Wine Fest 2015

Page 1

real estate since ce 1976


Blue Ridge Wine and Food Festival

Page 2

April 16, 2015

2015

Downtown Blowing Rock

BLUE RIDGE

Wine&Food

BLVD. EY B LEY ALL VAL

6 PARK ARK AVE. VE.

9

8

CHESN UT DR.

1

RANSOM S ST.

H S ST.

HILL S ST.

FESTIVAL

4

T. ES KL N E

MORRIS

5

SUNSET DR .

2

MAIN ST.

A OL ET DR. H C KE LA

CHURCH DR.

3

7

YON AHL OSS EE

WALL INGF OR D

RD.

Key Locations 1 Grand Tasting Tent

MAIN ST .

2 Chetola Resort

RD.

R GLOBE RD.

3 Twigs 4 Foggy Rock 5 New Public House 6 Blowing Rock Ale House 7 Town Tavern 8 South Marke 9 Blowing Rock Memorial Park

‘Downtown Wine Down’ Businesses host open house events during Winefest

There is so much to see and do in Blowing Rock. Members of the Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce are hosting a number of “open house” events from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday, April 17. They include wine tastings, demonstrations, food and more. Some of the businesses that will be welcoming Blue Ridge Wine and Food Festival guests are the Blowing Rock Art and History Museum, Monkee’s, neaco, Christopher’s Wine and Cheese, and 100 West Union. More businesses are signing up every day. To participate, visit these merchants in downtown Blowing Rock (look for the signs) and be sure to have your ID ready if you would like to taste some wine. (Drinking outside of the shops on the streets and sidewalks is strictly prohibited.)

Festival to become ‘Savor Blowing Rock’ This weekend marks the end of the annual Blue Ridge Wine and Food Festival. That’s because next year, the festival returns with a brand new name. Beginning in 2016, the Blue Ridge Wine

and Food Festival will be known as “Savor Blowing Rock.” Look for all of your favorite Wine Festival events to return, just under a new umbrella banner that says “Savor Blowing Rock.”

Thanks to our sponsors For more information about “wine walk-about” businesses, call the Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce at (828) 295-7851.

The 10th annual Blue Ridge Wine and Food Festival is presented by the Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce and is sponsored by Walker and Associates, Hendrick Northlake Luxury Auto Mall, Blue Ridge Mountain Club, Rockitman Radio.

com, Goodwill Industries of Northwest North Carolina, WNC Magazine, Charlotte Magazine, Lake Norman Currents and Meadowbrook Inn and Suites. To learn more about our sponsors, visit www.blueridgewinefestival.com.


Blue Ridge Wine and Food Festival

April 16, 2015

Page 3

CALENDAR OF EVENTS Thursday, April 16 11 a.m.

Seminar: “Break Out the Bubbly” — at Christopher’s Wine and Cheese 2 p.m. Seminar: “Wine & Cheese” — at Meadowbrook Inn 3 p.m. Seminar: “Defiant Whisky and Bacon” — at Rustique 4 p.m. Seminar: “Hidden Treasures, Best Value Wines” — at Meadowbrook Inn 6 p.m. “Taste! A Restaurant Showcase” — at the Grand Tasting Tent 6:30 p.m. Wine Dinner with Jones Von Drehle — at Rowland’s at Westglow 8 p.m. Cocktails with Fair Game Beverage Company — at The Gamekeeper 9 p.m. Seminar: “Dessert Cocktails” — at Rustique TBA Winemaker’s Dinner with Raptor Ridge Winery — at New Public House

Friday, April 17 11 a.m. noon 1 p.m. 2 p.m. 3 p.m.

