11th Annual Wells Fargo Kickoff
featuring Maison Joseph Drouhin
October 2, 2024
Charlotte Wine + Food (CW+F) raised over $155,000 at the 11th Annual Wells Fargo Kickoff dinner held at The Foundation For The Carolinas on Wednesday, October 2. 144 guests started the evening at a cocktail reception followed by a four-course wine-pairing dinner created by Chef Bruce Schlernitzauer of Porcupine Provisions as we proudly hosted the star guest of the evening, Laurent Drouhin, Director of Sales - North America and Caribbean for Maison Joseph Drouhin. The night wrapped up with the most spirited of live auctions conducted by auctioneer, Dan Lyles, including a mix of exclusive wine lots and experiences.
In addition to the auction, guests participated in a raffle to win two large format Oregon Drouhin Pinots donated by Dreyfus, Ashby & Co.. Congratulations to the winner, Beth Dunn!
We also had two wonderful mixologists featured during the reception! Bob Peters, Beverage Director at Built on Hospitality, served a delicious Bourbon Tamarind Sour made with Makers Mark, homemade tamarind syrup and fresh oranges, and Larry Suggs Co-founder and Mixologist from Ramble Drinkery, poured a refreshing Pear & Pine featuring Bombay Sapphire London Gin with fresh pear and rosemary.
Featured dinner wines included: 2022 Joseph Drouhin Chabils Premier Cru, 2022 Joseph Drouhin Pouilly-Fuissé, Side by Side: 2022 Domaine Drouhin Oregon Pinot Noir and 2021 Joseph Drouhin Côte de Beaune Rouge, 2021 Joseph Drouhin Pommard, Side by Side: 2021 Joseph Drouhin Vosne-Romanée and a 1.5oz taste of 2021 Joseph Drouhin Clos de Vougeot Grand Cru.
The night wrapped up with a dessert reception featuring cookies from Honeybear Bake Shop paired with Champagne Drappier Rosé de Saignée Brut.
Charlotte Wine + Food would like to extend special thanks to the evening’s Corporate Sponsors - our title sponsor Wells Fargo (championed by our incredible Chairman Emeritus Phil Smith), and supporting sponsors Domaine Drouhin Oregon, Drouhin Vaudon, Joseph Drouhin, Rose Rock, Foreign Cars Charlotte, Porcupine Provisions, and EY. We would also like to thank the following groups:
Auction Donors: Maison Joseph Drouhin, Mike Cohen, Charlotte Symphony Orchestra, Pat & Debbie Phillips, and Porcupine Provisions
Table Hosts: Steve & Whitney Balzer | EY, Bonnie & Ted Kelly, Paul & Renee Miller, Jessica & Bryan Murphy | Wells Fargo, Jon & Dr. Beth Perry, Falfurrias, Phil & Lesley Smith | Wells Fargo, Bryan & Jamie Gerrard, Paul & Gail Kush, Pinnacle Financial Partners, Will & Margo Whitley and Jill Trainor | Wells Fargo
Event Chairs: Phil Smith, Jill Trainor, and Jessica Murphy
Staff: Lauren Deese, Makayla Johnson, Cammie Borrelli, Tara West and Chloe Holland
Volunteers: Megan Mitcham, Becky & Lester Ranson, LaTasha Monford, Rebecca Drendel, Jessica Klasinski, Amanda Verret, Christina Petzke, Michelle Carll, Leah Burton, Katie Troy, Rossie Ahua, Mollie James, Alyssa Sharpe and Justin Ellis
Vendors: Laurent Drouhin — Maison Joseph Drouhin, Natali Schlottig — Dreyfus, Ashby & Co., Bruce & Leslie Schlernitzauer — Porcupine Provisions, Dan Lyles — Dan Lyles Auctions, Tim Wallace & Ryan Shinn — Wine Vault — Wine Retail, Creative Solutions Special Events — Event Rentals, Doug Davis — D2 Productions AV, Vadim Kolpakov — Jazz Guitarist, Josh Bannen & Tori Sutton — Photography, Foundation For The Carolinas — Venue, Chloe Connoly — Grapevine Distributors
The Charlotte Wine + Food charity beneficiaries for the 2024-2025 fiscal include A Child’s Place - a program of Thompson Child & Family Focus, Augustine Literacy Project, Digi-Bridge, and Wayfinders.
Photo Credits: Josh Bannen Photography