The pièce de résistance in Hilton Head Island's epicurean extravaganza, the Wine Auction & Gala takes its place among the premier wine events on the east coast. A first-class roster of internationally renowned wine experts, vintners and chefs will participate in this elegant black tie event set for April 1 at the AAA Four-Diamond Westin Resort Hilton Head Island.

At the top of the list is Tom Selfridge, president of Napa Valley's Hess Collection Winery, who will be accepting the first Hess Award, presented in recognition of the company's outstanding commitment to the tradition of winemaking and arts and culture.

He'll be joined by vintners from BR Cohn, Chateau Boswell, Diageo Chateau & Estate Wines, Garretson, Grgich Hills, Jade Mountain Winery, Loring, Moon Mountain Sonoma, Phelps, Providence, Siduri and Silver Oak Cellars.

Guests will have the opportunity to sample selections from this diverse collection of vineyards during the wine tasting and silent auction starting at 5:30 p.m. Dinner will be served at 7 p.m., followed by the live auction.

Returning to the podium is the indefatigable David Reynolds, the most sought after charity auctioneer in the country. Known for his relentless enthusiasm and quick wit, Reynolds has raised tens of millions of dollars for the Sonoma Valley Harvest Wine Auction, the Mendocino Wine Affair and the Sun Valley Wine Auction, ranked among the top 10 fundraising wine auctions in the country.

He'll be wielding his golden gavel over an extraordinary assortment of lots that include Wine Spectator magazine's 50 best Napa cabernets, a selection of 100 point wines, a vertical collection of Opus One, a collection of 1982 First Growth Bordeaux, a guest acting role in an Arts Center musical and a weekend at the exclusive Auberge du Soleil-managed Inn at Palmetto Bluff.