We welcomed 120 guests to our new stone barn for the Inaugural BUSA Benefit on Saturday, November 13, and raised funds to support the work of Doug Frost’s new BUSA Educational Foundation, which exists to promote and support the work of sommeliers in the United States. Chef Bernie Lee created a four-course feast that was paired with wines chosen by Frost. Under the direction of Patricia Wamhoff, the event was staffed by a rockstar group of female somms who ensured the evening went off without a hitch.
We look forward to hosting the first biennial BUSA competition here at Hermann Farm on February 1 and 2, 2022.
Photo Gallery
Photographs by Tony Carosella and Bryon Raterman
Menu
First Course
Squash Bisque, sunflower seeds, cilantro oil
Paired with: Ponzi Pinot Gris 2019
Second Course
Beet, frisée, honeyed goat cheese mousse, crispy quinoa
Paired with: G. Husmann Wine Co. Captain Manwaring Blend 2019
Third Course
Grilled Bone-In Pork Chop, green apple chutney, root veg
Paired with: Echolands Syrah 2018 and Hermannhof Vineyards Norton 2004
Fourth Course
Bread Pudding, berry compote, Black Shire Blackberry Whiskey caramel
Paired with: Hermannhof Vignoles 2020 and Edelbrand Vinars Tschereschas Bing Cherry Brandy
Thank you!
BUSA Educational Foundation would like to thank all of the individuals and companies that donated items to this evening's auction. We appreciate the incredible generosity and commitment to support BUSA in its efforts.
Dierberg Educational Foundation
Akar
Annie Gunn’s
Bommarito Wine & Spirits
Casa Don Alfonso
Dierberg & Star Lane Vineyard
Echolands
Edelbrand
Elmwood
First State Community Bank
G. Husmann Wine Co.
Hermannhof Winery
Indo
Inn at Hermannhof
Missouri Wines
Natural Tableware
Nippon Tei
O+O Pizza
Olive + Oak
Pinnacle Imports
Ruth’s Chris Steak House
Scott Agency, Inc.
Sheridan Vineyards
The Ritz-Carlton St. Louis
The Wine and Cheese Place
The Wine Merchant
Trattoria Marcella
Veritas
Vine Connections
Vine Connections
Vintegrity
Founded by Missouri-based Master of Wine and Master Sommelier Doug Frost, the Best USA Sommelier Association (BUSA) exists to support and promote the role of the sommelier in the United States, conducting a biennial competition — the first of which will be held at Hermann Farm in January — to choose the best sommelier in the USA, who will go on to compete to for the title of best sommelier in the world.
To celebrate and support the work of the Best USA Sommelier Association, an inaugural benefit will be held at Hermann Farm on Sat., Nov. 13, 2021.
The event will take place in the farm’s 12,000 square foot stone barn, a unique space that plays a pivotal role in fulfilling Hermann Farm’s mission to support excellence in regional food and agriculture through events, classes and workshops. The barn is a new addition to Hermann Farm, a historic 200-acre farm museum that was once the home, vineyard and plant nursery of George Husmann, who is considered to be the father of Missouri viticulture. Guests of the BUSA benefit that evening will be the first to experience dining in the newly christened space and have the opportunity to meet the barn’s resident Shire horses.
To kick off the evening, guests will enjoy hors d’oeuvres and cocktails made with Black Shire spirits which are distilled on site, and wines personally selected by Frost. A four-course meal prepared by Bernie Lee, chef/owner of Akar, will follow, each course paired with wine chosen by Frost. During the event, exceptional and singular wine lots will be auctioned, and Frost will chat with Hermann Farm curator Cat Neville about BUSA's founding and his vision for the organization. The dinner will be interactive and full of surprises, and will, weather permitting, conclude with Black Shire Bourbon by a bonfire on the farm.
The BUSA benefit will be staffed by an all-star, all-female crew of sommeliers, including:
Particia Wamhoff
Angela Ortmann
Denise Mueller
Shannon Behnen
Cherie Moery-Metzka
Jen Epley
Kelli McMullen
Jorie Taylor
Kara Flaherty
Ali Fallows
Wanda Cole-Nicholson
The Best USA Sommelier Association (BUSA) exists to support and promote the role of the sommelier in the United States. It conducts and maintains the competition to choose the best sommelier in the USA. In 2021, BUSA was granted member status as an observer nation of the Association de la Sommellerie Internationale (ASI).
The BUSA Benefit is sponsored by the Dierberg Educational Foundation as part of its mission to preserve and protect the history of Hermann, Missouri, and advance food and farming in the Midwest.