Get ready, Charlotte. We’re about to uncork something special! StrEATS UNcorked is bringing in 12 different North Carolina Wineries, all members of NC Wine, right to the heart of the Queen City, and trust me, you don’t want to miss this sip-by-sip adventure. Picture this: a dozen different wineries, each with a line up of local downright delicious wines, all made right here in North Carolina, paired with fabulous local bites and a whole lot of good company. Thanks to the North Carolina Wine & Grape Council, a part of Got To Be NC, this is your chance to swirl, sip, and support our state’s incredible winemakers—all while having a blast. So grab your wine-loving crew, and let’s toast to some the best flavors North Carolina has to offer!
This exclusive event is your chance to explore North Carolina’s thriving wine scene, sip your way through a curated selection of NC Wine, and taste dishes inspired by local flavors, all while soaking in the vibrant atmosphere of Charlotte’s annual Charlotte StrEATs Festival.
WineKnow or Not?
Let’s talk wine, NC Wine to be exact. North Carolina has been making waves in the wine world, and this is your chance to taste exactly why.
At StrEATs Uncorked, you’ll:
- Sip on a variety of wines from a dozen different NC wineries
- Kick off the night with a guided tasting from Assorted Table Wine & Shop
- Pair those sips with incredible dishes crafted by the culinary wizards at Johnson & Wales University
- Meet the winemakers, winery owners, and experts behind these incredible pours
- Purchase bottles of your favorites to take home (because one glass is never enough)
- Enjoy live music as you sip, swirl, and savor through the evening with all of your friends
Allow me to introduce a Wine Whisperer You Need to Know
Speaking of wine knowledge, let me introduce you to my dear friend Josh Villapando of Assorted Table Wine & Shop, located Uptown at 7th Street Market.
Josh has forgotten more about wine than I will ever know! He’s my go-to for wine pairings at my cooking classes or when I want to purchase something new, fun and delicious. He has the lowdown on all the wines you should be drinking and why; and he and his team are one of Charlotte’s best-kept secrets when it comes to one of the best places in the city to sip and swirl on the regular. This is your chance to meet Josh and learn from the best while tasting your way through this evening of some really delicious NC Wines.
Meet the Wineries Bringing the Magic
As I mentioned, the evening’s lineup features a dozen of the over 200 North Carolina wineries and vineyards, offering a fantastic cross-section of what our state’s wine scene has to offer:
- Childress Vineyards
- Cypress Bend Vineyards
- Davesté Vineyards
- Dover Vineyards
- Dynamis Estate Wines
- Golden Road Vineyards
- Grandfather Vineyard
- Grove Vineyards & Winery
- Marked Tree Vineyards
- Parker-Binns Vineyards
- Shelton Vineyards
- Veronet Vineyards
These folks know their grapes, and they’re bringing their best bottles for you to sip and savor. Whether you’re into bold reds, crisp whites, or something a little bubbly, there’s a perfect pour waiting for you.
Raising a Glass for a Personal Cheers to NC Wine
I’ve been pleased to have been a judge for the past couple of years at the Annual NC Wine competition. ( My pink sparkly water bottle goes with me everywhere!)
And I’ve had the pleasure of working with NC Wines as a sponsor of the 2025 NCRLA Chef Showdown, on the cooking stage at the NC State Fair, and even as a host for some of my food-centric travel adventures across the state. Let me tell you, these wines are worth celebrating! So come taste for yourself and see why these and other NC Wines deserve a permanent spot on your wine rack.
Tickets are $65 ++ for fees and tax. Space is limited, so grab yours now! Get your tickets here and Tell Them Heidi Sent You!
More StrEATs Fun Coming Your Way
Uncorked is just the beginning! Charlotte StrEATs is serving up a full weekend, April 12 & 13, 2025 of food-filled festivities that you won’t want to miss:
StrEATs Tasting Tour – Saturday, April 12
12–3 p.m. (VIP access at 11 a.m.) | Gateway Village Tickets on Sale Here
Take a self-guided tour through some of Charlotte’s best bites, sampling dishes from locally owned restaurants while meeting the chefs behind the magic. VIPs get early access, because the best bites always go fast!
Charlotte StrEATs Festival – Sunday, April 13
12–4 p.m. | Gateway Village | FREE EVENT
This isn’t just any food festival, it’s a full-blown flavor explosion! Expect:
- Neighborhood Cook-off Battles featuring local chefs going head-to-head
- Celebrity chef demos to inspire your inner foodie
- Handcrafted cocktails made by Charlotte’s top mixologists
- An artisan market filled with local goodies
- Food trucks, live music, and more!
Mark your calendars, grab your friends, and get ready for another wonderful StrEATs Festival weekend.
It all kicks off On Friday April 4, 2025 at Uncorked. I’ll see you there!
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