12th Annual Wells Fargo Kickoff
featuring Frescobaldi
October 23, 2025

Charlotte Wine + Food (CW+F) raised over $155,000 at the 12th Annual Wells Fargo Kickoff dinner held at The Foundation For The Carolinas on Thursday, October 23. 145 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, Stefano Benini, Vice President and Export Director for Frescobaldi. 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! Mike Guzmán, Beverage Director & Operator at Blue Door, served a delicious Bourbon Tamarind Sour made with Makers Mark, homemade tamarind syrup and fresh oranges, and Justin Hazelton from Lorem Ipsum, poured a refreshing Pear & Pine featuring Bombay Sapphire London Gin with fresh pear and rosemary.

Featured dinner wines included: 2024 Marchesi Frescobaldi Castello di Pomino Bianco | Pomino Bianco DOC, 2022 Castello Nipozzano Montesodi | Toscana IGT, 2021 Tenuta Perano Chianti Classico Riserva | Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG, Brunello di Montalcino DOCG, and a taste of the 2022 Ornellaia | Bolgheri DOC Superiore.

The night wrapped up with a dessert reception featuring cookies from Honeybear Bake Shop paired with Champagne Ayala Brut Majeur.

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 Frescobaldi, Vintus, Foreign Cars Charlotte, Porcupine Provisions, and EY. We would also like to thank the following groups:

Auction Donors: Frescobaldi, Ornellaia, L’Ostrica, Christophe Courteaud, Blue Door, Dormie Network, Sorelina, Pat & Debbie Phillips, Porcupine Provisions, Max Krumdieck, and Taylor Marino
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, Chloe Holland, and Cammie Borrelli
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: Stefano Benini — Frescobaldi, Christophe Courteaud — Vintus, Bruce & Leslie Schlernitzauer — Porcupine Provisions, Dan Lyles — Dan Lyles Auctions, Tim Wallace with Karen Longo & Ryan Shinn — Wine Vault — Wine Retail, Creative Solutions Special Events — Event Rentals, Doug Davis — D2 Productions AV, Gio Dynamics — Live Music, Josh Bannen & Tori Sutton — Photography, Foundation For The Carolinas — Venue, Boingo Graphics — Printing