(October 15, 2026) – Lexington, NC – Yesterday, the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation (CSF) returned to North Carolina to co-host the 22nd Annual Wine, Wheels & Wildlife event alongside longtime CSF supporter and Board Member Richard Childress at the picturesque Childress Vineyards in Lexington.
For more than 37 years, CSF has worked to protect and advance America’s outdoor traditions by advocating for policies that support hunting, fishing, recreational shooting, trapping, and wildlife conservation. Through CSF’s unmatched network of bipartisan sportsmen’s caucuses, CSF brings together policymakers and conservation partners to ensure that these traditions remain strong for generations to come.
Wine, Wheels & Wildlife has become one of CSF’s signature gatherings, bringing together state and federal lawmakers, outdoor industry leaders, conservation partners, and sportsmen and women, for an evening centered on conservation, camaraderie, and America’s sporting heritage.
The 22nd annual event continued that tradition, offering guests an opportunity to connect, share stories about our rich time-honored pursuits, celebrate the accomplishments of the sportsmen’s community, and support the work necessary to protect and enhance outdoor opportunities across the country.
“We’ve been fortunate to watch this event grow over the years, but what matters most is that the purpose behind it remains the same: coming together to support the outdoor traditions we value and making sure they are here for the next generation,” said Childress. “Wine, Wheels & Wildlife is always a special night, and I’m proud to support the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation and host this event, which welcomes so many people who share a genuine passion for the outdoors and such a deep commitment to conservation.”
Set against the backdrop of Childress Vineyards, the evening offered a fitting setting to celebrate another year of conservation and reflect on the importance of protecting North Carolina’s rich outdoor heritage. The event also highlighted the continued impact of the work supported through CSF’s efforts across the country.
“The success of Wine, Wheels & Wildlife is a testament to the incredible community that continues to stand behind CSF and America’s sportsmen and women,” said CSF President and CEO Jeff Crane. “Richard Childress and the entire Childress Vineyards team have been tremendous partners, and we are grateful to everyone who joined us this year. Events like this remind us that conservation is a shared responsibility, and that meaningful progress happens when people come together around a common commitment to our outdoor heritage.”
The evening also provided an opportunity to recognize the many partners and supporters whose continued investment makes CSF’s work possible. Their commitment allows CSF to advocate for sportsmen and women at the federal and state levels while building relationships with policymakers and conservation leaders across the country.
“Year after year, Wine, Wheels & Wildlife demonstrates what can happen when conservation-minded individuals, industry leaders, policymakers, and outdoor enthusiasts come together,” said CSF Senior Vice President and COO Taylor Schmitz. “We are proud of the momentum behind this event and even more proud of the impact that this community continues to have on the future of hunting, fishing, shooting, trapping, and wildlife conservation.”
After 22 years, Wine, Wheels & Wildlife has become more than an annual gathering; it is a lasting tradition rooted in conservation and a shared appreciation for America’s outdoor heritage.
CSF would like to extend deep appreciation to all the sponsors who made this event possible. Title Sponsors: Bass Pro Shops, Cabela’s, Childress Vineyards, Kalahari Resorts, National Shooting Sports Foundation, Outdoor Sportsman Group, and Richard Childress Racing. And to our Host Sponsors: Berico, Dallas Safari Club, Ducks Unlimited, GunBroker, Hornady Manufacturing Company, International Order of T. Roosevelt, Leupold, MVP Robotics, Nicholas Air, Rather Outdoors, Rivers & Glen Trading Co., Safari Club International, Scheels, Shimano North America Fishing, Inc., Sig Sauer, Silencer Central, South Carolina Waterfowl Association, and The Kinetic Group.