Seminar: “The Emerging Pacific Northwest” — at Christopher’s Wine and Cheese Seminar: “Riedel Challenge” — at The Inn at Ragged Gardens Seminar: “Wine and Chocolate” — at Meadowbrook Inn Seminar: “You Say Syrah, I Say Shiraz” — at Meadowbrook Inn Seminar: “Great Minds Drink Alike” — at Blowing Rock Brewery

3 p.m. to 7 p.m. 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. 3 p.m. 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. 4 p.m. 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. 5:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 9 p.m. TBA

Savor Blowing Rock with Rockitman Radio — at Sunset Drive and Main Street Downtown Wine Down —in downtown Blowing Rock Seminar: “Grilling with the Grill Masters” — at Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce Seminar: “Beer & Bites: A Crafty Conversation with Kaela” — at Foggy Rock Seminar: “Exploring Burgundy: The Basics” — at Meadowbrook Inn Wine and Craft Beer Flights — Timberlake’s Restaurant at Chetola Resort Cork and Canvas — at Blowing Rock Art and History Museum Seminar: “Build Your Own Bordeaux” — at Christopher’s Wine and Cheese Brewery Dinner with Appalachian Mountain Brewery — at Rustique Live Music with The Harris Brothers — at The Town Tavern Winemaker’s Dinner with Jonata Winery — at Gideon Ridge Inn

Saturday, April 18 7:30 a.m. Pancake & French Toast Breakfast to 10:30 a.m. — at Foggy Rock 8 a.m. Seminar: “Coffee Cupping by Bald Guy Brew” — at Foggy Rock 8:30 a.m. Corkscrew 5K and Fun Run — at Chetola Resort 11 a.m. Satellite Tent Tastings to 6 p.m. — in downtown Blowing Rock CONTINUED ON PAGE 4

North Carolina’s Oldest Tourist Attraction Unique Gift Shop Iconic Panoramic Long Range and Valley Views theblowingrock.com • 828-295-7111 Hwy 321 South • Blowing Rock


Blue Ridge Wine and Food Festival

Page 4

April 16, 2015

CALENDAR OF EVENTS Saturday, April 18 noon Reserve Wine Tasting and 3 p.m. — at The Inn at Ragged Gardens 1 p.m. Brewery Dinner with Appalachian Mountain Brewery — at The Town Tavern 1 p.m. Grand Tasting to 5 p.m. — at the Grand Tasting Tent 1 p.m. Savor Blowing Rock with Rockitman Radio to 5 p.m. — at Blue Ridge Mountain Club at Martin House Courtyard 2 p.m. “Springtime in Appalachia” — at the to 4 p.m. Blowing Rock Art and History Museum 5 p.m. Wine & Craft Beer Flights — at Timberlake’s to 10 p.m. Restaurant at Chetola Resort 7 p.m. Downton Dinner — at the Green Park Inn

Sunday, April 19 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Granny’s Pancake Breakfast — at Southern Comforts Restaurant Savor Blowing Rock with Rockitman Radio — at the Blue Ridge Mountain Club at the Martin House Courtyard 2 p.m. Seminar: “Grilling with the Grill Masters” to 4:30 p.m. — at the Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce

The Town of Blowing Rock hopes you have a great time at the Blue Ridge Wine and Food Festival. Come back next year!

Wine experts from all over North Carolina and the world will be on hand to share their expertise at the Grand Tasting on Saturday. PHOTO BY JEFF EASON

#1 in High Country Sales for 2014

VILLAGE REAL ESTATE TEAM 1127 Main Street Blowing Rock, NC (828) 295-0776 www.vrenc.com


