In the world of fine dining, wine often takes centre stage, elevating the dining experience to new heights. For Franco Stalteri and Donato Carozza, founders of Charlie's Burger & CB Wine Program, wine isn't just a beverage; it's a lifelong passion and a conduit for creating extraordinary culinary experiences and bringing together
a community.

Growing up, Franco's connection to wine was deeply rooted in his Italian heritage. "Wine is food and part of the table you set," emphasizing that it was as integral to their meals as bread or pasta. Donato shares a similar background, with his family deeply entrenched in the production and vineyard side of the wine industry for over two decades. While Donato focused on the production and vineyard aspects, Franco set out to explore the world of wines from a sommelier's perspective.

In 2008, the duo initiated the Charlie's Burger dinner series, challenging the limitations of traditional menus and fostering a space for creativity and innovation. These exclusive dinners, ranging from rustic to extravagant, featured renowned chefs from around the globe.

Over the years, Franco and Donato have collaborated with culinary maestros from Michelin- starred restaurants, Relais & Châteaux properties, and the World's 50 Best. Chefs like Dario Cecchini, Fergus Henderson, and teams from renowned establishments like Chateaubriand in Paris and Punk Royale in Copenhagen have delighted guests. Rumour has it they even offer serve yourself champagne in the bathrooms!

Breaking free from limitations, Charlie Burger offers a unique gastronomic journey, allowing for the execution of any menu imaginable, from extravagant 100-course tasting experiences, to crafting menus tailored to specific themes, such as an all-Arctic menu for the private chef of the Governor General of Canada. Each carefully curated menu is expertly paired with phenomenal wines, elevating the dining experience to
new heights.

Amidst these dinners, a unique demand emerged – guests sought the elusive wines served at these events. This demand gave rise to the CB Wine Program in 2013, offering members a curated selection of exclusive wines from around the world, delivered straight to their doors each month.

The CB Wine Program offers members monthly wine deliveries with exclusive wines from different regions, along with detailed information about the producers, tasting notes, and food pairing options. They also offer cheese pairings in partnership with Cheese Boutique and are the only wine service to offer complimentary corkage at Michelin Starred restaurants. The membership also shares recipe cards from renowned chefs for iconic dishes like Paul Bocuse’s Coq au Vin from Lyon or Roscioli’s Cacio e Pepe from Rome.

A good wine supplier is one who knows exceptional producers intimately. The emphasis is on building personal connections with producers, often visiting their homes, vineyards and of course tasting your way to discover those unique bottles.

While working primarily with smaller producers, Franco believes that quality knows no size and allows CB Wine Program to showcase unique stories and offerings. Among their favourite wine destinations are Sicily, Burgundy, and Oregon. Their preference lies in exploring old-world wineries, valuing the deep-rooted relationships and expertise embedded in these regions.

In addition to bringing unique wines to the homes of Torontonians, Franco played a pivotal role in bringing the Michelin Guide to Toronto. The journey, initiated in 2017, with Toronto receiving its first Michelin stars in 2022 - another initiative to bring together and enhance Toronto's culinary landscape. The guide not only showcases the cities diversity but also serves as a tool to attract global diners, exposing them to Toronto’s vibrant food & wine scene.

At the heart of Charlie's Burgers and CB Wine Program lies a commitment to excellence. The dinners, known for featuring top chefs, wines, and service, go beyond traditional fine dining. The success, according to Franco, lies in the team's hospitality and warmth, creating personal connections with guests that extend beyond the dining table.

Franco and Donato take pride in the CB Wine Program's achievements. Recognized by Food & Wine Magazine as the top food and wine experience globally, the wine club has delivered wine shipments to its members monthly for over 10 years, uninterrupted.

As a man deeply immersed in the world of wine, Franco’s journey continues, with each dinner, delivery, and experience adding to the rich tapestry of Charlie's Burgers and CB Wine Program. For Franco Stalteri and Donato Carozza, it's not just about the wine; it's about crafting unforgettable moments, and bringing people together, one bottle at a time.