The Stella Hotel and Lake Walk in Bryan once again became the stage for an unforgettable weekend as the third annual Wheels | Watches | Whiskey event unfolded in late September. Presented by The Gentleman Racer in partnership with McLaren, the gathering brought together more than 400 guests who shared an appreciation for fine automobiles, exceptional timepieces, and the art of a well-crafted spirit.
The appeal of Wheels | Watches | Whiskey has always been its balance of indulgence and purpose. Beyond the shine of polished coachwork and the sparkle of jewels, the weekend carried a profound mission. Proceeds from the event supported OnRamp Texas, a Brazos Valley nonprofit dedicated to helping families in need secure reliable transportation. In many parts of Texas, where distances are vast and public transit limited, a dependable vehicle is not simply a convenience but a lifeline. By the close of the weekend, over $10,000 had been raised—enough to place a safe and dependable car in the hands of a deserving family.
That generosity gave the event a sense of weight beneath the glamor. Guests weren’t just perusing artwork, sipping whiskey or admiring supercars; they were contributing to a cause that changes lives in immediate, tangible ways. OnRamp’s mission resonates in a region where mobility often dictates opportunity, and the support shown underscored a shared belief in giving back.
A Weekend of Elegance
The event has quickly established itself as a fixture on the Texas luxury calendar, and this year’s edition proved why. The back lawn of The Stella Hotel shimmered beneath a soft autumn sky, lined with an enviable array of machinery. McLaren headlined the display, joined by Ferrari, Aston Martin, Lamborghini, and a number of bespoke Land Rovers from Helderburg. Collectors and enthusiasts mingled among the cars, drawn as much by the craftsmanship as the stories behind each machine.
Inside, attention shifted to the wrist. Guests browsed curated displays from Bulova, Seaholm, and David Gardner’s Jewelers, the latter presenting an elegant line of Tudor watches. The atmosphere was less showroom and more salon, a chance for collectors to linger over dials and complications while sharing conversations with fellow connoisseurs.
No less thoughtfully curated was the selection at Hershel’s Whiskey Bar, where guests enjoyed tastings from distinguished houses. Tamdhu, The World Whiskey Society, Maverick Distilling, Four Roses, and Brazos Valley Vodka Company all poured their best, inviting exploration from the first neat sip to inventive cocktails. It was a setting that encouraged discovery, and more than a few new favorites were found.
Luxury With a Purpose
Sunday brought a fitting coda in the form of the Round Top Rally. Nearly two dozen cars departed from The Stella, winding through the countryside toward the historic town of Round Top. Led by Michael Satterfield, the convoy arrived to a warm welcome and a special lunch at Royers Round Top Café, blending small-town charm with the weekend’s spirit of camaraderie.
Three years in, Wheels | Watches | Whiskey has proven to be more than an event. It is a celebration of heritage and craft, an ode to mechanical artistry, and a gathering of people who understand that luxury has greater meaning when paired with generosity. The cars gleamed, the watches ticked, and the glasses clinked, but the real triumph was measured in lives changed through OnRamp’s work. That is what makes this gathering not just successful, but significant.