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

We raised over $155,000 for our beneficiaries!

We raised 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 and Leslie Schlernitzauer of Porcupine Provisions as we proudly hosted, Michael Gitter, Vice President of Frescobaldi Group Portfolio.

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.

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, followed by a dessert reception featuring Italian cookies and assorted cannolis from Villani’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, Porcupine Provisions, Blue Door, and The Wine Vault.

The Charlotte Wine + Food charity beneficiaries for the 2025-2026 fiscal include Beds for Kids, Digi-Bridge, Families Forward Charlotte, and Wayfinders.

Photo Credits: Josh Bannen Photo

Event Photos Here!

CELEBRATING 37 YEARS of Fundraising

We raised over $415,000 for our beneficiaries!

We wrapped up Charlotte Wine + Food's 37th year of fundraising by distributing $415,000 to four Charlotte-area children's charities including A Child’s Place - a program of Thompson, Augustine Literacy Project, Digi-Bridge, and Wayfinders. at a Check Presentation Celebration. Collectively these incredible charities promote upward mobility in Charlotte through an array of services and serve over 1000 children in our community!

Photo Credits: Poprock Photography