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

Charlotte Wine + Food (CW+F) matched last year’s record-breaking achievement—raising over $150,000 at the 12th Annual Wells Fargo Kickoff dinner held at The Foundation For The Carolinas on Thursday, October 23. 115 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, Michael Gitter, Vice President of Frescobaldi Group Portfolio. 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.

During the reception, guests enjoyed the 2022 Attems Cicinis Sauvignon Blanc and a cocktail feature from mixologist Mike Guzmán, Beverage Director & Operator at Blue Door, who served a delicious May Queen made with Bombay Sapphire, dill infused vermouth, lavender bitters, apple cider, lemon juice, and spiced orange syrup. As the reception came to a close, guests were treated to a surprise Italian opera performance by Gio Dynamics.

Featured dinner wines included: 2024 Marchesi Frescobaldi Castello di Pomino Bianco | Pomino Bianco DOC, 2019 Castello Nipozzano Montesodi | Toscana IGT, 2020 Tenuta Perano Chianti Classico Riserva | Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG, 2020 Brunello di Montalcino DOCG, and a taste of 2022 Ornellaia | Bolgheri DOC Superiore.

The night wrapped up with a dessert reception featuring Italian cookies and assorted cannolis from Villian’s bakery 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 co-hosts Jessica Murphy & Jill Trainor), and supporting sponsors Frescobaldi, Vintus, KPMG, Foreign Cars Charlotte, P orcupine Provisions, Blue Door, and The Wine Vault.

Auction Donors: The Charlotte Symphony Orchestra, Taylor Marino, Frescobaldi, Ornellaia, L’Ostrica, Vintus, Christophe Courteaud, Blue Door, Dormie Network, Pat & Debbie Phillips, and Porcupine Provisions
Table Hosts: Robert & Lori Spence - Aeromed Group | Jamie & Bryan Gerrard - Gerrard Builders | Joe & Lavonna Paradise - KPMG | Jessica & Bryan Murphy - Wells Fargo | Phil & Lesley Smith - Wells Fargo | Jim & Theresa Tietjen | Jill & Chris Trainor - Wells Fargo | Will & Margo Whitley - New South Properties
Event Chairs: Phil Smith, Jill Trainor, and Jessica Murphy
Staff: Lauren Deese, Makayla Johnson, Chloe Holland, and Cammie Borrelli
Volunteers: Carrie Christian, Taylor Justice, Lauren Evans, Zach Smith, Rachel Grotheer, Alyssa Sharpe, Erin Culbert, Katie Troy, Mollie James, Kara Schlageter, Rossie Ahua, Jamie Porpilia, Timmy Vander Pluym, Joseph Takacs, Bain Brown, and Piper Strzelecki
Vendors: Michael Gitter — 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