Tenuta Torciano supports Gaston LeNôtre Scholarship, Houston

Tenuta Torciano supported the Gaston LeNôtre Scholarship association at the February 2019 Champagne & Chocolat Scholarship Gala, held at the River Oaks Country Club in Houston, offering an Italian Vip Package: a wine experience at our winery in Italy, plus a private Tenuta Torciano Wine School event held directly in the US.

Founded in 2001, the Gaston LeNôtre Scholarship grows every year through the support of hospitality industry leaders and generous friends. The Champagne & Chocolat Scholarship Gala raises funds to give young student chefs a life-changing experience.

The evening

A French-flavored gala

Culinary Institute LeNotre students and chefs prepared a profusion of chocolate treats and petit fours, served with bottles of bubbly during the pre-dinner reception — a French-flavored build-up to an evening of can-can performers and a love song presented by foundation president Marie LeNotre for her husband, Alain LeNotre.

Ashley Petersen and JoAnn Petersen chaired the evening with co-chairs Beverly Kaufman and Barbara Van Postman. Marie Bosarge served as honorary chair. It was a special night for Rolanette Lawrence, who received the Gaston LeNotre Ambassador Award. More than $200,000 was raised for scholarships to the culinary school.

The prize

Mignon and Steven Gill's Tuscan trip

Our Gift Package — a VIP Tasting at Torciano Winery in Tuscany, plus a private Wine School at home in Houston — was won by the best bidders, Mignon & Steven Gill. Last week Mrs. Gill and her friend Samira came to visit us to enjoy the prize with a spectacular Tuscan experience: an exclusive helicopter flight and a delicious Tuscan lunch with wine tasting, led directly by owner Pierluigi Giachi.

The helicopter flight departed directly from their hotel in Tuscany, giving Ms. Gill and her friend the chance to see the Tuscan countryside from the sky before reaching Tenuta Torciano Winery for a truly unforgettable day. Pierluigi Giachi welcomed the landing with a Prosecco toast, then guided the experience from visiting the estate to lunch with a vertical wine tasting. Our guests also received a photo album of the experience to remember the day with the whole Torciano team. We have already arranged a new appointment for a Tenuta Torciano Wine School event at the Gills' home next December, and we're sure it will be a great success.

We are very pleased that our Gift Package could help Gaston LeNôtre Scholarship students toward a career and a degree in the culinary arts.

By purchasing a Gift Package offered by us, such as wines and experiences in Tuscany, anyone can support important humane causes. This is grounded in the idea that giving, and taking care of those who are less fortunate, means living well. It's just about being grateful for what you have and sharing it with others.