About
The #1 contributor to the Knoxville Museum of Art | Celebrating 21 Years of Art, Food, and Wine
What is L’Amour du Vin?
The most prestigious event in the Southeast.
L’Amour du Vin is the largest annual fundraiser for the Knoxville Museum of Art; of which Blackberry Farm is the longtime event partner.
Video produced by Loch & Key Productions.
HISTORY
A long-standing partnership with: Blackbarry Farm and Lexus of Knoxville
An Inspiration & Ground Breaking Team
The idea of a wine auction fundraiser was born in 2000 when Susan Hyde attended a volunteer conference in Detroit and learned of the High Museum Atlanta’s very successful wine auction. Three years later the time was right. Susan and her husband, Lee Hyde, offered to lead the effort and enlisted the help of Jan and Pete Peter, and Carolyn Browning.
Bob Gilbertson of Bob’s Liquor & Wine was next enlisted for his expertise and guidance. The team then met with the late Tom Jackson, a co-founder of the L’Ete du Vin wine auction in Nashville. The concept was elevated to a higher level and L’Amour du Vin (the love of wine) was born.
The Rest is Destiny
One of the greatest results of the first California trip was a meeting with a winery whose manager was the former wine buyer at Blackberry Farm who presented the idea of hosting a sponsors’ dinner there. Et Voila! The first sponsors’ dinner was hosted by the late Sam Beall in 2005.
Two Very Special Sponsors
In 2007, Lexus of Knoxville became the Presenting Sponsor and continues to be so today. This extraordinary partnership and investment in L’Amour du Vin has elevated it to the first class event it is today. Lexus of Knoxville and the White Family have been key to the success of L’Amour du Vin.
And You
In addition to wines, our patrons and stakeholders have generously donated incredible wine pairing dinners in their homes and restaurants, stays in vacation homes, as well as wine-related items donated by local merchants.
One of the most rewarding results of LDV’s 21-year history is the growth of loyal patrons’ appetite for wine collecting and support of our beloved Knoxville Museum of Art.
Staff
Taylor Broyles | Director of Fundraising Events, Knoxville Museum of Art
Taylor Broyles joined the KMA in 2022 as the Fundraising Events Manager. She comes to the museum with over 5 years in event management and design experience. Taylor worked in Event Design Sales for All Occasions Party Rentals and completed internships with the City of Knoxville Special Events Office, The Tennessee Smokies, Tennessee Athletic Event Management, and Prater Day Music Booking Agency. Taylor has a Bachelor of Arts in Communication with a minor in Hotel, Restaurant, and Tourism Management from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville; and holds certification as an event professional (CERP).
Chairs
June and Rob Heller | L’Amour du Vin 2022-2024
About the Knoxville Museum of Art
Located in Knoxville, Tennessee, the KMA celebrates East Tennessee’s rich, diverse visual culture and its connections to the wider currents of world art. Admission is always free. To learn more, visit knoxart.org.