thumbnail
Bryant Estate
Edmund Lowman, Chief Business Officer
Napa Valley, CA
Chef Thumbnail
Champagne Madame Zero
Nick Sanford, Director of Accounts
Vertus, France
Chef Thumbnail
Chosen Family Wines
Channing Frye, President
Willamette Valley, OR
Chef Thumbnail
Cimarossa
Beth Pryor, General Manager
Napa Valley, CA
Chef Thumbnail
Cliff Lede Vineyards
Anne Champagne, Director of Sales, South
Napa Valley, CA
Chef Thumbnail
Cristom Vineyards
Daniel Estrin, Winemaker & Vineyard Manager
Willamette Valley, OR
Chef Thumbnail
Dalla Valle Vineyards
Maya Dalla Valle, Winemaker
Napa Valley, CA
Chef Thumbnail
Donnachadh Family Wines
Vilma Mazaite, General Manager
Santa Barbara County, CA
Chef Thumbnail
Duchman Family Winery
Drs. Stan and Lisa Duchman, Proprietors
Texas Hill Country
Chef Thumbnail
Dunn Vineyards
Mike Dunn, Winemaker
Napa Valley, CA
Chef Thumbnail
Emeritus Vineyards
Mari Jones, President/Owner
Russian River Valley, CA
Chef Thumbnail
Flanagan Wines
Riley Flanagan, Winemaker & Proprietor
Sonoma County, CA
Chef Thumbnail
Harumph Wines
Scotti Stark, Founder
Napa Valley, CA
Chef Thumbnail
Hill of Tara Wines
Danny Fay, founder
Sonoma County, CA
Chef Thumbnail
Hirsch Vineyards
Jasmine Hirsch, Winemaker
Sonoma Coast, CA
Chef Thumbnail
Jonata
Natalie Vaclavik, National Sales Manager
Central Coast, CA
Chef Thumbnail
Lerner Project
Brigid Babb, General Manager
Napa Valley, CA
Chef Thumbnail
Matthiasson
Steve Matthiasson, Winemaker and Proprietor
Napa Valley, CA
Chef Thumbnail
Morlet Family Vineyards
Armen Khachaturian, National Accounts Manager
Napa Valley, CA
Chef Thumbnail
Pahlmeyer Winery
Lili Shariati, Brand Ambassador
Napa Valley, CA
Chef Thumbnail
Paradigm Winery
Mary Ann Turrentine, Director of Sales & Hospitality
Napa Valley, CA
Chef Thumbnail
Paul Hobbs Winery
James Watkins, Prestige Accounts Manager
Russian River Valley, CA
Chef Thumbnail
Peay Vineyards
Brooke Sabel, National Sales & Marketing Director
Sonoma County, CA
Chef Thumbnail
Raventos i Blanc
Josep Samsó Raventós, North American Sales Manager
Sant Sadurní d'Anoia, Spain
Chef Thumbnail
Revana Estate
Dr. Madaiah Revana, Founder & President
Napa Valley, CA
Chef Thumbnail
Reynolds Family Winery
Cameron Reynolds, National Sales Manager
Napa Valley, CA
Chef Thumbnail
Robert Mondavi Winery
Euming Lee, Director of Brand Management
Napa Valley, CA
Chef Thumbnail
Robert Sinskey Vineyards
Rob Sinskey, Winemaker
Napa Valley, CA
Chef Thumbnail
Sanford Winery/Domaine Jean Francois
Jenn Hawley, Central Region Manager
Santa Barbara County, CA
Chef Thumbnail
Simon Family Estate
Josh Kretchmer, Director of Sales
Napa Valley, CA
Chef Thumbnail
Soter Vineyards
Kurt Johnson, Director of Sales
Willamette Valley, OR
Chef Thumbnail
Stout Family Wines
Guy Stout, Wine Guy
Napa Valley, CA
Chef Thumbnail
The Hilt Estate
Natalie Vaclavik, National Sales Manager
Central Coast, CA
Chef Thumbnail
The Mascot
Mollie Maisch, Director
Napa Valley, CA
Chef Thumbnail
Turley
Tegan Passalucqua, Director of Winemaking
Chef Thumbnail
William Chris
Kelsey Long, South Texas Territory Manager
Texas Hill Country
Chef Thumbnail
Zeitgeist Cellars
Mark Porembski, Winemaker & Proprieter
Napa Valley, CA
Chef Thumbnail
Chris Bianco
Phoenix, AZ
Pizzeria Bianco
Chef Thumbnail
Tiffany Derry
Dallas, TX
Tiffany Derry Concepts
Chef Thumbnail
Terrence Gallivan
Houston, TX
Chef Thumbnail
Stephanie Izard
Chicago/Los Angeles
Girl & The Goat, Little Goat Diner, Duck Duck Goat, Cabra, Valley Goat
Chef Thumbnail
Alexandra Pena
Houston, TX
Bar Bludorn
Chef Thumbnail
Ryan Pera
Houston, TX
Coltivare
Chef Thumbnail
Ryan Prewitt
New Orleans, LA
Pêche
Chef Thumbnail
Felipe Riccio
MARCH
Chef Thumbnail
Seth Siegel-Gardner
Houston, TX
LFG Hospitality
Decanted: Yachty by Nature
Saturday, March 29, 2025
2:00–6:00pm
Historic Eldorado Ballroom
2310 Elgin Street
Houston, TX 77004
Purchase Tables & Tickets

