Virtual Gala & Mobile Live Auction
ft. renowned Napa Valley Winemaker Julien Fayard
and Master Sommelier Des Echavarrie of Scale Wine Group
October 17, 2020

Charlotte Wine + Food Week presented by Truist, hosted a first-ever Virtual Gala and Mobile Live Auction designed for the most serious of wine and food lovers! In-home gatherings have been a cornerstone of our programming since our inception in 1989, and this year’s Virtual Gala will allowed us all to come together from home in a safe but equally spirited celebration of fine wine food, fun and fundraising! This years’ 2020 Winemaker Honoree, Julien Fayard of Napa Valley fame joined CW+F to tell his story and share his passion for winemaking while leading patrons through a selection of his Le Pich, Covert and Purlieu wines. We were thrilled to welcome Master Sommelier Desmond Echavarrie of Scale Wine Group to moderate the wine discussion. CW+F Chairman Emeritus Leslie Schlernitzauer and her husband Bruce, of Charlotte’s beloved Porcupine Provisions catering, curated a thoughtfully crafted menu that perfectly paired with the featured wines.

Guests tasted through the following wine selection led by Winemaker Julien Fayard and Desmond Echavarrie, MS: 2018 Le Pich Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley; 2018 Le Pich Chardonnay, Russian River; 2017 Covert Estate Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon; and 2017 Purlieu To Kalon Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Oakville.

As the evening came wrapped up, the 50+ silent and live auction lots closed netting $30,000 toward our charitable fundraising mission.

Special thanks to Marty Snider & Associates who served as the technical advisors for the virtual gala and who produced the videos played during the program. In case you missed it, you can still view the CW+F Charitable Mission and CW+F Sizzle Reel videos.