Hendersonville’s cideries and wineries are coming together to showcase their best flavors during the second annual Cider, Wine, and Dine Weekend, April 25-28.
The four-day event includes nearly 50 happenings at wineries, cideries and tasting rooms throughout the county. Events include special tastings and new releases, orchard and vineyard tours, pairing dinners, live music, festivals, and more.
“The weekend is about more than just the beverages themselves,” says Michael Arrowood of the Henderson County Tourism Development Authority. “We want people to experience what goes into making these products and to share the agricultural story that exists here.”
New this year, festivities kick off Thursday evening with a ticketed Opening Gala at The Horse Shoe Farm. The 85-acre property along the French Broad River recently opened as a luxury retreat and event venue. The gala serves as a weekend preview with tastings of cider, wine and mead paired with small bites, as well as music and dancing.
Participating venues include: Appalachian Ridge Artisan Cider, Bold Rock Hard Cider, Burntshirt Vineyards (Hendersonville and Chimney Rock locations), Point Lookout Vineyards & World’s Edge Meadery, Saint Paul Mountain Vineyards (Hendersonville and Flat Rock locations), and Wine Sage & Gourmet.
Hendersonville’s newest winery, Point Lookout Vineyards, introduces its Highlands Festival on Friday afternoon. The event celebrates WNC’s Scotch-Irish heritage with Celtic folk music and Highland dancers. Other Friday events include Sunset Sippin’ as the sun sinks over the vines at Burntshirt Vineyards and a Twist & Shout Dance Party at Saint Paul Mountain Vineyards with music from the ’60s, ’70s, and ’80s.
On Saturday, Bold Rock’s popular food truck festival returns with creative fare, hard cider on tap and live music. Burntshirt brings the sounds of Frank Sinatra to the vineyard, while Appalachian Ridge serves paella and blues tunes to complement its European-style cider.
Round out the weekend at one of several Sunday brunches: biscuits and a farm tour at Appalachian Ridge, cider mimosas at Saint Paul in Flat Rock, or a mountain-top meal followed by bluegrass and gospel music at Point Lookout.
Events are both free and ticketed. For a complete schedule and lodging options, call 800-828-4244 or go to www.VisitHendersonvilleNC.org/Cider-Wine-Dine-Weekend.