napa on providence featuring ackerman family vineyards

Meet one of Napa Valley’s leading ladies of wine and philanthropy, Lauren Ackerman, as you indulge in her Ackerman Family Vineyards wines from Napa Valley’s youngest AVA - Coombsville paired with a curated multi-course menu by Napa on Providence.

When purchasing the vineyard in Coombsville back in 1994, Ackerman was inspired by the legendary names and world-class wines that the Napa Valley had become renowned for. Back then, Coombsville was an unknown corner of Napa, but had been consistently producing beautiful wines that echoed the flavor and style of Bordeaux for decades. Slowly, patiently, this southeastern corner of the Napa Valley came into its own over the years until it made its world debut as the 16th AVA within the Napa Valley in 2011. Ackerman knew, back in those early days, that the luscious, deep berry flavors, with leather, coco, spice and earthy notes that typically characterized Coombsville wines, would resonate with wine enthusiasts and collectors.

Ackerman began sustainable farming in 2003, and by 2009 earned their California Certified Organic Farm (CCOF) label – the first to do so within the Coombsville appellation - a testament to their patience, time, and commitment – striving for excellence is a never-ending goal. Similar to the Coombsville AVA, Ackerman Family Vineyards has stepped onto the stage to take its place as a distinctive part of the legendary Napa Valley.

EVENT DETAILS
Date: Thursday, April 18
Time: 6:30 PM Arrival | 6:45 PM Dinner
Location: Napa on Providence | 110 Perrin Place, Charlotte, NC 28207
Special Guests: Lauren Ackerman, Owner - Ackerman Family Vineyards
Joe Hinde, Director of Sales & Hospitality - Ackerman Family Vineyards
Executive Chef: Brian Farrell- Napa on Providence

Tickets: $195/plus tax
Gratuity is included in the ticket price, and $50 of each ticket is tax-deductible.
Must be 21+

THIS EVENT IS SOLD OUT!
To be added to the waitlist, please email info@charlottewinenadfood.org.

Hosted by Charlotte Wine & Food Board Member Jeff Conway and Will Whitley.

FEATURED WINES
2022 Ackerman Sauvignon Blanc
2021 Ackerman Alavigna Tosca (Sangiovese / Cabernet Sauvignon Blend)
2014 Ackerman Le Chatelaine (Bordeaux Blend)
2019 Ackerman Cabernet Sauvignon
2016 Ackerman Counterpoint

SECOND COURSE
Pan-seared Monkfish Medallions
wrapped in prosciutto | roasted garlic and herb crumb | corn and saffron purée
2021 Ackerman Alavgnia Tosca

THIRD COURSE
Roasted Crisp Duck Breast
molten blackberry duck leg confit croquette | black cherry gastrique | polenta cake
2014 Ackerman Le Chatelaine

FOURTH COURSE
Slow Braised Veal Cheeks
roasted onion purée | tapioca cracker
2019 Ackerman Cabernet Sauvignon

DESSERT
Avocado Chocolate Mousse
seasonal berries | pistachio crumble
2016 Ackerman Counterpoint

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

LAUREN ACKERMAN | OWNER - ACKERMAN FAMILY VINEYARDS
Lauren Ackerman’s career has evolved as a former tech entrepreneur-turned-vintner and philanthropist in the Napa Valley over 26 years. In the mid-1980’s, Lauren created a successful technology marketing organization, working with over 75 information technology companies in the US. Selling the company in 1988, she moved to the Bay Area from Southern California and became an international management consultant to companies such as Philips Semiconductor, Hewlett Packard and Motorola. In 1994, she moved to the Napa Valley when she and her former husband purchased a 16-acre vineyard property in the Coombsville AVA. They started making wine in 1995 and eventually began selling commercially, starting with the 2003 vintage. Today, Lauren owns/manages Ackerman Family Vineyards, a boutique producer of cabernet sauvignon wines from the organically farmed Stonehaven vineyard.

In 2010, she was inexplicably drawn to a dilapidated Victorian home in downtown Napa. After nine months of negotiation to buy it, she went to work painstakingly restoring what would become Napa’s only authentically historic home that is open to the public for events and wine tasting. Over the next five years, she restored this iconic house and opened it as “The Ackerman Heritage House” in 2015. Today, the Ackerman Heritage House is a beautiful event space for small weddings, corporate meetings, intimate food and wine experiences, afternoon tea and more.

With a passion for community building, business development, innovative education, entrepreneurship and strategic philanthropy, Lauren has worked with multiple non-profit organizations that range from art to ophthalmology, education and human trafficking. Currently, she serves on the boards of SEE International and Festival Napa Valley. Additionally, Lauren is a Member of the Society of Fellows with the Culinary Institute of America. In all, she has served on more than 12 boards in the Bay Area.

Recently, she was elected to be on the General Advisory Planning Committee (GPAC) 2040, a special committee of 15 members that advises the Mayor and City Council of Napa on strategic initiatives for the next 20 years of Napa’s growth. Lauren completed The Philanthropy Workshop, a global strategic philanthropy program offered by the Rockefeller Foundation in New York, in 2003.

JOE HINDE | DIRECTOR OF SALES AND HOSPITALITY- ACKERMAN FAMILY VINEYARDS
Joe Hinde is the Ackerman Family Director of Sales and Hospitality. Joe is originally from Ohio but grew up in Sonoma Valley as his father was the former General Manager and President for several wine brands such as La Crema and Flowers Winery. His father’s experience provided Joe with wine industry knowledge from a young age.

Joe attended Bowling Green State University in Ohio graduating with a degree in Kinesiology. As he made his way home after college, he pursued working part-time for his father where he found his true passion in hospitality, food, and wine. He began his career working part-time as a tasting room host for a winery in St. Helena and part-time in production for Prospect Brands.

In 2017, Joe found his place with Ackerman Family Vineyards to pursue his passion for wine and love of people which makes him a great fit for the Ackerman Hospitality Team. He looks forward to educating our guests about Ackerman Family Vineyard wines, the philosophy, and the story behind the brand.

BRIAN FARRELL | EXECUTIVE CHEF- NAPA ON PROVIDENCE
Originally from Dublin, Ireland, Executive Chef Brian Farrell was lured into the culinary world when his passion for this industry and for food was recognized at an early age. He went on to study Culinary Arts in Dublin’s Cathal Brugha College of Catering, where he learned to develop his own unique style and flair. He continued with his career at exclusive five star hotels and restaurants around the world in Europe, Middle East and Asia.

Over the years, Chef Brian has worked with influential leaders of the culinary profession who helped shape his style and depth of knowledge of International cuisine. After moving to the United States, he was appointed Executive Chef at Yafo kitchen in Charlotte, NC and later became Executive Chef at the Le Meridien and Sheraton hotel. International restaurants include - Bocco in Cyprus and Millstone restaurant in Ireland. Brian balances his culinary career with enjoying every spare moment with his wife and their three children.

His culinary philosophy and passion reflects the growing trend toward a healthier and down-to-earth lifestyle. Working with suppliers to seek out the finest in regional and local produce is the essence of his cuisine. Brian’s preference is to allow the natural flavors of food to express themselves. Great ingredients cooked well with little fuss.

In addition to cooking, Chef Brian’s passion is to develop younger students and chefs and believes whole-heartedly in staying active, continuously learning, and always having fun.

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