If you know anything about us, you know we love Wine & Food Festivals (who doesn't?). And we've been to our share in the Carolinas. But this weekend, we'll be checking out the Charlotte Wine & Food Weekend for the first time.....and we can't wait.
Begun in 1989 as a way to raise money for local charities, this biennial event has become a highly regarded social extravaganza that has donated more than $3.2 million dollars to the community. And wined and dined festival goers along the way with tasty treats and award-winning wine and wineries.
The weekend actually kicks off Wednesday night with a sold-out Tequila Dinner (okay....so there is a little license with the whole wine angle). Thursday night features Vintner Dinners where area restaurants are paired up with national wineries to present a perfect food and wine paired evening. We'll be heading to King's Kitchen, beloved area chef Jim Noble's not-for-profit restaurant concept that gives back and helps the community by hiring troubled youths, graduates of rehabilitation programs and the unemployed.
Big Bottles & Blues is Friday 's highlight and the largest event of the weekend--a celebration of the Charlotte good life with winery guests, live music and local cuisine at The Urban Garden at The Ritz Carlton. The Live and Silent auctions will be huge moneymakers for this years deserving charities and will feature rare large format bottles of wine, trips, jewelry and wine dinners.
Saturday is filled with spectacular wine tastings and culminates with the black-tie Grand Gala and Live Auction also at The Ritz Carlton. And the weekend winds down on Sunday with the Burgers, Bloodys and Brews Brunch Celebration at The Green on Tryon.
Tickets are still available for several events and we'll be sure to leave some wine.
OMG sounds fun. I'm so jealous. The Tequila Dinner sounds fabo - can't believe it is already sold out!
ReplyDeleteBut lots of other events are still available. See you there!
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