Blue Ridge Wine and Food Festival

April 16, 2015

Welcome to the Blue Ridge Wine and Food Festival

Welcome to Blowing Rock, a site that is under no small amount of construction. If you are visiting for the first time in a while, you will notice that we are in the midst of a grand re-invention that will make our village better than ever. In addition to the ongoing highway-widening project on U.S. 321 (you might have noticed the new traffic light below Food Lion), our town is reconstructing the gazebo in Memorial Park (it’s going to be twice as large as the old one), remodeling the American Legion Hall, and putting the final touches on the Blowing Rock School playground rejuvenation project. Whew! Much of this facelift will be finished by Memorial Day weekend, but for now, you’ll just have to put up with a lot of bright orange barrels and cones and the occasional traffic delay. Thanks for your patients and patronage! For the 10th annual Blue Ridge Wine and Food Festival, more restaurants, wineries, vineyards and distributors than ever are putting their best fare forward in hopes of enticing you to become a fan of theirs. Presented by the Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce, the Blue Ridge Wine and Food Festival is the perfect way to kick off the warm weather season here in the High Country. The Blue Ridge Wine and Food Festival annually attracts thousands of wine and food lovers to Blowing Rock for wine dinners, workshops and demonstrations, live music concerts and other special events. The 2015 Blue Ridge Wine and Food Festival’s evening events kick off with a fantastic event called Taste! A Restaurant Showcase. Taste! will feature signature dishes presented by area restaurants and samplings of wine and beers. Taste! begins at 6 p.m. on Thursday, April 16, at the Grand Tasting Tent on Maple Street. Participating restaurants and food vendors include Timberlake’s Restaurant at Chetola Resort, The Table at Crestwood, Chestnut Grille at the Green Park Inn, Town Tavern of Blowing Rock, Six Pence Pub, Canyons of the Blue Ridge, The Best Cellar, Woodlands Barbecue, The New Public House, Bistro Roca, Restaurant G at Gideon Ridge, Makoto’s Japanese Steakhouse and Sushi Bar, Trout and Barrel, Stick Boy Bread Company and many others. Tickets for Taste! are $35 in advance, $45 at the door.

Grand Tastings on Saturday The centerpiece of the festival is the Grand Tasting under the giant tent on Maple Street

in downtown Blowing Rock. This year, the Grand Tasting will be held from 1 to 5 p.m. The Grand Tasting features hundreds of different types of wines from North Carolina and around the world. It is also a catered event with mouth-watering food items to eat at your pleasure. Tickets for the Grand Tasting are $40 in advance, $50 at the door. This year’s festival also includes a Grand Reserve Wine Tasting at the Inn at the Ragged Garden on Sunset Drive. Tickets for this exclusive event are $125 in advance and $150 at the door. The Grand Reserve Wine Tasting will take place at noon and 3 p.m. A number of satellite tasting tents for food and wine will also be located at various spots around downtown Blowing Rock. Attendees of the Grand Tasting and Grand Reserve Tasting can visit these satellite tents at their leisure from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m. for free. Those not attending the Grand Tasting events can pay a small admission fee at the entrance to the satellite tents.

Page 5

Come See Our New Look and Save

BIG!

Workshops and demos The more you know about wine and food, the more ways you can figure out how to enjoy them together. The Blue Ridge Wine and Food Festival offers attendees a wealth of workshops and demonstrations all over the downtown Blowing Rock area. Most of them cost between $25 and $30 and include food and wine.

Wine dinners Wine dinners are always a big part of the Blue Ridge Wine and Food Festival. Most feature an exquisite menu of items prepared by one of our local chefs, with the various courses paired with wines from one or more wineries. This year’s festival features wine dinners at Timberlake’s Restaurant at Chetola Resort, Rowland’s at Westglow Resort and Spa, the Gamekeeper, Rustique, the Town Tavern, the Green Park Inn, the New Public House and Restaurant G at Gideon Ridge.

40% OFF

All Brands Everyday!

