BUSA Foundation Benefit

BUSA announces its Third Annual Benefit at Hermann Farm!

Doug Frost, Master Sommelier and Master of Wine, along with JiaMin Dierberg, invite you to the upcoming BUSA benefit at Hermann Farm. Supporters of BUSA (Best USA Sommelier Association), as well as enthusiasts of wines and gourmet cuisine, are set to converge at the historic Hermann Farm Stone Barn on November 4, 2023. The evening promises signature cocktails, select wines, and a gourmet multi-course dinner curated by Chef Bernie Lee from St. Louis' Akar restaurant.

An auction featuring exclusive wines, sake's, and spirits from private collections will take place, with proceeds supporting BUSA's mission to fund the next US National Sommelier Competition in Fall 2024. This event welcomes collectors, investors, creators, and aficionados of fine wine who are keen to elevate the stature of American sommeliers on the global stage.

Thanks to the funds raised from the previous two benefits, BUSA and Hermann Farm successfully hosted the U.S. national sommelier championship in June 2022. Mark Guillaudeu emerged as the US winner, and with BUSA's support, represented the country in the World Championships in Paris in February 2023. There, he advanced to the semi-finals, becoming the first American to achieve this feat. Recently, Mark also earned the prestigious title of Master Sommelier, one of only two Americans to do so this year.

Hermann and Hermann Farm hold significant places in 19th-century American wine history. The expansive 200-acre Hermann Farm once accommodated George Husmann's plant nursery. His efforts in the scenic hills of Hermann crowned him "the father of Missouri viticulture", setting the foundation for the wine industries in both Missouri and Napa, California.

In June 2022, on the very grounds of Hermann Farm, Guillaudeu secured the champion title at the USA National Finals. His mastery was evident through his blind tastings of international wines and spirits, rigorous theoretical examinations on regions, grapes, spirits, cocktails, and beers, and a swift service exam conducted in French, a language not native to him.

Join us for an unforgettable evening filled with exquisite wines, gourmet dishes, and vibrant camaraderie! Secure your tickets now or consider generously contributing to BUSA below.

Transportation Now Available: $65/ adult from Frontenac Pottery Barn to the event beginning at 3:00 p.m. drop off at 10:45 pm at pickup location. Limited tickets available click to purchase >>>

Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023, 5pm-9pm
The Stone Barn at Hermann Farm
27 Stone Barn Road, Hermann, MO 65041

Dress/ Attire: Upscale wine country

Lodging: Overnight lodging is highly recommended, and those who stay overnight after the event will recieve an exclusive invite to the after-party at Tin Mill Brewery! The Inn at Hermannhof has a block of rooms available, please call (573) 486-5199 to book your stay, or check VisitHermann.com for a full list of local lodging options.