Charlotte Wine and Food Weekend

Eat, drink and be charitable at this upscale social gathering.

The 25th bi-annual Charlotte Wine and Food Weekend kicks off April 20 with the mission of bringing “Motown to Uptown.”

The CWFW is one of the Southeast’s largest food-and-wine events. It has raised more than $4 million dollars in the past 25 years for charities benefiting children. This year’s beneficiaries are The Council for Children’s Rights, Pat’s Family Advocacy Program, Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina and Backpack Project for Kids.

“The four charities were selected by our board based on the critical services they provide to Charlotte children that are in need of education, protection, food and shelter. We value their role in our community and want to recognize them for their ongoing services and endless contributions,” says Doug Cohen, chairman of the organization’s board.

This year’s Charlotte Wine and Food Weekend brings together winemakers from all over the Southeast and top chefs in Charlotte.

A tasting featuring one of the world’s much-heralded champagnes, Champagne Laurent-Perrier, will start on April 20 at 11 a.m. at Bonterra Dining & Wine Room in Charlotte. The tasting will include such rare vintages as Champagne Laurent-Perrier Brut Vintage 2002, Cuvee Rose Brut and Grand Siecle Multi-Vintage. Camille Cox, a noted wine expert, will host this event. Tickets for the champagne tasting are $75 and are available on a first-come first served basis at www.charlottewineandfood.org.

The weekend continues with a VIP preview dinner at Founders Hall, 6:30-11 p.m., in uptown Charlotte. The dinner will include hundreds of wines to sample, food from Aria Tuscan Grill, and live and silent auctions. Guests will also be able to enjoy live music by the band The Sensational Sounds of Motown.

Tickets for the event vary depending on what activities each guest would like to attend. Ticket availability is limited; those priced at $250 for a wine dinner at Aria Tuscan Grill have already sold out. For $125, guests will be able to enjoy the party at Founders Hall and valet parking. There is even a “Young Aficionados” price for those ages 21 to 35 who are just looking to wet their lips at the party at Founders Hall. The Ritz-Carlton Charlotte also has special room rates for those attending the event.

With the proceeds going to help children in need, Charlotte Wine and Food Weekend brings a whole new meaning to “Put good in to get good out.”

For more information, visit www.charlottewineandfood.org.