PAFA’s 16th Annual Bacchanal Wine Gala

Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts (PAFA) hosted its 16th annual Bacchanal Wine Gala and Auction on Saturday, November 8, 2014, to honor the passion and joie de vivre of Jean-Charles Boisset (JCB). Boisset was born in the village of Vougeot, France. His lifelong passion for wine began as a child growing up within view of the centuries-old vineyards of Château du clos de Vougeot. His family founded their winery in 1961.

Leading up to the gala, Boisset was wined and dined at private dinners throughout the week, and participated in two public events. Friday it was Baubles, Bubbly & Boisset at Joan Shepp, where guests were able to sip JCB’s favorite vintages while shopping and viewing Cameron Silver’s favorite vintage designer clothing. Saturday it was Boisset Bubbly Brunch Crawl with Rouge, a.kitchen and Library Bar at the Rittenhouse Hotel; guests enjoyed brunch and pairings at each stop.

Saturday night was the gala at PAFA. Kicking off the evening was a well-attended cocktail party where guests could enjoy tasty delights by Stephen Starr Events, and could bid on vintage bottles of spirits ranging from a signed Hennessey Cognac signed by Shepard Fairey ($40) to a One double Magnum Staglin Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 at $1,600. Dinner was prepared by Aimee Olexy of Talula’s Table who served Roasted Pheasant for the main course. After dinner, Jean-Charles Boisset was presented the Thomas Jefferson Award and a delicious array of desserts were served.

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PAFA's Bacchanal Wine Gala

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From left: Jean-Charles Boisset, Gina Boisset, Linda and Don Caldwell.

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Billy Blaise Dufala and Brendan Keene with a large format bottle of Buena Vista wine which was auctioned off later in the evening.

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Lydie Brown de Janosi and Keith Cox. co-chairs of the Bacchanal Gala.

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Brandy Chieffi and Bill Farrell, executive vice president at Wilmington Trust.

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Judge Abe Gafni and Sandy Gafni.

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Greg and Rebecca Segall.

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From left: Vesna Sacks and Howard Sacks of Morgan Stanley with Carol Saline and Paul Rathblott. Carol, who is jack of all trades, an author, actress and now a jeweler, made the pin on Paul's suit and will be selling them at Distane on Sansom St. December 5 & 6.

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From left: Juhi and Neil Shah, president and COO Hersha Hospitality Trust, with Michelle and Reg Archambault, general manager at The Rittenhouse Hotel.

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Nicole McLaughlin of Duane Morris LLP and David Benway, CEO and founder at Verinvest Corporation.

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From left: Phil and Rita Harper with Hadia Tolson.

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Robert Zuritsky, Parkway Corp. president, and Caroline Zuritsky.

HughE Dillon covers parties, events and more for Philadelphia magazine’s The Scene. You can follow him on Twitter at @iPhillyChitChat and visit his daily online social diary PhillyChitChat.com.