The GRAND TASTING
Our largest tasting experience is one that is sure to delight. With a selection of over 100 carefully curated wines from around the globe, mouthwatering bites from Charlotte's culinary artisans, and exclusive online auction items available for preview, our Grand Tasting has something for every taste.
Featured wine selections are available for purchase through our retail partner The Wine Vault - Elizabeth.
Saturday, April 18, 2026
6:30 pm - 9:30 pm | Early Admission
7:00 pm - 9:30 pm | General Admission
Location: The Union at Station West | 919 Berryhill Road Charlotte, NC 28208
Format: Walk-around Tasting
Attire: Snappy Casual
2026 Participants
Restaurants / Caterers / Purveyors
Catalú
DŌZO
Honeybear Bake Shop
Indigo Road Hospitality Group
Legion Brewery
Peppervine
Rosemont
Sea Level NC
Seasoned Provisions
Sun Raised Foods
Taco Boy
Uchibā
…and more coming soon.
Wineries
Aperture Cellars
Compris Vineyard
Denali Estate
DAOU Vineyards
Fulldraw Vineyard
Jackson Family Wines
La Rioja Alta, S.A.
Melka Estates & Winery
Paradigm Winery
Rombauer Vineyards
Stags' Leap Winery
VIK Wines
…and more coming soon.
Sake
Kikusui Sake Brewery
Breweries
Legion Brewery
Mixology
Special feature by Mike Guzman - Blue Door
Special rum feature - Barbados Tourism Marketing
Live music provided by:
The J’Michael Peeples Band
Mobile Auction Preview
Features 50+ wine and experience lots.
Tickets
Early Admission
Tickets: $175/person plus tax
($25 tax-deductible per ticket)
6:30 pm entry
General Admission
Tickets: $150/person plus tax
($25 tax-deductible per ticket)
7:00 pm entry
All food and beverages are included in the ticket price, as well as a souvenir Govino glass.
Must be 21+
*Must show valid ID at check-in.
Special Thanks to our Retail Partner and Sponsor The Wine Vault - Elizabeth
EMCEES
ALEX GILES | WBTV ANCHOR & REPORTER
Alex was born outside of Philadelphia and moved to Wilmington, NC at the age of 15. He attended UNC-Chapel Hill where he graduated with a degree in broadcast journalism. Shortly after graduation, Alex returned to Wilmington to work at WECT News. While at WECT, Alex worked as an anchor and reporter. He traveled to Raleigh to cover events at the state legislature and even interviewed a death row inmate at North Carolina’s Central Prison. Alex also helped a sister station in Charleston, SC cover the deadly church shooting that claimed the lives of nine innocent people. At WECT, Alex won awards for his work in breaking news coverage and the investigation of law enforcement surveillance technology.
In the summer of 2015, Alex was thrilled to join WBTV as a bureau reporter covering Gaston, Lincoln, and Cleveland counties. In early 2016, Alex became the anchor of WBTV’s Alert Center, providing breaking news updates during the early evening newscasts. In early 2019, he began anchoring the 4 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. shows for WBTV. In 2022, Alex became co-anchor of WBTV News This Morning alongside Mary King.
During his time at WBTV, Alex has covered the societal unrest that sparked after the police shooting death of Keith Lamont Scott, and the protests that erupted after the death of George Floyd. Alex has covered his fair share of North Carolina storms too, traveling to the mountains for winter weather coverage, and driving to the coast to cover hurricanes.
In the midst of the intense 2020 presidential campaign, Alex also had the opportunity to interview President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris. In addition to shooting, writing and editing nightly stories about the issues that impact the citizens of North and South Carolina, Alex also works with the CMPD Crime Stoppers program to put together weekly stories highlighting criminal activity in Charlotte. He also serves as a member of the CMPD’s Crime Stoppers Board.
When he’s not working, Alex loves running, hanging out with friends, and spending time with his family. He and his wife, Alexis, got married during the coronavirus pandemic. Even though he deals with deadlines on a daily basis, Alex considers planning a wedding during such a tumultuous time one of the most stressful things he’s ever done. Alex and Alexis live in Charlotte with their dog, Poppy, and welcomed a new baby boy named Jordan into the world in August 2021. Alex LOVES Tar Heel basketball and football and tries to watch every game he can. That can be difficult when he is working nights!
Alex is always looking for new friends and new story ideas!
NIA HARDEN | WBTV ANCHOR, TRAFFIC
Nia Harden is no stranger to North Carolina. Prior to WBTV, she worked as a Morning Reporter for WRAL in Raleigh. Prior to her time at WRAL, she was at WXYZ in Detroit, Michigan, and KWTX in Waco, Texas.
Nia is a regional Edward R. Murrow Award Winner and AP Award Winner. She’s also been nominated for an Emmy.
Not only is Nia an experienced journalist, but she’s also a military wife and mother of two. Nia is from the Seattle area. She graduated from Virginia Union University. She enjoys fitness, traveling, and teaches indoor cycling.
THANK YOU TO OUR PRESENTING SPONSOR
