High Museum Atlanta Wine Auction
The Main Attraction
Each year, we invite old and new friends to savor wonderful wine and food all while supporting our beloved High Museum of Art. For over thirty years, the High Museum Atlanta Wine Auction has brought the best wineries to Atlanta to share their wonderful wines with our Benefactors. Our mission to support the High along with our love for delicious wine is the perfect reason to join us this coming March to “party with a purpose.”
Since 1993, our generous Benefactors and long-time vintner friends have helped the Wine Auction raise $37 million to support the High Museum of Art and we are counting on our community to pull together once more to continue our time-honored tradition. Becoming a Benefactor is the only way to ensure you will be part of this fantastic event. The Wine Auction’s exclusive events consistently sell out so becoming a Benefactor ensures you have access to all the top wineries and standout chefs we invite every year. Your support allows the High Museum to continue serving diverse audiences and engaging the community with world-class exhibitions and dynamic programs.
We look forward to celebrating with you under the tents!
View the 2023 High Museum Atlanta Wine Auction catalog.
By the Numbers
A Little About Us
The High Museum Atlanta Wine Auction is the largest fundraising event for the High Museum of Art, the leading art museum in the southeastern United States. Making more than $3 million in 2022, the Wine Auction is the top charity fundraising event in Atlanta, one of the largest charity wine auctions in the U.S., and the number one charity wine auction benefiting the arts. The Wine Auction has generated $37 million over the last 30 years!
Funds raised by the auction support the High Museum’s continuing mission to reflecting the diversity of its communities and offering a variety of exhibitions and educational programs that engage visitors with the world of art, the lives of artists and the creative process. Becoming a Benefactor of the Museum’s single, largest fundraising event will have a direct impact on operations and help ensure that the High remains a leader in the art world and a beacon in the city of Atlanta.
Dick Denny Paddle Raise
We are celebrating the 19th anniversary of the Dick Denny Paddle Raise for arts education.
$2,071,830: The amount the Dick Denny Paddle Raise has contributed to Art Access programs at the High Museum since 2006
$27: All it takes to give a student….
- Free admission to the High Museum of Art
- Free transportation
- Free teacher resources and materials for the classroom
- Welcome back coupon for each student, inviting them to bring their parents to the High
375,751: The number of students we’ve helped with the Dick Denny Paddle Raise
A museum experience can inspire a lifelong love for the arts. Studies show that more than 60% of recent visitors to cultural institutions attended these organizations as children. Help us ignite that spark!
History & Past Auctions
Enjoy a look back at auction posters from the past.
The 2024 Festivities
To learn more about our Benefactor Packages, please visit the Benefactor Packages page.
For questions or more information, please contact us at wineauctioninfo@high.org or 404-733-5335.
Thursday, March 21, 2024
Winemaker Dinners
We combine exceptional wineries and prominent chefs to craft a memorable collaboration for dinner. The most beautiful homes in Atlanta will provide the perfect backdrop. Wineries will showcase their absolute best wines while chefs prepare a superb meal for your palate to enjoy.
Friday, March 22, 2024
Friday Uncorked!
This wonderful and lighthearted event promises to provide outstanding wines and delicious fare. Join us for an entertaining evening as you share stories and laughter with friends. To round out the evening, enjoy a spin on the dance floor as we toast to our beloved museum.
Saturday, March 23, 2024
Vintners’ Reception and Live Auction
We will end our festivities with our Vintners’ Reception and Live Auction. Begin the day with wineries pouring their unforgettable wines as you sample tasty treats from Atlanta’s best eateries. Then get ready for a high energy live auction. Grab your paddle and place your bid on unique experiences and first-class wines. If you can manage to pull your attention away from the Live Auction, don’t forget to place bids on amazing lots in the Silent Auction. All funds raised support the High Museum of Art.
2024 Co-Chairs
Cathy Rhodes
Cathy is honored and excited to co-chair the 2024 High Museum Atlanta Wine Auction. She and her husband, Scott, have enjoyed collecting wine and traveling to wine regions around the world for the last 30 years. She looks forward to bringing top wineries and chefs to the Wine Auction which will aid in raising money for High Museum programs that are near and dear to her heart.
In addition to the Wine Auction, Cathy has been involved with Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta as a former chair of the Hope and Will Ball, and she served as Chair of the Brookhaven Friends of CHOA. Other organizations that she volunteers with include the National Charity League, City of Refuge, and Agape. Her love of the arts led her to leadership roles for the Trinity School Spotlight on Art for several years and The Lovett School Fine Arts program.
Cathy and Scott enjoy visiting their three adult children, as well as hiking, biking and skiing. Cathy is the founder of Cathy Rhodes Interiors, a residential design firm based in Atlanta.
