CUSTOMSHOP fEATURINg LA RIOJA ALTA
Join us at the Michelin-recommended Customshop for a multi-course dinner prepared by the Chef Andres Kaifer featuring wines from one of the Spain’s most iconic producers, La Rioja Alta, S.A. Leading the dinner will be Jose Luis Navarro, US and Canada Export Manager for La Rioja Alta, S.A.. This dinner has been curated in partnership with Tim Wallace of the Wine Vault.
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 LA RIOJA ALTA, S.A.
La Rioja Alta, S.A. is one of Spain’s most prestigious family-owned wineries, founded in 1890 and internationally renowned for crafting world-class, age-worthy Rioja wines. With more than 130 years of history, the winery is a global benchmark for traditional Rioja, combining deep respect for heritage with an uncompromising commitment to quality, precision, and sustainability. Specializing in long-aged Reservas and Gran Reservas, La Rioja Alta, S.A. works primarily with Tempranillo from its own vineyards. Every detail of the winemaking process is carefully controlled, including an in-house cooperage producing American oak barrels and extended bottle aging prior to release. The result is wines of exceptional balance, elegance, and longevity.
Today, La Rioja Alta stands as a symbol of timeless elegance, authenticity, and excellence — a trusted name among collectors, sommeliers, and wine professionals worldwide.
EVENT DETAILS
Date: Thursday, April 16, 2026
Time: 6:30 PM Reception | 6:45 PM Dinner
Location: Customshop | 1601 Elizabeth Avenue Charlotte, NC 28204
Special Guests: Jose Luis Navarro | US and Canada Export Manager - La Rioja Alta, S.A.
Andres Kaifer | Executive Chef - Customshop Handcrafted Food
Tim Wallace | Proprietor - The Wine Vault - Elizabeth
Tickets: $250 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 Members David Secrest and Max Krumdieck.
MENU + WINES
- RECEPTION -
2023 Lagar de Fornelos Lagar de Cervera | Albariño | Rías Baixas
- FIRST COURSE -
Octopus
Causa, Chorizo Vinaigrette, Crispy Garlic
2021 Áster Reserva | Tempranillo | Ribera del Duero
- SECOND COURSE -
Cavatelli
Rabbit Sugo, Calabrian Chili, Ricotta Salata
2019 Torre de Oña Finca Martelo Reserva | Tempranillo blend | Rioja Alavesa
- THIRD COURSE -
Lamb Loin
Adobo, Cipollini, Ramps
2019 La Rioja Alta, S.A. Viña Ardanza Reserva | Tempranillo, Garnacha | Rioja Alta
- FOURTH COURSE -
Beef Tenderloin Pithivier
Garlic Purée, Duxelle, Jus
2015 La Rioja Alta, S.A. Gran Reserva 904 | Tempranillo, Graciano | Rioja Alta
1999 La Rioja Alta, S.A. Viña Ardanza Reserva | Tempranillo, Garnacha | Rioja Alta
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
ANDRES KAIFER | EXECUTIVE CHEF - CUSTOMSHOP HANDCRAFTED FOOD
From learning the basics from his mother to his first restaurant job at age 15 to graduating from the Culinary Institute of America, Andres Kaifer has committed his life to making every food experience an incredible one. Starting in Miami, he worked in esteemed restaurants before being called to the rich ingredients that make NC food so unique. First landing in Durham, Andres brought life to the menus at multiple restaurants before finding his way to Charlotte. In 2022, the opportunity arose to take over as Executive Chef and Owner of Charlotte's mainstay, Customshop, where he brought his culinary expertise, menu development and all areas of restaurant operations and management and recently earned a spot in the first ever MICHELIN guide for the American South.
JOSE NAVARRO | US & CANADA EXPORT MANAGER - LA RIOJA ALTA
Jose Navarro grew up in Albacete, La Mancha, Spain—the land of famed Manchego cheese and Don Quixote. As the largest vineyard area in the world, La Mancha naturally fostered a deep connection to wine, which was part of every family meal. It was there that his father first instilled in him a love and appreciation for wine.
After earning a Master’s degree in International Business in 2009, Jose moved to Miami, where he worked with the Spanish Trade Commission, helping Spanish companies establish a presence in the U.S. He went on to pursue his passion for wine, working as a U.S. representative for Spanish wineries, with national-level wine importers, and as Head Wine Buyer for Florida’s third-largest retail chain, overseeing 27 locations. These roles provided him with a strong understanding of U.S. and Canadian wine laws and distribution systems.
In 2021, Jose began his current role as U.S. and Canada Export Manager for La Rioja Alta, S.A., one of the world’s most admired and award-winning wineries, where he continues to share his passion for the global wine industry.
He is currently a WSET Diploma candidate and has completed a degree in Winemaking at the University of California, Davis.
THANK YOU TO OUR PRESENTING SPONSOR!