Corkscrew 5K on Saturday The Blue Ridge Wine and Food Festival’s Corkscrew 5K Run is like no other run you’ve undertaken. It starts and ends at Chetola Resort and along the way, if you like, you can participate in a wine tasting event at four wine stations along the course. Registration is from 7:30 a.m. to 8:20 a.m. and the run begins at 8:30 a.m. Non-runners can enjoy the bloody Mary and mimosa bar at the patio of Timberlake’s CONTINUED ON PAGE 6

BLOWING ROCK FURNITURE GALLERY Mon.- Sat. 10-6, Sunday 1-5 • (828) 295-7755 8486 Valley Blvd. (Hwy 321) • Blowing Rock, NC


Blue Ridge Wine and Food Festival

Page 6

April 16, 2015

Long and wine-ing road Third annual Corkscrew 5K takes place April 18

WELCOME FROM PAGE 5 Restaurant while waiting for their favorite runners to finish the race. Proceeds from the Corkscrew 5-K will benefit the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation.

Cork and Canvas The Blowing Rock Art and History Museum will host a special Cork and Canvas: Wine Fest Edition event at the museum in downtown Blowing Rock from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursday, April 16. The event is part socializing, part art class and part wine seminar. Admission is $35 for BRAHM members and $40 for nonmembers and all supplies are included … even the wine. For more information, call BRAHM at (828) 295-9099.

RockitmanRadio.com Be on the lookout for the bright green Rockitman Radio van on Main Street on Friday and Saturday. Musicians are welcome to visit this state-of-the-art mobile recording studio and lay down some tracks while the van is at the festival.

Savor Blowing Rock Finally, the 10th annual Blue Ridge Wine and Food Festival will be the last one held with that particular name. Beginning next year, the festival will be called Savor Blowing Rock. It will include all of your favorite festival events and some new twists for 2016! For more information on the Blue Ridge Wine and Food Festival, call the Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce at (828) 295-7851 or visit www.blueridgewinefestival.com.

Mid-April mornings in Blowing Rocket are perfect for a good run. The air is crisp, but not freezing, and lots of little flowers are beginning to dot the landscape. The third annual Corkscrew 5K will be held in conjunction with the Blue Ridge Wine and Food Festival and local training center ZAP Fitness. The event combines road racing and wine or, if you prefer, walking and wine. The event will start between 7:30 a.m. and 8:20 a.m. on Saturday, April 18, with registration at Chetola Resort in Blowing Rock. The 5K run/walk begins at 8:30 a.m. Early packet pickup is available from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday, April 17, at Chetola Resort’s Recreation Center. The “wine lovers” 5K fee is $30 in advance, $40 the morning of the race and includes tastings at four wine stations along the route (you must be 21 or older to register for this race). The wine-free 5K costs $25 in advance, $35 the morning of the race.

Proceeds from the event will benefit the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation. The course of the Corkscrew 5K begins and ends at Chetola Resort and winds through the Chetola Resort and Tanger properties. Awards will be given to the overall male and female winners, master male and female winners, and the top two finishers in a number of age groups. Additionally, a number of door prizes will be awarded to runners. They include wine-related items and race T-shirts. Parking and shuttle service will be available for runners to and from the race. The fee will be $10 and will include shuttle to resort and a pickup whenever the racers are finished. Parking will be at the First Baptist Church of Blowing Rock (350 Sunset Drive) and only cash or check will be accepted for this service. Proceeds will go to the Summer Mission Trip for Student Ministries. For more information, call (828) 2955533, or email gwoolard@chetola.com.


April 16, 2015

Blue Ridge Wine and Food Festival

Sample a little bit of everything that the High Country has to offer at ‘TASTE! A Restaurant Showcase’ on Thursday at the Grand Tasting Tent at Maple Street. Area restaurants and caterers will PHOTO BY JEFF EASON present their signature dishes to the public.

