$210,000 winning wine sets a rodeo record

Here's a reason to raise your glass: The winning wine sold for a record $210,000 at the Houston Rodeo this weekend.

That's $90,000 more than last year's winner fetched, in part because of recession-deflated prices.

"This is an opportunity to give back to the community and be part of the Rodeo. And let's be honest, children and education are the most important things," said John Eddie Williams, who was in the group with the winning bid.

The proud owners of the Grand Champion Best of Show - Alexander Valley Vineyards Cyrus, Alexander Valley, 2006 - are Sheridan Williams, Raye G. White, and Robert and Michelle Marsh and the DeMontrond Automotive Group.

Tom and Mimi Dompier, Jerrol and Pam Springer, Paul Somerville, and Jose Van Matre and Jennifer Currey also set a record by purchasing the Reserve Grand Champion Best of Show wine, Stanton Vineyards Cabernet Suavignon, Oakville, 2007, for $130,000.

"(The money) helps young people in the state of Texas and goes to youth and education, and we enjoy good wine," Somerville said.

The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo charities raise more than $265 million for young Texans.