Sommelier joins Michelin Star charity event

An award-winning Northumberland-based sommelier is set to play a starring role at a prestigious fine dining charity event in Wiltshire.

Vanessa Stoltz, restaurant manager and head sommelier at Restaurant Pine at Vallum Farm, will lead the wine programme at The Magnificent Seven lunch taking place at Whatley Manor on April 14. 

The event marks the first time a sommelier has been recognised as a central participant alongside the chefs.

Organised by The Magic Future Foundation, the fundraising lunch will bring together seven Michelin-starred chefs from across the UK to create a multi-course menu paired with Vanessa’s wine selections.

The seven chefs joining her are Ricki Weston, of Whatley Manor; April-Lily Partridge, Roux Scholar and formerly of The Ledbury; Luke French, of Joro in Sheffield; Charlie Tayler, of Aulis in London; Harry Kirkpatrick, of Trinity in London; Mark Tuttiett, of Da Terra in London; and Ollie Bridgewater, of Source at The Gilpin in the Lake District.

Vanessa, who will be working alongside Stacey Sherwood-French, the co-owner of Restaurant Joro, who will be assisting as her front-of-house team mate, said: ‘’Being invited to join The Magnificent Seven is a real honour, and not just because I'll be working alongside some of the most exciting chefs in the country. 

“What this event stands for, and the story behind it, makes it genuinely unlike anything else in the hospitality calendar. 

“Wine is at its best when it brings people together, around something meaningful, and I can't think of a more meaningful table to be part of. 

“I'm also hoping to travel to Malawi with the team in June, and if I can play even a small part in helping to build another school for those less fortunate, that would mean everything to me.’’

Proceeds from the event will support The Magic Future Foundation’s mission to build 100 schools in economically disadvantaged countries through its partnership with the global NGO buildOn.

Following the Whatley Manor event, the seven chefs will travel with The Magic Future Foundation to Malawi in June to support the build of a new school as part of the 100 Schools Project, before creating entirely new courses inspired by the experience for a second Magnificent Seven event later in the year.

The charity has already funded the construction of 33 schools as part of the initiative.

Tickets for The Magnificent Seven 2026 can be bought here.

Looking to promote your product/service to SME businesses in your region? Find out how Bdaily can help →