An Elevated Celebration

Written By: Marlene Osteen | Issue: November 2024

They come from far away and nearby, they are young and not-so-young, visitors and locals alike. They are bankers, lawyers, craftsman, tradesmen, chefs, artisans and laborers.

They’ve come together to participate in the eighth annual Highlands Food & Wine Festival, a grand celebration of culinary arts and fine wine, happening from November 7–10.

Spilling across the picturesque mountain town of Highlands, the festival’s four signature events move from iconic locations – the Bascom Center for the Visual Arts, Kelsey-Hutchinson Park and Main Street.

The festival will kick off with the Grand Tasting on Thursday, November 7 at the Bascom Center for the Visual Arts. Where dedicated oenophiles and casual sippers alike can indulge in hundreds of wines samples and small tastes from celebrated local and visiting vintners and chefs. Adding to all the fun is a blend of bluegrass music from Virginia’s Love Canon band. (This event is sold out.)

On Friday, November 8, Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park transforms into a food truck fair for the popular Truckin’ event. Dozens of vendors will populate the lawn while attendees munch on delicious bites from innovative food trucks, sip on craft cocktails and stroll down the “Highway of Ale” to taste samples from numerous craft breweries. Highlands Chefs Massimiliano Proietti from Paoletti’s and Jacky Cabler of the Old Edwards Club will be on hand to enhance the festivities, accompanied by the music of the Wilder Woods band with Needtobreathe frontman Bear Rinehart, who crafts soulful pop with an introspective folk tone and some R&B flair.

Also performing is Texas-born soul singer/songwriter and guitarist and country singer Alex Lambert.

Highlands Main Street is home to the Main Event on Saturday afternoon, November 9. It’s where it’s all happening as food and wine lovers gather to slurp oysters and savor small plates by celebrated chefs. Michigan’s Greensky Bluegrass enlivens with classic American style tunes along with the innovative flat-picking guitarist Larry Keel and Appalachian singer/songwriter Jon Stickley. (This is also sold out!)

On Sunday, November 10, A Shot at Redemption: Support All Rebuilding brunch offers attendees a unique chance to help make a difference. $125 from every ticket sold will be donated to local and regional nonprofits leading Hurricane Helene recovery efforts. Sunday’s Brunch experience will highlight delicacies from local and regional chefs. Enjoy a Bloody Mary Bar and the soulful sounds of Lee Fields. Read more about this special event on page 42.

Thursday’s Grand Tasting and Saturday’s Main Event sold out quickly, but VIP weekend passes remain available for those wanting access to all four events. Tickets for Friday’s Truckin’ and Sunday’s A Shot at Redemption: Support All Rebuilding are still available at highlandsfoodandwine.com.