Welcome aboard S.S. Decanted: Yachty by Nature—a vintner’s tasting reception and auction where luxury meets purpose. Imagine yourself savoring the finest wines and gourmet delights, with the breezy beats of Yacht Rock and classic Hip Hop setting the perfect backdrop.

Enjoy an expertly curated tasting reception before raising a toast (and a paddle!) to the food and beverage industry at a seated live auction benefiting Southern Smoke Foundation. Through critical emergency relief funding and mental health resources, Southern Smoke Foundation provides a safety net to food and beverage workers nationwide, ensuring they have the support they need when times are tough.

So gather your friends, dust off your captain’s hats, and join us for an inspiring celebration that toasts to resilience, community, and the power of giving back.

In-Home Dinners
Thursday, March 27, 2025
6:30pm
Purchase Your Table

Notorious Admiral’s Club Tables Only

Start off Decanted Weekend with a bespoke dining experience for 10 in your home, featuring premier chefs and two celebrated vintners of your choice.

Chris Bianco
Seth Siegel-Gardner
Terrence Gallivan

Tiffany Derry
Alexandra Pena

Stephanie Izard
Ryan Pera

Ryan Prewitt
Felipe Riccio

Desserts for all dinners by Alyce Garcia, pastry chef of Nobie’s

 

About
Southern Smoke Decanted '25: Yachty By Nature

Welcome aboard S.S. Decanted: Yachty by Nature—a vintner’s tasting reception and auction where luxury meets purpose. Imagine yourself savoring the finest wines and gourmet delights, with the breezy beats of Yacht Rock and classic Hip Hop setting the perfect backdrop.

Enjoy an expertly curated tasting reception presented by Lexus before raising a toast (and a paddle!) to the food and beverage industry at a seated live auction benefiting Southern Smoke Foundation. Through critical emergency relief funding and mental health resources, Southern Smoke Foundation provides a safety net to food and beverage workers nationwide, ensuring they have the support they need when times are tough.

So gather your friends, dust off your captain’s hats, and join us for an inspiring celebration that toasts to resilience, community, and the power of giving back.

FAQ
What is the attire for the event?

Yacht Luxe Meets Street Chic. A perfect blend of upscale yacht vibes and hip hop flair—ideal for a sophisticated daytime affair. Think breezy nautical-inspired elegance with bold urban touches. Top off your look with a classic Members Only jacket and a captain’s hat for the ultimate high-seas swagger that’s sure to turn heads in the daylight.

Can I bring my own wine?

Yes! We encourage you to bring special bottles from your cellar to share with your table.

Is parking available?

We STRONGLY encourage rideshare for this event, but valet will be available.

Is this a private event?

Yes. Tickets will not be sold the day of the event. 21+ only.

Will food be served?

Yes, all of Houston’s Michelin-starred chefs will be serving food during the vintner’s reception, and we’ll have platters of fried chicken for each table during the auction.

How many wines can I taste?

Is this a question, or a challenge? With more than 40 vintners on hand, you will have the opportunity to taste at least 80 different wines during the Grand Tasting and even more during the Live Auction. In all seriousness, we encourage everyone to drink responsibly.

What time does the event start and end?

