CHARLOTTE CITY CLUB FEATURING MELKA ESTATES
Join us at Charlotte City Club for an unforgettable evening in support of Charlotte-area children's charities. Experience a multi-course wine pairing dinner featuring the renowned wines of Melka Estates & Winery with special guest Cherie Melka, Proprietor & Vintner of Melka Estates & Winery. The dinner will be specially curated by Chef Michael Gardner, Executive Chef of Charlotte City Club.
This special evening of wine, food, fun, and fundraising is held in support of four Charlotte-area children's charities - Beds for Kids, Digi-Bridge, Families Forward Charlotte, and Wayfinders. Collectively, these organizations serve more than 2,500 children, helping ensure access to stability, education, and opportunity - paving the way for brighter, more secure futures for these children and our community. Learn more here.
The dinner will also offer you an opportunity to give back by making a direct donation, purchasing raffle tickets for exciting prizes, and/or bidding in the Week's auctions.
ABOUT MELKA ESTATES & WINERY
Melka Estates & Winery is a boutique, family-owned winery in Napa Valley co-proprietored by Philippe and Cherie Melka that crafts limited-production, terroir-driven wines from multiple estate and premium vineyard sites. Founded in 1996, the winery reflects the Melkas’ philosophy of expressing the voice of the soil in every wine, with distinct collections including Métisse, Mekerra, Majestique, and CJ — each representing different vineyard sources and winemaking styles. Over the years, Melka Estates has grown from modest beginnings to include its own estate vineyards and winery, while maintaining a focus on quality, balance, and the natural character of each site.
EVENT DETAILS
Date: Thursday, April 16, 2026
Time: 6:30 PM Reception | 7:00 PM Dinner
Location: Charlotte City Club | 121 W Trade Street, Charlotte, NC 28202 - 31st Floor
Special Guests: Cherie Melka | Proprietor & Vintner - Melka Estates & Winery
Michael Gardner | Executive Chef - Charlotte City Club
Tickets: $250/person plus tax
Gratuity is included in the ticket price, and $50 of each ticket is tax-deductible.
Must be 21+
Hosted by Charlotte Wine & Food Board Member, Jim Tietjen, and Charlotte City Club Board Chairman, Jeff O’Keefe.
MENU + WINES
- RECEPTION -
2020 Melka Majestique Syrah | Paso Robles
- FIRST COURSE -
2019 Melka Mekerra Merlot | Knights Valley
- SECOND COURSE -
2020 Melka Majestique | Saint-Émilion, Bordeaux, France
- THIRD COURSE -
2021 Melka Metisse Martinez Vineyard | Napa Valley
- FOURTH COURSE -
2019 Melka Mekerra Proprietary White | Knights Valley
menu coming soon!
Dietary restrictions may be accommodated with advance notice. Please indicate any restrictions the event organizers should be aware of at time of your registration/ticket purchase. Alternatively, please email info@charlottewineandfood.org to notify us at minimum 5 days prior to the event.
CULINARY & BEVERAGE TALENT
CHERIE MELKA | PROPRIETOR & VINTNER - MELKA ESTATES
Having earned her degree in Microbiology at Northern Arizona University, Cherie Melka was ready to begin her working life, and California had always held a soft spot in her heart. After spending six years working as a laboratory technician for two medical microbiological companies, her interest in the science behind the process of making wine caused her to switch to another sector within her field. She was fortunate enough to have obtained a position with Ridge Vineyards in 1989. For five years, she ran the laboratory at Ridge Vineyards as the enologist, working under the direction of legendary winemaker Paul Draper. It was during this time, that she gained an in depth understanding of all things related to production. Participating in all the blending and tasting sessions refined her palate.
In 1991, she met the intern at Dominus Estate – Philippe Melka. They set out for Europe together and in 1994 she earned a diploma in French Studies from the University of Bordeaux III. Returning as newlyweds to California in 1994, she worked with Beaulieu Vineyards in Quality Control and then as Laboratory Manager with Silver Oak Cellars. While working at Silver Oak, she also co-founded Melka Wines and for several years managed both ventures. The time came in 2001 for Cherie to dedicate her efforts to the success of their company. She handles all things related to running the company – CEO, CFO, marketing decisions and sales strategies, but also participates in all aspect of the production of their portfolio of wines.
MICHAEL GARDNER | EXECUTIVE CHEF - CHARLOTTE CITY CLUB
With years of experience at the Charlotte City Club, Michael Gardner has been successful in working his way up to becoming Executive Chef where he oversees both the a la carte and private and club event operations. Chef Michael has always been loyal to Charlotte City Club since graduating Johsnon & Wales University in Charlotte in 2006. Upon graduating, Chef Michael began his career at the Charlotte City Club as the Assistant banquet Chef where he excelled in the role to being promoted to Banquet Chef in 2010, managing and handling the preparation and execution of all club and private events. He maintained steady career growth throughout his time at the Charlotte City Club to become Executive Sous Chef in 2012 to then ultimately where he is today, Executive Chef in 2021.
THANK YOU TO OUR PRESENTING SPONSOR!
