Hugh Culverhouse Jr. donates wine collection to church auction

Sarasota County developer and attorney Hugh Culverhouse Jr. is donating more than 300 bottles of top-rated wine from his personal collection to an auction, with proceeds going directly to the Church of the Redeemer’s ministries and outreach program. 

The online-only auction will open at noon Monday, Feb. 26 and will conclude on at 11:45 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 29, providing an opportunity for wine enthusiasts, philanthropists, and community members to come together to support the Church of the Redeemer, which is located at 222 S. Palm Ave.

Featuring a varied selection of reds, whites and Champagne, the majority of the wine available for purchase has received ratings of 95 or higher from wine critics. Wines receiving a perfect 100 rating by critics and publications are often regarded as among the best in the world. 

The auction also includes several cases from renowned California winemaker David Abreu, with some rare vintages retailing for more than $1,000 each. Starting bids for the wines range from $20 to $1,250.

In addition to donating this collection of fine wines to benefit the Church of the Redeemer, Culverhouse recently donated $500,000 — marking the largest non-capital campaign donation in the parish’s 139-year history.

The Church of the Redeemer traces its origins to 1885, with Col. J. Hamilton Gillespie as one of its founders, who would later serve as the city of Sarasota’s inaugural mayor. The church has grown to nearly 3,000 members, making it the largest parish in the Episcopal Diocese of Southwest Florida and among the largest in the country.

Hugh Culverhouse Jr., serves as CEO of Palmer Ranch Holdings Ltd in Sarasota, leading the 15,000-acre, master-planned community for nearly three decades. Beyond his role in business, Culverhouse’s philanthropy has resulted in tens of millions of dollars to various community causes, higher education, mental health, and social welfare initiatives. 

For more information about the auction and wines available visit: RedeemerSarasota.org/wineauction.