Carli Reis
Carli is honored to be co-chairing the 2024 High Museum Atlanta Wine Auction. She is thrilled to see the events unfold and have another incredible year to “party with a purpose.”
Carli has two school-aged daughters with her husband, Steve, and stays busy with the girls’ various sports and activities. She’s trying to make the most of this fun stage where her children are old enough to be somewhat independent and yet young enough to still want to hang out with their parents. Professionally, Carli is a licensed psychologist and splits time between her private practice and serving as the consulting psychologist at the Trinity School. Given her research knowledge and clinical experience with children, Carli is inspired by the High’s incredible community engagement to help provide children with access to the arts.
In addition to supporting the High Museum, Carli also serves on Odyssey Atlanta’s Mental Health Committee, the PaulUnited Committee (a local group that helps fundraise targeted research for Pediatric Cancer treatment), and is supporting the 2024 Cathedral Giving By Design event. In her free time, Carli enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, playing Mahjong, attending live music, cooking, and of course, learning about and enjoying delicious wine
Meet our 2024 Guest of Honor!
Cristian Vallejo has spent more than 25 years in the wine industry thus far—all filled with inspiration, amazing experiences and worthwhile stories that have led him to who he is today.
For Vallejo, wine has been a way to express his thoughts, feelings and personality, a way to share a deeper connection with others. Some people say that it’s an art, but for Vallejo, it’s the only form of art where there are two composers: nature and the winemaker.
Cristian’s story as a winemaker began at the Undurraga Winery in 1996 as a cellar hand and assistant winemaker. He used his time there to learn about the wine creation process from start to finish. In 1997, he worked at Portificia Universidad Católica de Chilé. While there, Cristian worked in viticulture with students and got involved in other wineries’ projects, such as the “Pueblo Antiguo winery,” where he and his students used ampelography to identify the different varieties (Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmenère and Merlot) in the vineyards.
Vallejo then worked as an assistant winemaker at Valdivieso in Maule Valley in 1998 where they made a variety of whites including Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay. After the 1998 vintage, Cristian began working at TerraMater. While there (until 2007), Vallejo worked with consultants like David Morrison, Nick Butler and Patrick Valette. He created two ranges of fine wines: “Unusual” and “Mater” blends. The first was created in 2003 and was a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmenère, Shiraz and Zinfandel. The second, “Mater,” had those same varieties with Sangiovese. During this time, Vallejo was the first Chilean winemaker to produce high-end Zinfandel.
In between, Vallejo spent time in the United States at Franciscan Estate. Quintessa wine was crafted there and Vallejo made it a priority to learn more about one wine in particular—the Mighty Zin. Cristian also worked in Spain in 2001 and became an assistant winemaker at Clos Montblanc in the Barberà del la Conca region. His next journey led him to Château Margaux in 2003 where he worked with Paul Pontallier and Philippe Bascaules. This experience taught him how to create elegant, fine wine while learning French and making great friends that remain close today.
Vallejo fell in love with France and decided to go back in 2004 to work at Léoville Poyferré with Didier Cuvelier and his family. Two years later, he joined them to work at Château Le Crock in Saint-Estèphe. In 2005, Vallejo felt called to Saint-Émilion and worked at Château Berliquet. During that year, he also went to Italy to learn about Pinot Grigio at Cantina Toblino with Lorenzo Tomazzoli. He returned in 2006 to help with their viticultural management.
The next challenge began in November 2007 when he met Alex and Carrie Vik. At the time, they had 30 hectares planted and 400 people working; that is when Vallejo saw so much potential. When Alex and Carrie invited him to be part of the team, he was confident there was enormous growth slated for the terroir with its different valleys, varying solar exposures, diversity of altitude and soils. All of this added up to one thing: complexity. He knew at that time a great wine would be crafted there.
Now that he and his fantastic team have planted the whole vineyard (323 hectares) and have built the winery and hotel, VIK is on its way to becoming one of the world’s finest wineries.
At VIK, three amazing wines are offered—each with its own artistic complexity that intersect at one common point: elegant and well-balanced tannins.
Vallejo, Alex and Carrie Vik pioneered the region and were the first to develop the DO Millahue. Now, they are working on two new projects: “Amphoir and Barroir.” These are both intended to showcase their terroir in the purest way possible. The word “Amphoir” comes from amphoras and terroir because they are making the amphoras using the clay on their property. The name “Barroir” is derived from barrel and terroir because they toast the French oak barrels using their own oak from the property.
Vallejo’s robust experiences around the globe have made him a well-rounded winemaker who is enthusiastic about networking, innovating, and fostering his passion for wine.
Benefactor Packages
Benefactor packages for the 2024 Wine Auction are available now.
