5th Annual Bank of America Winter Warm-Up
featuring Jackson Family Wines’ Spire Collection
January 26, 2023

Charlotte Wine + Food (CW+F) raised over $60,000 at the 5th Annual Bank of America Winter Warm-Up ft. Jackson Family Wines’ Spire Collection held at the Bank of America Corporate Center on Thursday, January 26. Over 75 guests started the evening at a cocktail reception followed by a four-course wine-pairing dinner created by Executive Chef Tom Condron of the Bank of America Executive Dining Room as we proudly hosted the star guests (and master sommeliers) of the evening, John Blazon, Vice President of Sales, Spire Collection and Nick Hetzel, National Director of Wine and Sales Education, Jackson Family Wines for our first ever Master Sommelier Smackdown!

Our two Master Sommeliers were spirited in their friendly competition while guests elected team captains at their table and cast votes for the wine they thought paired better with each course. The smackdown came down to just a few votes, with Blazon as the ultimate winner!

The night wrapped up with our coveted live auction including a mix of exclusive wine lots and experiences. With the support of all our generous donors, the auction alone raised over $25,000 for our beneficiaries.

Featured wines included: Gran Moraine Brut Rosé, 2019 WillaKenzie Estate Chardonnay, 2019 Gran Moraine Chardonnay, 2018 Stonestreet Upper Barn Chardonnay, 2020 Hartford Court Four Hearts Chardonnay, 2019 Maggie Hawk Jolie Pinot Noir, 2021 Brewer-Cliton Santa Rita Hills Pinot Noir, 2018 Cardinale Cabernet Sauvignon, 2018 Freemark Abbey Sycamore Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, 2021 Hartford Family Winery Old Vine Zinfandel.

Charlotte Wine + Food would like to extend special thanks to the evening’s Corporate Sponsors - our title sponsor Bank of America (championed by our board member and event chair Samantha Unger), and supporting sponsors Bentley Charlotte and EY. We would also like to thank the following groups: Auction Donors: Jackson Family Wines and Pat & Debbie Phillips | Partners: John Blazon, Todd Brentnall, James Cunningham, and Nick Hetzel — Jackson Family Wines; Tom Condron and Ethan Koster — Bank of America Executive Dining Room; Tim Wallace and Karen Longo — the Wine Vault; Josh Bannen — Photography; Bank of America — Venue; Laura Graff — Plaid Penguin/PR | Event Chairs: Samantha Unger, Palmer Steel | Volunteers: Don Cleven, Pam Gray, Lauren Hood, Ian Joyce, and Jessica Klasinski | Staff: Lauren Deese, Shreya Gangaram, Makayla Johnson, Cammie Borrelli, and Isabella Colucci