Kick off with ‘TASTE! A Restaurant Showcase’ By Jeff Eason

Blowing Rock and the High Country are famous for their wonderful array of fabulous restaurants. The problem is that unless you live here, it is hard to try them all in one visit. Problem solved! The Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce will present “TASTE! A Restaurant Showcase” at the Grand Tasting Tent on Maple Street as one of the first events in the 10th annual Blue Ridge Wine and Food Festival. TASTE! starts at 6 p.m. on Thursday, April 16. Tickets are $35 per person in advance or $40 at the door. Advance tickets are available at the Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce (828) 295-7851. The roster of restaurants participating in TASTE! includes The Best Cellar, Roots Restaurant, the Table at Crestwood, Timberlake’s Restaurant at Chetola Resort, Six Pence Pub, The Town Tavern, Bistro Roca, New Public House, Restaurant G at Gide-

on Ridge, Pepper’s Restaurant, The Woodlands Barbecue and Pickin’ Parlor, Trout and Barrel, Makoto’s Japanese Steakhouse and Sushi Bar, Twigs Restaurant, Stick Boy Bread Company, Canyons Historic Restaurant and Bar, Chestnut Grille at the Green Park Inn and C.R. Catering. To wash down all of that delicious food, the Blue Ridge Wine and Food Festival has recruited some of the best wineries, breweries and distilleries in North Carolina. On hand to serve samples of their wares will be Grandfather Vineyards, Blowing Rock Brewery and Ale House, Defiant Whisky, Covington Vodka, Blind Squirrel Brewery and Southern Grace Distillery. The event will also feature live music and tables so that guests can sit down and sample of the scrumptious food in a relaxed atmosphere. For more information, or to reserve tickets, call the Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce at (828) 295-7851.

‘Cork and Canvas’ BRAHM’s casual painting class offered at the museum Some people believe that a little wine can set free your artistic muse, inspiring your creativity to new heights. The Blowing Rock Art and History Museum has been exploring the combination of wine and painting for the past three years with its regular “Cork and Canvas” events. A special Blue Ridge Wine and Food Festival edition of Cork and Canvas will be held at BRAHM beginning at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, April 17. Led by one of the High Country’s premiere artists, Cork and

Canvas is a great way to enjoy some wine, while putting paint and brush to work on a creative project. The museum supplies the paint, canvas and even the wine. All you have to do is show up (with proof of age) and let your creative juices flow. Cork and Canvas admission is $35 for BRAHM members and $40 for nonmembers, and you get to keep your painting. Reservations are required. For more information, or to make reservations, call BRAHM at (828) 295-9099.

Page 7


Blue Ridge Wine and Food Festival

Page 8

s g n i v a S

e t a

r b le e ith

C ing w

r p S

April 16, 2015

SAVE 40-80% OFF Showroom Samples Discontinued Items & Closeouts

4900 Hickory Blvd. • Granite Falls, NC 28630 828-496-2262 Mon - Sat 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Open Sunday 1 until 5 p.m.


April 16, 2015

Blue Ridge Wine and Food Festival

Page 9


Blue Ridge Wine and Food Festival

Page 10

Downton Abbey AT THE GREEN PARK INN

Rockitman Radio to Rock Blowing Rock By Jeff Eason Back in the day, you needed an honestto-goodness radio to pick up the classic airwaves of FM and AM if you wanted to hear what tunes the DJs were laying down. These days, all you need is a computer or a smart phone to listen to thousands of Internet radio stations that play everything from classic rock to avant garde jazz. The DJs of RockitRadio-dot-com will be rolling into Blowing Rock for the 10th annual Blue Ridge Wine and Food Festival on Saturday and Sunday, April 18 and 19. In addition to filling the airwaves with fantastic tunes, they will be looking for local talent to air. “Rockitman Radio is coming from Florida and they are bringing a mobile recording studio to record local talent,” said Billie Rogers, head of the Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce team that is putting on the Blue Ridge Wine and Food

Please Join Us For A DOWNTON ABBEY Theme Dinner Saturday, April 18th at 7:00 p.m. Cocktails and Hors D’oeuvres to begin Five Course Dinner to Follow French Wines Served Throughout Music by the Steve Frank Orchestra RSVP requested, seating is limited $85.00 per person Casual or period attire is welcomed

