Vintner Dinner at Customshop
featuring La Rioja Alta, S.A. | April 16, 2026

Charlotte Wine + Food Week presented by Truist held a restaurant vintner dinner at Customshop with a multi-course dinner prepared by the talented Executive Chef Andres Kaifer featuring wines from from one of the Spain’s most iconic producers, La Rioja Alta, S.A. Leading the dinner was Jose Luis Navarro, US and Canada Export Manager for La Rioja Alta, S.A. This dinner was curated in partnership with Tim Wallace of the Wine Vault.

Thanks to the Charlotte Wine + Food Board Member hosts for the evening, Max Krumdieck and David Secrest.

Featured wines included: 2024 Lagar de Fornelos Lagar de Cervera | Albariño | Rías Baixas, 2021 Áster Reserva | Tempranillo | Ribera del Duero, 2019 Torre de Oña Finca Martelo Reserva | Tempranillo blend | Rioja Alavesa, 2019 La Rioja Alta, S.A. Viña Ardanza Reserva | Tempranillo, Garnacha | Rioja Alta, 2016 La Rioja Alta, S.A. Gran Reserva 904 | Tempranillo, Graciano | Rioja Alta, and 1999 La Rioja Alta, S.A. Viña Ardanza Reserva | Tempranillo, Garnacha | Rioja Alta.

A brief live auction was held at the end of dinner including: a 1.5 L Bottle of 2010 La Rioja Alta Gran Reserva 890 - Rioja, Spain, in wooden box; a 1.5L Bottle of 2015 La Rioja Alta Gran Reserva 904 Seleccion Especial Tempranillo - Rioja, Spain; and two (2) In-Home Dinners for Eight (8) courtesy of Chef Andres Kaifer with Wines provided by Tim Wallace of The Wine Vault - Elizabeth. The auction raised 16,000!

All proceeds benefited Beds for Kids, Digi-Bridge, Families Forward Charlotte, and Wayfinders.