Meet our 2018 Special Guest Chef, Jonathan Waxman!

We are thrilled to welcome chef Jonathan Waxman to the 26th Wine Auction. Jonathan is a native Californian, whose family nurtured him in the food arts from an early age. He received the Grand Diplôme from La Varenne school in Paris and cooked under Alice Waters at Berkeley’s legendary Chez Panisse before graduating to Executive Chef of Michael’s in Santa Monica. In 1984, Jonathan made his mark in New York with the iconic Jams, which he followed up with a string of successes in New York, London, and Napa Valley. Today, Jonathan is chef and owner of Barbuto in Manhattan’s West Village and Jams in 1 Hotel Central Park. In 2014, he opened Nashville restaurants, Adele’s and Bajo Sexto, and is a founding partner of Nashville’s Music City Food + Wine Festival. Jonathan also founded Brezza Cucina, which opened in Atlanta’s Ponce City Market in fall 2015. He is a judge on Bravo’s "Recipe for Deception" and has appeared on two seasons of "Top Chef Masters." He works closely with many charities, including Citymeals-on-Wheels and Alex’s Lemonade Stand. He is the author of the cookbooks, A Great American Cook and Italian, My Way. Jonathan currently lives in Manhattan with his wife and three children.

Benefactor Packages are going fast and today is the catalog deadline! If you haven't signed up yet, submit your Benefactor payment or pledge today, January 12, for name recognition in the 2018 Auction Catalog. Becoming a Benefactor is the only way to guarantee a reservation at any of our 2018 events. Join us to ensure your place in the tents and support vital programs at the High Museum of Art! 

Another week, and the phenomenal Auction Lots keep rolling in. Shall we review a sneak peek?

Bid high for a very special Lot in honor of ZD Wines and their 50th Anniversary! Indulge in a historic collection of ZD wines, including Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon and a first-ever Blanc de Blanc Sparkling Wine commemorating ZD's 50th Anniversary. To complement a magnificent collection of wine, enjoy a September 2018 trip for two to ZD's 50th Harvest Celebration in the heart of Napa Valley. This two-day experience will kick off on Friday evening with a VIP exclusive winemaker historical wine tasting, followed by an intimate Napa Valley chef paired wine dinner held at the deLeuze family’s private residence in Carneros. 

Wake up on Saturday morning to a fun-filled day fueled by food and wine activities: a harvest grape stomp with winemakers and family members, more Napa Valley food delights, traditional and reserve wines, music, and the eagerly anticipated unveiling of ZD’s celebratory sparkling wine that the winemakers have been crafting for this perfect occasion. Rest up (or not!) for more festivities lasting well into the evening. Can you believe this is just the sneak peek?