Local Wine Events

Written By: Marlene Osteen | Issue: November 2024

Guy Davis,High Country Wine & Provisions

In addition to the standout events that have made the Highlands Food & Wine Festival one of the most anticipated gatherings in the region, this year’s 8th annual festival, held November 7-10, will also feature a collection of more intimate dinners and tastings.

Hosted by local chefs, restaurants, and a highly regarded local wine shop, these events offer a deeper, more personal exploration of food and wine. Guests will have the chance to engage directly with winemakers, chefs, and artisans while enjoying exclusive wine tastings and expertly paired dinners. Each event showcases the exceptional talent and creativity that have earned our town its reputation as a sought-after culinary destination.

Johannes Klapdhor. The Library Kitchen + Bar

Wednesday, November 6

Wine Club Appreciation Party: Presented by High Country Wine & Provisions, 5:00 to 8:00 P.M.

Kick off the Highlands Food and Wine Festival with an exclusive event for High Country Wine & Provisions wine club members. Enjoy Davis Family Vineyards wines, live music, and delicious bites as you mingle with fellow wine lovers. Not a member yet? Join today online, by phone, or in-store! highcountrywineprovisions.com/wine-club; (828) 482-4502

Thursday, November 7

Scoundrel Wine Dinner: Presented by The Ruffed Grouse Tavern

Chef Joe Cash, 2024 James Beard nominee from Greenville’s Scoundrel, joins The Ruffed Grouse Tavern’s team to create a French-inspired menu that balances tradition and innovation. Two seatings available, 5:30 and 7:30 P.M. highlandermountainhouse.com, (828) 526-2590

Wolfgang Green, Wolfgang’s Restaurant and Wine Bistro

Friday, November 8

Third Annual Highlands Harvest Lunch: Presented by: Highlands Wine Shoppe, 12:00 to 4:00 P.M.

Indulge in an Italian-inspired harvest feast by acclaimed Chef Ken Naron of ENVIE Catering, paired with wines from around the world. Guests can also book limited private cellar tastings featuring the legendary Sassicaia, Italy’s first Super Tuscan, for an additional $50 per person. $200 per person plus tax and gratuity, (828) 526-4080
Pizza and Lambrusco with Chef Mark Bolchoz: Presented by Skyline Lodge, 6:00 P.M.

Chef Mark Bolchoz will pair Indaco’s signature wood-fired pizzas with the classic Italian sparkling red wine on the welcoming courtyard of Skyline Lodge. Enjoy this pizza party under the twinkling lights. skyline-lodge.com

Markie Weinstein

Farmers, Foragers, and Friends: Presented by High Country Wine & Provisions and The Library Kitchen + Bar, 6:00 P.M

The camaraderie of Vintner Guy Davis and Chef Johannes Klapdhor trace back to their serendipitous meeting during the first Highlands Food & Wine Festival eight years ago. And that immediate bond has culminated into this weekend’s explorations of tastes dinner – a blending of the local flavors of North Carolina’s farmers and foragers with international ingredients and flair. These dishes will be perfectly paired alongside Davis Family wines, complemented by the European wines that have inspired Guy’s wine journey. Enjoy the opportunity to connect with Guy and Johannes at High Country Wine & Provisions. $185 per person plus tax and gratuity, highcountrywineprovisions.com

Domaine Drouhin Wine Dinner: Presented by On the Verandah, 6:00 P.M.

Drouhin ambassador, Laurent Drouhin will illuminate and educate attendees on the nuances of his famous family wines. $225 per person plus tax and gratuity, (828) 526-2338

Andrew Figel. On the Verandah

Wild Game Wine Dinner: Presented by The Vineyard at High Holly, 6:30 P.M.

Enjoy a four-course Wild Game Wine Dinner from chef Michelle Waters featuring Pisoni Estate Vineyard Wines, with special guest Mark Pisoni. Since 1952, the Pisoni family has farmed in the Salinas Valley, and under the direction of brothers Mark and Jeff, their Pisoni Estate and Lucia labels have become known for producing elegant Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Syrah from the Santa Lucia Highlands. $225 per person all-inclusive, thevineyardathighholly.com

Saturday, November 9

“Burgundy vs. Willamette” Tasting Seminar: Presented by Highlands Wine Shoppe, 1:30 to 3:30 P.M.

Featuring very special guest Laurent Drouhin of Burgundy’s legendary Maison Joseph Drouhin. Laurent will guide lucky tasters through his family’s beautiful terroir-driven wines based on the cool climate. $165 per person, (828) 526-4080

Ken Naron, ENVIE Catering

Master Sommelier and Master of Wine Tasting Seminar: Presented by Highlands Wine Shoppe | 4:30 to 6:30 P.M.

Renowned Master Sommelier and Master of Wine Eric Hemer returns to showcase the extraordinary wines of Gérard Bertrand from the South of France. Bertrand’s innovative approach to biodynamic winemaking, organic farming, and sustainable practices has earned him acclaim, resulting in a portfolio of delicious wines. Eric will guide us through a lineup of exceptional red, white, and rosé wines, sure to delight and expand your palate. $165 per person, (828) 526-4080

Bourbon Flights and Light Bites Pairing Special: Presented by The Ugly Dog Public House, 5:00 to 9:00 P.M.

Enjoy four unique bourbons, each paired with bites from Ugly Dog’s executive chef, Markie Weinstein, designed to heighten the flavors and reveal the nuances of each pour. Whether you’re a bourbon enthusiast or a newcomer, this tasting promises a memorable and refined experience. theuglydogpub.com, (828) 526-8364

Michelle Waters, The Vineyard at High Holly

Justin Vineyards Wine Dinner: Presented by On the Verandah, 6:00 P.M.

Certified Sommelier Erin Raspotnink will guide guests through Justin Vineyards’ award-winning wines, sharing insights into the winery’s history and winemaking practices. Founded in 1981 with a focus on Bordeaux-style blends, Justin has grown its expertise in Paso Robles, producing exceptional wines rooted in the region’s limestone-rich soil. $195 per person plus tax and gratuity, (828) 526-2338

Caymus Vineyards Wine Dinner: Presented by Wolfgang’s Restaurant and Wine Bistro, 6:30 P.M.

Wolfgang’s – one of Highlands’ oldest and most acclaimed restaurants, will welcome a representative from famed Napa Valley winery Caymus Vineyards.  Chef Wolfgang will create five remarkable courses to complement the winery’s extraordinary output. The evening begins with a champagne reception. $210 per person plus tax and gratuity, (828) 526-3807

Clos du Val Wine Dinner: Presented by Oak Steakhouse at Skyline Lodge

Weather permitting, dinner will be held outside in the Skyline Lodge Pavilion Reservations at Opentable.com