Some tables—Notorious Admiral’s Club, Grandmaster Champagne Captains—have early entry at 2pm, and all others arrive at 2:30pm. The event ends at 6pm.

Can I participate if I don’t buy a ticket?

Yes! You can bid on anything in the silent auction without buying a ticket. You must be present to participate in the live auction.

I bought a ticket, but can’t come. What can I do?

You can transfer your ticket to someone else, or donate the ticket price to Southern Smoke Foundation.

When and where do I pick up my winning live and silent auction lots?

All auction items may be picked up at the Southern Smoke Foundation office, located at 4200 Montrose, #430. We will reach out after both auctions have closed with pickup instructions. Payment must be completed prior to pickup.

The Notorious Admiral's Club
$ 50000
Thursday, March 27-Saturday, March 29, 2025
  |  2:00–6:00pm

Historic Eldorado Ballroom
2310 Elgin Street, Houston, TX 77004

– Start off Decanted Weekend with a bespoke dining experience for 10 guests in your home, featuring premier chefs and two celebrated winemakers of your choice (includes all food, beverages and wines, with full setup and cleanup) on Thursday, March 27.
– Exclusive front-row table for ten at Yachty by Nature, with caviar service and dedicated waitstaff.
– Two vintners of your choice to personally join your table and share their wines.
– Customized place cards and luxury gift bags for you and your table guests.
– VIP early access to the wine tasting event.
– Special acknowledgment during the event program and announcements.
– Logo placement on invitations, event signage, Southern Smoke Foundation website, and event program.
– Exclusive invitation to Friday night winemaker welcome party at Chris Shepherd’s home.

Grandmaster Champagne Captains
$ 25000
Saturday, March 29, 2025
  |  2:00-6:00pm

Historic Eldorado Ballroom
2310 Elgin Street, Houston, TX 77004

– Premium table for 8 at Yachty by Nature, with caviar service and dedicated private waitstaff.
– Two vintners of your choice to personally join your table and share their wines.
– Customized place cards and thoughtful gift bags for your table guests.
– VIP early access to the wine tasting event.
– Special acknowledgment during the event program and announcements.
– Logo placement on invitations, event signage, Southern Smoke Foundation website, and event program.
– Invitation to Friday night winemaker welcome party at Chris Shepherd’s home.

Flow Navigators
$ 12000
Saturday, March 29, 2025
  |  2:30-6:00pm

Historic Eldorado Ballroom
2310 Elgin Street, Houston, TX 77004

– Reserved table for 8 at Yachty by Nature in a prime location.
– Two vintners to personally join your table and share their wines.
– Special acknowledgment during the event program and announcements.
– Logo placement on invitations, event signage, Southern Smoke Foundation website, and event program.

Hustle & Floaters
$ 6000
Saturday, March 29, 2025
  |  2:30–6:00pm

Historic Eldorado Ballroom
2310 Elgin Street, Houston, TX 77004

– Reserved table for 8 guests at Yachty by Nature.
– Two vintners to personally join your table and share their wines.

Biggie Yacht Pass VIP Ticket
$ 1500
Saturday, March 29, 2025
  |  2:30-6:00pm

Historic Eldorado Ballroom
2310 Elgin Street, Houston, TX 77004

– One individual ticket at a reserved table in a premium location.
– Two vintners to personally join your table and share their wines.

Smooth Sailing General Admission Ticket
$ 750
Saturday, March 29, 2025
  |  2:30-6:00pm

Historic Eldorado Ballroom
2310 Elgin Street, Houston, TX 77004

– One individual ticket at a reserved table.
– Two vintners to personally join your table and share their wines.

LODGING
Four Seasons Hotel Houston

1300 Lamar
Houston, TX 77010

Experience luxury in Houston's central business district with a special Southern Smoke Decanted rate of $339/night.
BOOK A ROOM
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Pouring back into the industry.

Cheers to our magnificent friends for keeping this goodness flowing—Decanted would still be on the shelf without their remarkable generosity. Special thanks to Lexus, our Vintner’s Tasting supporter, and the Four Seasons, our official hotel supporter. Vroom and board, you might say.

Watching our community come together for a great cause never fails to inspire us at Southern Smoke. Proceeds from Decanted benefit our Foundation’s mission to provide emergency relief and mental health services to food and beverage workers nationwide.

Interested in supporting Decanted?

Please reach out to our development director Caroline Nabors at caroline@southernsmoke.org.