9239 Valley Blvd Blowing Rock, NC 28605 828.414.9230 ESTD. 1882

April 16, 2015

Festival. “Musicians can play some songs and Rockitman Radio will record them with professional recording equipment.” Solo musicians, or groups of two or three musicians, should be on the lookout for the bright green Rockitman Radio van parked on Main Street from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Musicians are asked to supply their own instruments and come ready to record two or three songs. Best of all, the recording sessions are free. Rockitman Radio is well-known around Internet radio circles for its schedule of dynamic radio programs, such as “Kids in Bed,” “Evening Drive,” “Afternoon Delight,” “Morning Grind,” “Insomniac Theatre” and “Saturday Night’s Alright for Fighting.” The creator of Rockitman Radio, Peter Gatti, splits time between his homes in Florida and at Blue Ridge Mountain Club. For more information, visit www.rockitmanradio.com.

Fair Game Beverage Co. makes Winefest debut Fair Game Beverage Co. will be celebrating the Blue Ridge Wine and Food Festival this April with events at The Gamekeeper on Thursday, April 16, and New Public House Friday, April 17. Fair Game Beverage Company is a winery and distillery based out of Chatham County. But head distiller Chris Jude got his start in Boone. It was during his time at Appalachian State University that he learned about sorghum syrup, as well as distilling. Several years later, after a career in renewable energy, Jude took on the role of head distiller at this new North Carolina distillery. Fair Game produces a variety of wines from North Carolina fruits and grapes, and has just released its first aged spirits, “No’Lasses Sorghum Rum,” and an apple brandy. Fair Game will be celebrating with The Gamekeeper Thursday night, as the restaurant releases its brand new spring bar menu. The evening will feature drink and food specials, music from High Country legends The Lazybirds, and Fair Game cocktails. Friday afternoon Fair Game will co-host an afternoon luau cocktail party from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the New Public House with Chef John Dean. This event will

Fair Game Beverage Company is a new distiller in North Carolina producing top shelf spirits including apple brandy and rum. PHOTO SUBMITTED

feature food and drink specials made up by Chef Dean and his bar staff. And to cap the weekend off, Fair Game will be a vendor at the Blue Ridge Wine and Food Festival on Saturday April 18, sampling both its wines and spirits. Expect to find Fair Game Spirits at the Blowing Rock ABC in early April.


April 16, 2015

Blue Ridge Wine and Food Festival

The Wine Festival’s Reserve Tasting tent will be on Sunset Drive and feature some of the best wines that money can buy.

Page 11

PHOTOS BY JEFF EASON

Tastings all over Blowing Rock Now in its 10th year, the Blue Ridge Wine and Food Festival has grown each year in both number of attendees and events. On Saturday, a number of fantastic wine tasting events will take place in downtown Blowing Rock, attracting dozens of wineries, vintners and wine distributors. While many of the labels are from across the Old North State, others are from international wine makers.

The Grand Tasting

Serving as the centerpiece of the Blue Ridge Wine and Food Festival, The Grand Tasting takes place from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, April 18, at the giant wine tasting tent on Maple Street in Blowing Rock. Once you enter, you will have your choice of hundreds of different wines, as well as plenty of appetizers to cleanse your palate. Wines and other beverages to be sampled will be supplied by Windsor Run Cellars, Shadow Springs Vineyard, Saint Paul Mountain Vineyards, Raffaldini Vineyards, Lost Province Brewing Company, Junius Lindsay Vineyard, Jones Von Drehle, Hanover Park Vineyard, Grandfather Vineyard and Winery, Ginger Creek, Defiant American Single Malt Whisky, Covington Vodka, Childress Vineyard and Winery, Biltmore Estate Winery and Banner Elk Winery. Tickets for the Grand Tasting are $40 in

advance and $50 at the door. For more information, or to reserve tickets, call the Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce at (828) 295-7851 or visit www.blueridgewinefestival.com.

