Small Towns, Small Wineries | Elevated Wines

Written By: Marlene Osteen | Issue: 2020/11 - November

Organizer Davis Picklesimer has revealed the lineup for the Elevated Wine extravaganza, sponsored by the Highlands Wine Shoppe.  

Elevated Wine Experiences, Small Towns Supporting Small Wineries is launching with a full weekend of high profile events bringing world famous wineries, winemakers, sommeliers and industry leaders to the Plateau. 

Taking place from Thursday, November 12, through Saturday, November 14, the event allows wine fans around the region to experience an incredible array of wine tastings, wine dinners and instructional classes.

The lineup for the Festival, curated by the Highlands Wine Shoppe and with support from the Napa Valley Vintners Association, includes these events:

Wine Tastings: Three tiers of tickets have been established: a One Day General Admission Ticket for $175, $125 for locals (Macon or Jackson County license required) and a three-day pass for $450. In addition, a foundation has been established to provide special admission ticket pricing – $50 for the local service industry. Visit highlandswineshoppe.com/events for information.

Thursday and Friday, November 12 and 13: Tasting American Wines: Highlands Wine Shoppe, Highlander Mountain House, Midpoint Restaurant, Park on Main, Tug’s Proper

Saturday, November 14: Tasting  American Wines: Village Green, Cashiers

Tasting International Wines: Featuring local Western North Carolina Breweries (Winemakers love beer too!), Highlands Wine Shoppe, Highlander Mountain House, Midpoint Restaurant, Park on Main, Tug’s Proper

Wine Dinners and Special Events  (highlandswineshoppe.com/events)

Thursday, November 12: 4118 Kitchen & Bar: Wine Dinner with Dough Wines, Dough wines support the James Beard Foundation’s work to create an inclusive, equitable and sustainable food culture, focusing on restaurant recovery, equality in the kitchen, and sustainable food culture. Call (828) 526-5002

Thursday & Friday, November 12 and 13: Highlands Wine Shoppe. Call (828) 526-4080

Lecture with Master Sommelier Max Kast. One of 273 Master Sommeliers in the world, Max has worked for Broadbent Selections since 2016, promoting their portfolio of globally owned family wineries.

12:30-1:30 P.M. Understanding Your Palate

2:00-3:00 P.M. How to Blind Taste Wine

Friday, November 13:

Bridge at Mill Creek: Daou Wine Tasting, 3:00-4:30 P.M., $45 per person; (828) 526-5500

Midpoint Restaurant: Dinner featuring Small Vineyard Imports from France, Chile and Argentina; call (828) 526-2277

Tug’s Proper: Winemaker Dinner with David Tate of Barnett Vineyard featuring Tate Wines.  $125 per person; call (828) 526-3555

Saturday, November 14:

Dinner in a Private Home with Master Sommelier Max Kast featuring world-renowned family owned wineries. Limited to eight people.  $200 per person

Bridge at Mill Creek:  Groth Wine Dinner, 5:30-7:30 P.M. $115 per person; call (828) 526-5500

Midpoint Restaurant: Dinner featuring Small Vineyard Imports from France, Chile and Argentina. Call (828) 526-2277

Tug’s Proper:  Understanding Food and Wine Pairings with winery owner Jean Arnold of Kate Arnold Wine, and Stacey Pytlewski of Coquerel Wines, $75 per person; call (828) 526-3555.

For the full list of participating wineries and updates, follow highlandswineshoppe.com/events and www.elevatedwines.com.

by Marlene Osteen