PEPPERVINE fEATURINg A TOUR DU MONDE WITH JACKSON FAMILY WINES
Join us at Peppervine for an unforgettable multi-course Tour du Monde dinner crafted by Executive Chef Will Stephenson. This special evening features a globe-trotting exploration of exceptional wines from Jackson Family Wines.
Guiding you on this around-the-world journey is Larry O’Brien, Master Sommelier and Regional Director of Sales Education for Jackson Family Wines. With his deep knowledge and engaging style, Larry will share insights into how each wine beautifully reflects the character and terroir of its origin.
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.
Experience a night of inspired cuisine, world-class wines, and expert storytelling—no passports required!
EVENT DETAILS
Date: Thursday, April 16, 2026
Time: 6:30 PM Reception | 6:45 PM Dinner
Location: Peppervine | 4620 Piedmont Row Drive, Suite 170B, Charlotte, NC 28210
Special Guests: Larry O'Brien | Master Sommelier and Regional Director of Sales Education - Jackson Family Wines
Will Stephenson | Executive Chef - Peppervine Restaurant
Tickets: $250/person 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 Member Paul Kush.
MENU + WINES
- RECEPTION -
Signature Yeast Rolls
Gran Moraine Brut Rosé | Willamette Valley, Oregon
- FIRST COURSE -
Yellowfin Tuna Tartare
shoyu, cucumber, mushroom, cashew, house cracker
2024 Copain Daybreak White | Sonoma County, California
- SECOND COURSE -
Golden Prawns
masa dumpling, creamed corn, cotija, lime zest
2023 Brewer-Clifton Chardonnay | Santa Rita Hills, California
- THIRD COURSE -
Lamb Tenderloin
pimento shug, roasted radish, goat cheese
2014 Château Lassègue Saint-Émilion Grand Cru | Bordeaux, France
- FOURTH COURSE -
24-Hour Short Rib
potato mousseline, roasted vegetables, bordelaise
2020 Hickinbotham Merlot The Revivalist | McLaren Vale, South Australia
- FIFTH COURSE -
Artisan Cheese Plate
trio of cheeses and sourdough
2022 Jett Cabernet Sauvignon | Walla Walla Valley, Washington
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
LARRY O’BRIEN | MASTER SOMMELIER AND REGIONAL DIRECTOR OF SALES EDUCATION - JACKSON FAMILY WINES
Larry O’Brien has been sharing his enthusiasm for wine for more than 25 years through positions at restaurants across the country, as well as roles as a wine judge and board member of the Court of Master Sommeliers. O’Brien represented the United States in the prestigious international sommelier competition, Meilleur Sommelier du Monde Concours Mondial, in 2000 after winning the title of Best Sommelier in America earlier that same year. He has served as a judge for the Confrerie de la Chaine des Rotisseurs’ Jeuene Sommelier Competition as well as the the Starwine International Wine Competition and the TEXSOM International Wine Awards. He earned his Master Sommelier certification in 2001. A dynamic speaker and educator, O’Brien demystifies wine while showcasing the entire Jackson Family portfolio in his current role as Jackson Family Winery Champion.
WILL STEPHENSON | EXECUTIVE CHEF - PEPPERVINE
In his role as Executive Chef of Peppervine Restaurant, Will Stephenson continues the tradition of creating progressive American cuisine through a refined and technique-driven menu, focused on seasonality and sourcing from local farms wherever possible.
A native of Brevard, NC, Will has been in the industry for seventeen years, honing his chops along the way at several notable restaurants in western North Carolina. Beginning in French and Creole cuisine at Hobnob in Brevard, he then moved to Gamekeeper Restaurant in Boone, a fine-dining establishment elevating the use of game. After working as a private chef at The Inn at Little Pond Farm, he moved to Bill and Anita Greene’s legendary Artisanal Restaurant in Banner Elk. He joined Peppervine upon opening, and has served as Chef de Cuisine since day one before taking on the role of Executive Chef.
Will lives in Charlotte with his girlfriend Kim and their three dogs, where they spend their time walking, eating, and supporting local restaurants.
THANK YOU TO OUR PRESENTING SPONSOR!
