Wine & Baseball: A World Series Celebration at Altitude

While this blog will typically focuses on my adventures in wine, food, and travel (and occasionally my passion for music), this story is something special. Yes, there was exceptional wine and outstanding food, but this event brought together another love of mine that will rarely make an appearance on these pages - Atlanta Braves baseball. When these worlds collided at 420 feet above Truist Park, it created one of the most unique and personally meaningful experiences I've ever had the pleasure to share.

HOW IT ALL BEGAN

As I mentioned in my very first blog post on this site, our journey with the Atlanta High Museum Wine Auction began in 2022 when we signed up as Benefactors. What I didn't share in that post was the story of our very first exposure to these annual events - the 2022 Wine Auction Benefactor Party.

The invitation arrived for a special evening at the Waldorf-Astoria Atlanta Buckhead on February 27, 2022. This exclusive celebration promised a sneak preview of the upcoming auction lots, accompanied by exceptional wines and hors d'oeuvres. As new Benefactors, Dio and I were warmly welcomed by the folks from the High and the other Benefactors at this event, forming friendships that continue to this day.

After some socializing, representatives from the High Museum spoke about the upcoming auction, then handed the microphone to winemaker Sam Lando. Sam introduced an extraordinary auction lot - "Winemakers & Players at Altitude" at the new TK Elevator Innovation & Qualification Test Tower overlooking Truist Park. We found out that Sam and Braves President Mike Plant (who was in attendance) had collaborated to create this unique experience, combining Sam's connections in the wine world with Mike's ability to bring in the Braves organization and the spectacular TK Elevator venue.

Then came the moment that would lead to an unforgettable experience - Sam surprised the benefactors with an offer to secure spots at the starting bid price right then and there. For those willing to raise their hands, the buy-in would be locked in at the starting bid price. Given that the event would surely sell to capacity during next month's live auction, driving up the price per couple, this early commitment opportunity was too good to pass up.

A LIFELONG BRAVES FAN'S DREAM

As a lifelong Braves fan, my excitement level went through the roof. I grew up watching the Braves back when they were in the NL West, often hiding both the TV and myself under a blanket late at night to watch late West Coast games against the rival Dodgers, trying to keep my parents from seeing the TV's light. My collection of Braves baseball cards, featuring everyone from Dale Murphy and Rafael Ramirez to Phil Niekro and so many others, were always spread out beside me - even though I was definitely supposed to be asleep!

That childhood passion never faded. When the Braves won the World Series in 2021, Dio and I were right there celebrating along with the rest of Atlanta. We even made it to the victory parade in Midtown, capturing that historic moment for our city.

The championship meant so much to me that my Braves World Series Champions hat quickly became my favorite piece of headwear, as you can see in this photo of Dio and me.

When Sam offered Benefactors the opportunity to secure spots right then and there, Dio and I exchanged a quick glance and raised our hands without hesitation. The chance to combine fine wine with my beloved Braves? Count us in!

While we were too caught up in the excitement of our first ever Wine Auction event to take photos during the party itself, I did manage to capture the sign welcoming attendees on the way in. After the party wrapped up, Dio and I weren't quite ready for the evening to end, so we headed to the Waldorf's restaurant for dinner, where we finally remembered to take a picture to commemorate our first official event as Wine Auction Benefactors.

THE MAIN EVENT

Entering the TK Elevator building’s event space on November 5th, we were immediately greeted by the World Series trophy - a stunning reminder of the Braves' recent triumph.

The event space, situated 420 feet above The Battery, offered breathtaking 360-degree views: Truist Park and The Battery below us, Stone Mountain rising in the distance, and the Atlanta skyline stretching across the horizon.

The evening brought together an impressive array of talent from California winemakers and Atlanta's finest chefs, including Chef Kevin Rathbun (whom I finally got to meet after years of considering his steakhouse my favorite in Atlanta). Mike Plant, Atlanta Braves President, who we'd first seen at the Benefactor Party, was now here welcoming everyone to this extraordinary venue.

