Introduction to a Night of Wine and Baseball
Less than 24 hours before the Houston Astros’ first pitch of the season at the rebranded Daikin Park, a special evening was underway. Celebrated winemaker Jesse Katz and his lead investor, Astros owner Jim Crane, welcomed guests to Otto & Kristalla for a night celebrating the season and the 100-point wines of Aperture Cellars.
A Conversation with Jim Crane
Jim Crane, along with his wife Whitney, arrived from Memorial Park, home of the Texas Children’s Houston Open golf tournament. Crane was in high spirits, praising Aperture wines and their highly respected winemaker, Jesse Katz. When asked about the upcoming baseball season, Crane expressed his optimism. "The energy level on the team is high. People don’t know how good the moves are that we’ve made. And we’re gonna see how good real quick. And the team, I think, is going to do really well this year."
The Connection Between Crane and Katz
The partnership between Jim Crane and Jesse Katz is not just about business; it’s also personal. Crane’s son, Jared, and Katz were college roommates. When Katz was ready to launch his own wine label, he approached Crane for the necessary $5 million in seed money. After three months of discussion, a partnership was born.
The Aperture Cellars Wine Dinner
The evening at Otto & Kristalla featured a five-course dinner orchestrated by Potente executive chef Danny Trace. Each course was carefully paired with exceptional wines from Aperture Cellars. Katz explained the significance of each wine, highlighting their unique achievements, such as the first 100-point Malbec in U.S. history and the first 100-point Cabernet in Alexander Valley history.
A Night to Remember
Among the guests was Houston Astros sideline reporter Julia Morales, who received a birthday surprise during the dinner. The evening was a celebration of Aperture Cellars’ milestones and accomplishments, with guests having the rare opportunity to taste four different 100-point wines.
Behind the Scenes with Chef Danny Trace
Executive chef Danny Trace shared his experience in creating menus that pair perfectly with Aperture’s exceptional wines. "We’ve done a few Aperture dinners in the last few years, and it’s been a natural progression. We have some great juice going on tonight. I mean it’s unbelievable," Trace said.
Conclusion
The night at Otto & Kristalla was a unique blend of wine, baseball, and camaraderie. With its exceptional wines and carefully crafted dinner menu, the Aperture Cellars Wine Dinner was an event to remember. As Jim Crane quipped, "Nothing happens unless somebody sells something. So we’re selling wine tonight. So buy some." The evening was not just about selling wine but about sharing a passion for excellence, whether in baseball or winemaking.
