HOUSTON -- Now here's how to wine and dine theatergoers: red, white, green. On Saturday, April 4, those who have the money, not to mention the duds, can participate in Winefest VIII, a benefit wine auction and tasting at Stages Repertory Theatre in Houston. Proceeds go to the intimate year-round Equity company, now in its 19th year.

The annual tradition begins with a special preview auction and wine tasting at 6:30 PM for the more generous patrons and concludes with dessert and (what else?) Champagne at 10 PM for all. In between are silent auctions of modest vintages, live auctions of rare wines, and food, glorious food, the latter proffered with the price of admission.

$75 affords individual supporters a ticket to enter, bid, and eat. $150 buys each guest a bit extra: preferred seating at the live auction as well as admission to the special preview. $300 (or more) adds to all of the above dinner at Houston's most swanky restaurant, Cafe Annie, two days earlier, on Thursday, April 2.

Simon Lambert, from the Chicago Wine Company, will be auctioneer at the Stages fundraiser. Prominent restaurateurs are digging deep into their cellars, blowing dust off a very good year or two. Guests can get drunk on the possibilities of adding to their collections, if not at bargain prices, then definitely at tax deductible ones. At the very least, they can sip ambrosia of the gods otherwise too rich for their blood.

Cocktail attire is suggested. Because those who attend should expect to be seen. To reserve tickets, $75 and up, for Winefest, or simply to make a donation to Stages, call (713) 527-0220.

-- By Peter Szatmary
Texas Correspondent