8th Annual Wells Fargo Kickoff
featuring Penfolds
October 15, 2021

Charlotte Wine + Food (CW+F) raised over $100,000 at the 8th Annual Wells Fargo Kickoff dinner held at The Foundation For The Carolinas on Friday, October 15. Over 100 guests started the evening at a cocktail reception featuring 2012 Penfolds x Thienot Champagne Grand Cru Blanc de Noir as well as cocktails and bites. The reception was followed by a four-course wine-pairing dinner created by Executive Chefs Bruce and Leslie Schlernitzauer of Porcupine Provisions as we proudly hosted the star guests of the evening, Andrew Baldwin, Penfolds Senior Red Winemaker, and Tim Irwin, General Manager of Penfolds, Americas. The night wrapped up with the most spirited of live auctions conducted by pro wine benefit auctioneer, Ursula Hermacinski, including a mix of exclusive wine lots and experiences. With the support of all our generous donors, the auction alone raised over $50,000 for our beneficiaries. Before departing, guests enjoyed chocolates from Twenty Degrees Chocolates alongside Penfolds Grandfather 20-Year Rare Tawny Port.

Featured dinner wines included: 2018 Penfolds Yattarna Bin 144 Chardonnay, 2018 Penfolds St Henri Shiraz, 2016 Penfolds Bin 169 Cabernet Sauvignon, and the iconic 2017 Penfolds Grange Bin 95 - 70th Anniversary bottling.

Charlotte Wine + Food would also like to extend special thanks to the evening’s supporting Corporate Sponsors - our title sponsor Wells Fargo, and supporting sponsors Foreign Cars Charlotte, Marty Snider & Associates, Penfolds, Porcupine Provisions, and The Plaid Penguin. We would also like to thank the auction donors: Tom & Kelley Bohrer, Penfolds, Charles & Judy Smith, and Vintec.