by Kristen Wile

This week, our team learned devastating news: Anita Skogland, our beloved wine writer, had passed away.

If there is anyone who understood the heart of Unpretentious Palate, it was Anita. She embodied what we try to show each day: that the best way to love food and wine is to do so with humanity. You could see this in her writing: any time she would spotlight a bottle of wine, for example, you learned a bit about the family producing that wine, too. You can’t separate a product from the people who created it, nourished it, and offered it to the rest of us with passion.

Anita had a way of making people feel seen, whether for their work or simply themselves. When J.J. was born, Anita showed up at our house with containers and containers of food. She single handedly filled our freezer, and Jon and I rapidly thawed delicious dish after delicious dish when we’d realize in our new parent daze we had barely eaten all day. In a phase of life when we felt overwhelmed and uncertain, she was subtly supporting and cheering us on — always without being asked. 

As any true writer, she had an insatiable curiosity and desire to understand others. Her ability to comprehend the intangibles of the food and beverage industry gave her an invaluable perspective. Even more importantly, she had an ability to always ensure it was clear whatever we were enjoying was made possible by someone who deserves our recognition and respect. All of this is in addition, of course, to her incredible wine palate and knowledge, which she not only shared with our readers — and our team — but also as a professor at the Art Institute of Charlotte.

We’re heartbroken at the loss of such a positive presence in Charlotte’s hospitality scene. A celebration of life will be held in February 2025. In the meantime, gifts can be made in her honor to Doctors without Borders, BeLoved Asheville, or Feeding Avery Families. Below, some of our city’s culinarians share their tributes.

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“You know the old adage ‘You never forget how someone makes you feel?’ Anita was the embodiment of compassion. Forever a lover of people, Anita understood what the art of hospitality was … a feeling. She and Ian supported Passion8 when you couldn’t find us with a map (pre Google). There was always an encouraging word about what senses delighted her. She made it so fun to share rare discoveries, be it a wine or finding the very best in her students — something she was called to do, for she understood that was her contribution to the craft. That made her a giant in this city. Her impact still ripples, and I was lucky to call her a friend. I was asked to be a guest speaker in her classroom to discuss what it meant to be passionate about the industry. Her students walked the line not to disappoint what felt like a proud momma equipping her cubs. I felt it and was always honored to be in her presence. She will be greatly missed.” — Jessica Tomasulo Annunziata, Passion8/Luca

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“Tragic news to hear about our friend Anita this week.  Anita has been part of the Rare Roots and Charlotte Hospitality families for years and will be missed greatly.  She, along with so many other passionate people have helped to build and sustain  the Charlotte food scene.  She has always been an advocate behind the scenes, an ally for the industry, and a patient teacher and mentor to those working within it.  Our hearts go out to her husband and family.  Much love from the Rare Roots Family.” — Tim Buchanan and the Rare Roots Hospitality family

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“Anita was the type of friend every chef needed. She would show up on a busy Saturday night, ask for an off menu vegan tasting. And you did it. No matter what. Because you knew she would be both grateful and brutally honest. To me this is the true spirit behind hospitality and friendship. Her impact on the Charlotte culinary scene will probably never be fully appreciated, but her presence will forever be felt. I for one, will miss her immensely.” — Marc Jacksina, Little Mama’s

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“We’ll miss her curiosity, delighted and inquisitive expressions and adventurous palate at the cheese counter, her friendly smile, warmth and all she had to give to others.” — Rachel Klebuar, Orrman’s Cheese Shop

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“I first met Anita when she was coordinating the restaurant the students staffed as part of the culinary program at the old Art Institute — introducing future general managers to the subtleties and complexities of front-of-house operations. I noticed both a sternness in making sure her students learned their hospitality lessons and a softness for the care and tutelage she offered. I got to know the softer side more as the years went on — at private and professional social events, and as an associate here at UP. Make no mistake, she would call you out if she saw something questionable (forever the teacher), but always with a note of compassion. I will miss her incredible, discerning palate and her friendship.” — TM Petaccia, Unpretentious Palate

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“Anita, Mrs. Skogland, as she will always be to me, was one of my first culinary instructors. I will always remember sitting with her after one of our wine and spirits classes. We were finishing up and she stopped me and very gently and truthfully looked at me and said, “You are going to be one of the ones that make it.’ When she spoke to a person, there was a caring truthfulness no matter what the situation was. She always checked in on me, even a decade removed from being one of her students. If I ever needed anything in the culinary community or in life, she was there. I think that embodies who she was. Sometime in this crazy industry, that’s all a person really needs. A kind and truthful presence.” — Clayton Sanders, Flight

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“Anita was so kind, affirming, and supportive, always promoting wines and events we showcased for over 20 years, going back to her days with Apollinaire magazine. She has always had an inquisitive mind and astute wine palate. I’ll miss growing to know her better and pray she is resting.” — Josh Villapando, Assorted Table Wine & Shop

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“She was always the first to support our community. She was on the forefront of slow food in Charlotte and gave of herself to build relationships. She shared her honesty and her whole self. She will live in my heart, and her memory will be a blessing.” — Alyssa Wilen, Chef Alyssa’s Kitchen 

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