HISTORY

A long-standing partnership with:
Blackberry Farm and Lexus of Knoxville

An Inspiration & Ground Breaking Team

The idea of a wine auction fundraiser was born in 2000 when Susan Hyde attended a volunteer conference in Detroit and learned of the High Museum Atlanta’s very successful wine auction. Three years later the time was right. Susan and her husband, Lee Hyde, offered to lead the effort and enlisted the help of Jan and Pete Peter, and Carolyn Browning.

Bob Gilbertson of Bob’s Liquor & Wine was next enlisted for his expertise and guidance. The team then met with the late Tom Jackson, a co-founder of the L’Ete du Vin wine auction in Nashville. The concept was elevated to a higher level and L’Amour du Vin (the love of wine) was born.

The Rest Is Destiny

Local wine distributors and the California Wine Industry were approached and the idea was warmly received.

One of the greatest results of the first California trip was a meeting with a winery whose manager was the former wine buyer at Blackberry Farm who presented the idea of hosting a sponsors’ dinner there. Et Voila! The first sponsors’ dinner was hosted by the late Sam Beall in 2005.

Two Very Special Sponsors

Sam and the Blackberry Farm team elevated the auction dinner in 2006 with their expertise, chefs, and staff. Through their efforts, a nice catered event was transformed into an amazing food and wine experience with exquisite service. Blackberry Farm and the Beall Family’s continued partnership have brought some of the finest featured wineries in California and best chefs in America, and today L’Amour du Vin is undoubtedly the finest food and wine event in the State of Tennessee.

In 2007, Lexus of Knoxville became the Presenting Sponsor and continues to be so today. This extraordinary partnership and investment in L’Amour du Vin has elevated it to the first class event it is today. Lexus of Knoxville and the White Family have been key to the success of L’Amour du Vin.

And You

We are very fortunate to have many local wine collectors and friends of the museum that contribute from their private collections.

In addition to wines, our patrons and stakeholders have generously donated incredible wine pairing dinners in their homes and restaurants, stays in vacation homes, as well as wine-related items donated by local merchants.

One of the most rewarding results of LDV’s 21-year history is the growth of loyal patrons’ appetite for wine collecting and support of our beloved Knoxville Museum of Art.

STAFF

Taylor Broyles  |  Fundraising Events Manager, Knoxville Museum of Art

Taylor Broyles joined the KMA in 2022 as the Fundraising Events Manager. She comes to the museum with over 5 years in event management and design experience. Taylor worked in Event Design Sales for All Occasions Party Rentals and completed internships with the City of Knoxville Special Events Office, The Tennessee Smokies, Tennessee Athletic Event Management, and Prater Day Music Booking Agency. Taylor has a Bachelor of Arts in Communication with a minor in Hotel, Restaurant, and Tourism Management from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville; and holds certification as an event professional (CERP).

Chairs

June and Rob Heller  |  L’Amour du Vin 2022-2024