Sip, paddle, and enjoy live music at Charlotte’s premier lakeside wine festival
March 12, 2025 (Charlotte, NC) — Picture this: a stunning lakeside sunset, a glass of fine wine in hand, and the soft melody of live music filling the air. This year, the University City Wine Fest invites guests to indulge in its first-ever “Wine on the Water” experience on April 11, leading into the festival’s ninth annual celebration on April 12. Guests can secure their tickets now and can be purchased here. More information about the events can be found here.
Wine on the Water – April 11 | 6 PM – 9 PM
Set against the breathtaking backdrop of University Place, Wine on the Water offers a one-of-a-kind date night experience. Guests can expect to enjoy an intimate, sunset-lit evening, where they can sip on select wines, take a scenic paddle boat ride, and enjoy live music by the lake.
- Two time slots available: 6:30 PM & 8:00 PM
- Tickets: $45
University City Wine Fest – April 12 | 1 PM – 6 PM
Enjoy unlimited tastings of 100+ wines from 25+ top wineries, local craft brews, and a curated cocktail experience led by Charlotte’s top mixologists, including:
- Bob Peters (Chiefs)
- Kelsey Case (Boardwalk Billy’s)
- Ashley Sarkis (Yunta)
- Everett Clark (Proximity Holistic Mixology)
The festival will also feature live music from The Abraham Staten Experience, unique pop-up shops, and delicious bites from local favorites like Banh Mi Brothers, Donut I Love U, Hot N Dog, and The Mexican Medusa.
Ticket Options
- General Admission ($35): 4 hours of unlimited tastings + souvenir glass
- Early Admission ($45): 5 hours of unlimited tastings + souvenir glass
- VIP Admission ($550): Reserved VIP table for 10, early access, 4 bottles of wine, unlimited tastings, and souvenir glasses
Sponsors & Community Impact
This year’s event is made possible by Greystar, Tito’s, and Parks Chevrolet. A portion of proceeds benefits the University City Foundation, supporting local placemaking and community-building initiatives. Sponsor support helps sustain the events and programs that bring the University City network together. Those interested in getting involved as a volunteer or a sponsor, can fill out the contact form here.
All attendees must be 21+ with a valid ID.
ABOUT UNIVERSITY CITY PARTNERS
University City Partners (UCP) is a nonprofit organization that aims to drive University City into long-term economic vitality as a center for employment, living, education, commerce and entertainment through thoughtful strategies and actions. As a catalyst, facilitator and thought leader, UCP promotes public/private partnerships and invests resources in these four key areas: planning and development, economic development and marketing and communications. University City Partners currently supports the implementation of the development for a walkable, mixed-use downtown in the heart of University City anchored by UNC Charlotte and University Research Park as outlined in the UNC Charlotte Master Plan and J.W. Clay Station Area Master Plan. To keep up with everything new in University City Partners, sign up for the newsletter, follow @UnivCityCLT on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook and for more information, visit universitycitypartners.org.
