Rosé AROUND THE WORLD Brunch
FEATURING Edwin’s Organix & OPEN PLAN KITCHEN
at FOREST KITCHEN DESIGN

Rosé all day! Back for the 6th year, our beloved Rosé Brunch returns in an exciting new venue, Forest Kitchen Design - a stunning modern kitchen design showroom in Plaza Midwood. Indulge in the pink-hued paradise as you enjoy a one-of-a-kind food pairing amidst the aroma of freshly popped rosé corks. Our multi-course brunch spread is a culinary masterpiece with a little Mexican flair, meticulously crafted each year by Chef Edwin Cruz of Edwin’s Organix and Open Plan Kitchen. Join us on a 4-course tasting journey celebrating all things Rosé - from sparkling to still, classic Rosés from the south of France and modern iterations made in the New World. Americans have gone crazy for Rosé in the last decade and we are pretty sure after this brunch you’ll agree that Rosé is here to stay.

The Wine Vault’s Owner, Tim Wallace, along with Woody French, Managing Partner of 3 Keys Wine Distributors, will serve as your tour guide on this around-the-world flight of R-O-S-È, YES WAY!
Pink attire in all shades is HIGHLY encouraged!

This special afternoon 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 brunch 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. 

EVENT DETAILS
Date: Sunday, April 19, 2026
Time: 1:00 PM Reception | 1:15 PM Brunch
Location: Forest Kitchen Design | 904 Pecan Ave, Charlotte, NC 28205
Special Guests: Tim Wallace | Owner - The Wine Vault
Woody French | Managing Partner - 3 Keys Wine Distributors
Chef Edwin Cruz | Proprietor - Edwin’s Organix & Open Plan Kitchen
Tickets: $195/person plus tax
Service is included in the ticket price and $50 of each ticket is tax-deductible.
Must be 21+

Hosted by Charlotte Wine & Food Executive Director, Lauren Deese, and Charlotte Wine & Food Board Member, Paul Miller.

MENU + WINES

- RECEPTION -
Mini Tételas
Blue Corn Masa stuffed with Potatoes, Chorizo, and Cheese

Al Pastor Shrimp Skewers

- FIRST COURSE -
Watermelon Salad
Pomegranate Aguachile with a Cotija and Feta Cheese Crumble, Papaya, Cantaloupe, Honeydew, Dragon Fruit, and a Tajín Pomegranate Dressing

- SECOND COURSE -
Tuna Crudo Tiradito
Nikkei and Guajillo Dressing Pearls, Avocado, and a Creamy Crema de Aji Amarillo with a hint of Passion Fruit

- THIRD COURSE -
Chilaquiles Blancos Duo
White Cheddar Cheese Béchamel Sauce and Rojo Tomato Sauce served over a bed of Refried Beans and Tortilla Chips,
topped with Avocado, Pico de Gallo, Chorizo Crumbles, and a Poached Egg

- FOURTH COURSE -
French Toast
over a Cardamom Crème Pâtissière and topped with Crème Fraîche Whipped Cream

- DESSERT -
Surprise Dessert courtesy of Cherry Berry Pátisserie

Wine selections coming soon!

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

EDWIN CRUZ | OWNER AND HEAD CHEF - EDWIN’S ORGANIX & OPEN PLAN KITCHEN
Chef Edwin Cruz started his catering and private chef company, Edwin’s Organix, over five years ago after working in the food industry for over ten years. Edwin’s Organix was born out of a passion for creating delicious meals and memorable conversations with patrons. Edwin attributes success in the industry to his love for experimenting with various foods and flavors to create an experience for all to enjoy. Edwin intentionally makes sure that the foods he prepares are locally and sustainably sourced. A significant part of the chef’s brand is his love and support of the vegan community. He specializes in creating authentic vegan meals and tries to take on an environmentally friendly approach in everything he does.

