Premiere Tastings with Local Students
By Angie Matthiessen, Executive Director – United Way Charlotte County
If you’ve been reading this column for a few years, then you know that Beaujolais is our largest annual fundraiser and Charlotte County’s Premiere Wine Tasting Event. This year we celebrate our 10th Annual Beaujolais and there are so many new things happening that I can’t wait to share with you.
Year over year, we hear of those who seek out this event due to the outstanding handcrafted menu provided by Chef Jason Osborne and the culinary students at Charlotte Technical College. Chef Jason usually brings around ten students to prepare and serve delicious tapas. It’s quite impressive to see these students working so diligently at the serving stations as they are clearly driven and passionate about their work and an exceptional experience with food.
Not only do the students have the opportunity to experience on-site catering events, but we’re able to support their initiatives to compete and test their talents at State SkillsUSA Conference. A portion of every Beaujolais ticket goes to providing three students with a scholarship to attend the State Culinary Arts Conference. Last year, one of those students went on to compete at the National Leadership & Skills Conference. This proves that our Charlotte Technical Culinary Program is changing lives and we all have a part in it. It also supports our mission of helping students in our community thrive.
The origins of our Beaujolais event in 2014 always bring me back to the time in France with mother where we celebrated the Beaujolais Nouveau Day. Over the years, we have evolved, always to ensure an excellent Beaujolais. Last year, the amazing white San Gimignano was in honor of our family trip to Italy that year. Hands down the ruby red Spanish Tempranillo was the crowd favorite. Our team personally works with local experts to ensure we are bringing you the best wines possible. This year will be no exception.
New Location! We have been at some beautiful spaces, but I really can’t wait to experience the Kings Crossing Barn & Farm. They are known for their elaborate weddings, on an 18-acre working farm nestled among majestic oak trees and a picturesque lake. The perfect ambiance under the stars in a breathtaking yet casual setting. Lest you worry about the distance to get there, from our office in Murdock Circle, it’s only 15 miles with a nice easy drive.
Due to the atmosphere we strive to create with this premiere experience, there is a limited number of tickets available for Charlotte County’s Premiere Wine event. Currently, there are only 80 tickets still available to experience the 10th Annual Beaujolais with us.
In addition to the exquisite tapas, wine, atmosphere, silent auction, and music by Amy Cyr a talented Saxophonist, Flutist and Vocalist, there will be an exciting opportunity to win one of five incredible travel packages. Only 250 chance raffle tickets will be sold. The winning ticket will be drawn at Beaujolais and you do not need to be present to win.
This event will sell out, so please get your tickets today. For more information, please visit: unitedwayccfl.org/Unparalleled
Our board and staff are grateful to our event sponsors. Your support is invaluable to us and enables us to continue providing the best possible services to our community. Florida Power & Light, WrightWay Emergency Services, Panther Hollow Dental Lodge, Whitco Insurance Alexia Martin Agency, HCA Florida Fawcett Hospital, Southwest Engineering & Design, Charlotte Behavioral Health Care and Charlotte Technical College.
For more information about United Way of Charlotte County’s mission: Mobilizing the power of our community to break the cycle of poverty, please contact Angie Matthiessen, Executive Director. She can be reached at director@unitedwayccfl.org.