A particularly special moment came when we met Tyler Matzek, still wearing his arm brace following recent Tommy John surgery. For Braves fans, Matzek holds a legendary status after his heroic performance in the 2021 World Series run. His unforgettable appearance in Game 6 of the NLCS, where he struck out three consecutive Dodgers in a crucial moment, remains one of the greatest moments in Braves postseason history. Getting to meet him and snap a photo with Dio was a highlight of the evening, especially knowing the challenging journey ahead of him with recovery and rehabilitation.

Another incredible moment was getting to talk wine with Braves legend Andruw Jones. Having watched him patrol center field during my younger years, it was surreal to be discussing wine preferences with one of my baseball heroes. The evening truly brought together two of my passions - Braves baseball and wine - in the most delightful way

One of the evening's most memorable moments came during our time with Braves President Mike Plant. He took the time to share the intricate details and special meaning behind every aspect of the Braves' World Series ring, explaining the symbolism and stories behind each element.

Then, in a gesture that left us starstruck, he let Dio try on the ring - a moment we captured in photos. We also got a wonderful group shot together, creating a lasting memory of an incredibly special evening.

WINE HIGHLIGHTS

While the social nature of the evening wasn't conducive to detailed tasting notes, we enjoyed an impressive selection of wines from across California. The 2019 Lando Wines Pinot Noir Proprietor's Reserve Sonoma Coast showed incredible potential, though still quite young and tannic. Sam Lando's craftsmanship was evident in the wonderful fruit and long finish - a wine that will truly shine with 2-3 years of patience or a long decant. I had already added some of this wine to my cellar earlier in the year, so it was amazing to try it young without having to open one of my precious bottles!

The 2019 D.R. Stephens Malbec Collateral Napa Valley proved to be a delightful surprise. Unlike many Malbecs that can be overly angular and harsh, this expression showed remarkable elegance and balance. Among the Hunnicutt offerings, their 2018 Cuvée Equite blend demonstrated skilled winemaking with its harmonious composition. I was so impressed with the malbec that I not only ordered as many bottles of this small production wine as they would sell me, but also added D.R. Stephens to my must-visit list for my next Napa trip!

The 2018 Reynolds Family Winery Cabernet Sauvignon Steadfast Reserve from Stags Leap District emerged as my favorite Cabernet of the evening. Remarkably open for a 2018, this wine led to an engaging conversation with owner/winemaker Steve Reynolds himself, instantly putting his winery on our must-visit list for future Napa trips.

As the event winded down, my last pour was the 2020 My Favorite Neighbor Blanc from Paso Robles. It offered refreshing notes and elegant balance. I liked this white so much, I also ordered some of it for my cellar! I even left the event with a gift - this “MFN” cap!

Although I didn’t take notes on all of the wines poured that night, they were all exceptional. Here are some pictures we grabbed of some of those wines and just a sample of the delicious food provided by the Atlanta-based chefs who participated.

UNEXPECTED CONNECTIONS

One of the evening's many highlights was finally meeting Chef Kevin Rathbun. After years of considering his steakhouse, Kevin Rathbun Steak, my favorite in Atlanta, we had the chance to connect over our shared passion for wine. This initial meeting led to subsequent visits to Rathbun’s where we've shared bottles and stories about Old World wines.

THE PERFECT BLEND

Looking back, this evening was a perfect convergence of passions. While my adventures typically revolve around wine, food, travel and music, adding my lifelong love of Braves baseball created something truly special. Sharing exceptional wines with baseball legends while overlooking Truist Park from 420 feet up? That's the kind of unique experience that makes a lasting memory.

The view wasn't bad either!

Note: The evening's impact extended beyond just creating memories. Proceeds were split between two worthy causes: the Atlanta Braves Foundation and the High Museum of Art's exhibitions and educational programs. It was wonderful to see the worlds of sports and art coming together to benefit our community.