Like many in the food and hospitality industry, Edwin’s Organix slowed down during the early part of the COVID-19 global pandemic, but Edwin remained persistent in pursuing opportunities to connect with people by hosting live cooking videos on Facebook and Instagram, teaching people how to create healthy meals at home. Out of this pivot, Edwin began a partnership with Compare Foods, where he hosts a monthly virtual recipe challenge across their social media. Additionally, Edwin hosts a segment on the CompareTV channel where he teaches people how to cook different meals that reflect his Latino heritage. He also has partnerships with Charlotte Football Club creating match day recipes and the Latin American Coalition.

For many years, Edwin served as a guest chef creating theme-based menus for special events in collaboration with different restaurants, primarily at Poplar and 7th Street Market, and from time to time he has also partnered with breweries and other establishments. When not sharing recipes on local TV, hosting resident events at luxury apartments in uptown Charlotte, or creating Mexican-inspired coffees with Drip Joint Espresso Bar, Edwin can be booked for private dinner events both locally and in the surrounding states. Edwin puts a special focus on creating events that build community, elevate Latino culture, and inspire others that anything is possible if you are passionate.

To connect with him, follow him on social media: @Edwin_Organix

MONSERRATH FLORES | OWNER & PASTRY CHEF - CHERRYBERRY PÀTISSERIE
Monserrath Flores is a pastry chef whose passion for desserts has blossomed into a remarkable career, fueled by treasured family recipes and a formal education in Gastronomy with a specialization in High Pastry.

Her training at prestigious culinary institutes, under the guidance of industry-leading chefs, has equipped her with expertise in both classic and modern pastry techniques. Beyond her degree, Monserrath holds four diplomas in High Pastry, European Pastry, Modern Pastry, and Mexican and European Bakery. She continually refines her skills through specialized courses, ensuring she remains at the cutting edge of pastry innovation.

With a focus on pushing boundaries, Monserrath masterfully combines time-honored techniques with innovative ingredients to create desserts that are both flavorful and visually stunning. Her distinctive style shines through in every aspect of her work, from the intricate decorations to the carefully selected flavor profiles and the technical perfection of each creation.

Throughout her career, Monserrath has distinguished herself by transforming simple ingredients into edible works of art. Her participation in galas with chefs from Vatel Club has provided invaluable opportunities to collaborate with culinary luminaries and further hone her skills.

As the founder of CherryBerry, Monserrath is dedicated to adding a special touch to every moment, transforming sweets into stories and bites into unforgettable journeys of flavor. Her signature lies in the fusion of unexpected flavors and impeccable presentation, ensuring that every dessert is a true masterpiece that evokes emotion and provides a complete sensory experience.

WOODY FRENCH | CO-FOUNDER- 3 KEYS DISTRIBUTORS
Born and raised in Toms River, New Jersey, Woody French was shaped by his educator parents’ values of hard work, integrity, and perseverance. His mother was an elementary school teacher, and his father—a math department chair—became one of the winningest high school soccer coaches in the nation.

After high school, Woody moved to Charlotte, North Carolina, working in restaurants while attending King’s College. During that time, he and his high school girlfriend, April, began building the life they now share—26 years later, they are proud parents of two daughters, Shelby (25) and Sydney (21).

Woody quickly rose through the hospitality ranks, managing multiple restaurants before discovering his passion for wine. He transitioned into distribution, leading the Charlotte market and Domestic Portfolio for Dionysus Wine Distributors, then moved into National Sales for Anderson’s Conn Valley Vineyards in Napa Valley. After seven years of extensive travel, he returned home and co-founded 3 Keys Wine Distributors with Jami and Bryan Farris. Now in its eighth year, the boutique firm serves restaurants, retailers, and country clubs across North and South Carolina.

Committed to service, Woody has supported the HeartBright Foundation, serves on the Giving Kitchen Council—recently co-chairing a wine dinner that raised $125,000—and was honored to participate as a Big Wig for Carolina’s Breast Friends. He remains driven by connection—through family, wine, and community.

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THANK YOU TO OUR PRESENTING SPONSOR