Not only is becoming a Benefactor the only way to ensure that you’ll be a part of this great event, your contribution does so much more – it supports the High Museum’s continuing mission to provide education programs and various outreach efforts to local youth and to consistently deliver world-class art exhibitions that make Atlanta proud. Becoming a Benefactor of the Museum’s single, largest fundraising event will have a direct impact on operations and help ensure that the High remains a leader in the artworld and a beacon in the city of Atlanta.
Charitable Contribution $20,000
- Two (2) reservations for the Top Bidders’ Dinner (February TBD)
- Four (4) reservations for an in-home Winemaker Dinner (Thursday, March 21)
- Eight (8) tickets to Friday Uncorked! (Friday, March 22)
- Invitation for host couple to a private champagne reception with Museum Director Rand Suffolk and Wine Auction Special Guest of Honor prior to Friday Uncorked!
- Invitation for host couple for the VIP “Early Access” to Saturday Vintners’ Reception (Saturday, March 23)
- Ten (10) reservations for Vintners’ Reception and Live Auction including a premium table with signage and table concierge service for the Live Auction (Saturday, March 23)
- Complimentary valet parking for events on Friday night, March 22 and Saturday, March 23 for the host couple and guests
- Complimentary Museum membership at the Contributing level with an option to upgrade or gift the membership; does not apply to current Director’s Circle members
- VIP invitations to High Museum events
- Option to buy additional Winemaker Dinner seats at the Benefactor price of $800 per seat; limit two (2) additional seats
- Two (2) invitations to the Wine Down 2024 party (post-Auction event usually held in May)
Charitable Contribution $14,000
- Two (2) reservations for an in-home Winemaker Dinner (Thursday, March 21)
- Eight (8) tickets to Friday Uncorked! (Friday, March 22)
- Invitation for host couple for VIP “Early Access” to Saturday Vintners’ Reception (Saturday, March 23)
- Ten (10) reservations for Vintners’ Reception and Live Auction including a premium table with signage and table concierge service for the Live Auction (Saturday, March 23)
- Complimentary valet parking for events on Friday night, March 22 and Saturday, March 23 for the host couple and guests
- Complimentary Museum membership at the Contributing level with an option to upgrade or gift the membership; does not apply to current Director’s Circle members
- VIP invitations to High Museum events
- Option to buy additional Winemaker Dinner seats at the Benefactor price of $800 per seat; limit two (2) additional seats
- Two (2) invitations to the Wine Down 2024 party (post-Auction event usually held in May)
Charitable Contribution $7,200
- Two (2) reservations for an in-home Winemaker Dinner (Thursday, March 21)
- Four (4) tickets to Friday Uncorked! (Friday, March 22)
- Four (4) reservations for the Vintners’ Reception & Live Auction (Saturday, March 23)
- Complimentary valet parking for events on Friday night, March 22 and Saturday, March 23
- VIP invitations to High Museum events
- Option to buy additional Winemaker Dinner seats at the Benefactor price of $800 per seat; limit two (2) additional seats
- Two (2) invitations to the Wine Down 2024 party (post-Auction event usually held in May)
Charitable Contribution $4,400
- Two (2) reservations for an in-home Winemaker Dinner (Thursday, March 21)
- Two (2) tickets to Friday Uncorked! (Friday, March 22)
- Two (2) reservations for the Vintners’ Reception & Live Auction (Saturday, March 23)
- Complimentary valet parking for events on Friday night, March 22 and Saturday, March 23
- VIP invitations to the High Museum events
- Option to buy additional Winemaker Dinner seats at the Benefactor price of $800 per seat; limit two (2) additional seats
Charitable Contribution $3,200
- Two (2) tickets to Friday Uncorked! (Friday, March 22)
- Two (2) reservations for the Vintners’ Reception & Live Auction (Saturday, March 23)
- Complimentary valet parking for events on Friday night, March 22 and Saturday, March 23
- VIP invitation to High Museum events
Make a donation to Dick Denny Paddle Raise
DonateIf you are unable to attend the 2024 Wine Auction, please consider making a donation to support the Museum’s Art Access program.
Interested in becoming a sponsor? Please contact Ginna Dunlap, Associate Director of Corporate Giving, at ginna.dunlap@high.org for more information. We rely on volunteers to help us make the Wine Auction a success, please click here to find out more.
Payment or pledge by January 12 will guarantee your name will be included in the 2024 Auction Catalog
Food & Wine
Year after year world-class wineries and some of the South’s best restaurants support the High Museum Atlanta Wine Auction and this year is no different!
Restaurants
We are so thankful for their participation as we could not put on our spectacular events without their time and talents. We encourage you to support these wonderful restaurants who support us!
Wineries
We raise a glass to the wineries who are participating in the 2024 Wine Auction. Our events would not be possible without the generosity of these amazing wineries. We encourage you to support them.
Raise a Glass!
The High Museum Atlanta Wine Auction salutes our generous 2024 Auction partners.
Presenting Sponsor
Grand Cru Sponsor