Reserve Wine Tasting For the discriminating wine connoisseur, the Blue Ridge Wine and Food Festival offers the Reserve Wine Tasting. This year’s event will be held at the Inn at the Ragged Garden on Sunset Drive at noon and 3 p.m. on Saturday, April 18. Tickets are $125 in advance and $150 at the door. The event will feature the finest wines from around the world with experts on hand to tell you all about them. Entrance to the Reserve Wine Tasting allows guests to attend both the Grand Tasting and the Satellite Tent Tastings.

Satellite Tent Tastings Stroll the streets of Blowing Rock and sample wine and craft beers paired with local, North Carolina nibbles in various small tents around downtown Blowing Rock. The purchase of either the Grand Wine Tasting or the Reserve Wine Tasting ticket allows entry. Entrance without GWT or RWT ticket is $10. For more information, call the Blowing Rock Chamber at (828) 295-7851 or visit www.blueridgewinefestival.com.

The Grand Tasting Tent on Maple Street is your one-stop spot to sample more than 100 different labels of wine.


Page 12

Blue Ridge Wine and Food Festival

Wine and Food Fest seminars make learning a lot of fun If you’re not careful, you might just learn a thing or two at this year’s Blue Ridge Wine and Food Festival. That’s because the organizers of the event have searched high and low to find experts on everything from how to pick and serve champagne to what whisky goes best with bacon. These experts will impart their knowledge to you at more than a dozen seminars held at a variety of Blowing Rock locations during the four-day festival. The seminars will allow the curious to learn a little about wine and spirits, enjoy the company of other attendees and taste some out-of-this-world culinary delights. Seating is limited for all of these seminars, so choose the ones you want to attend and make your reservations right away. For more information, call the Blowing Rock Chamber at (828) 295-7851 or visit www.blueridgewinefestival.com.

SEMINAR SCHEDULE THURSDAY, APRIL 16 “Break Out the Bubbly” — 11 a.m. at Christopher’s Wine and Cheese: Sparkling wine is more than just a beverage, it’s an exciting event. From the sound of the cork popping, to the sight of its foam settling in the glass, to the feel of its bubbles tickling your lips and tongue, sparkling wine has a way of widening your eyes and smile. Led by sommelier Anne Prevatte, this seminar will teach you about champagne and sparkling wines so that you can appreciate their differences and order with confidence the next time you feel like celebrating with a toast. The seminar is $25 per person. Call (828) 414-9111 for reservations or details. “Wine & Cheese” — 2 p.m. at Meadowbrook Inn: In recent years, varieties of wine have been paired with everything from ice cream to fast food. Get back to basics with this seminar that helps you revel in the classic pairings of good wines with exotic cheese from around the world. The seminar is $28 per person. Call (828) 295-4300 for reservations. “Defiant Whisky and Bacon” — 3 p.m. at Rustique: Blowing Rock’s newest restaurant, Rustique (located on Sunset Drive) and Chef Shayne Lewis will host

a seminar pairing locally made Defiant single malt whisky with bacon, dates, bacon gougeres, bacon brittle and country ham. Decadent. The seminar is $30 per person. For reservations, call the chamber at (828) 295-7851. “Hidden Treasures, Best Value Wines” — 4 p.m. at Meadowbrook Inn: Did you know that there are more than 30,000 commercial wineries around the world? With so much competition, you just know that there are some great deals on wine to be had. This seminar will teach you how to “treasure hunt” when it comes to searching for that perfect bottle of vino. The seminar is $25 per person. For reservations, call (828) 295-7851. “Dessert Cocktails” — 9 p.m. at Rustique: Bartender extraordinaire Rich Scheurer will present this seminar teaching you how to make your very own dessert cocktails, some of which utilize Covington Vodka, “the best yam vodka on Earth.” Impress your guests at dessert time the next time you host a party. The seminar is $25 per person. For reservations, call (828) 295-7851. FRIDAY, APRIL 17 “The Emerging Pacific Northwest” — 11 a.m. at Christopher’s Wine and Cheese: Although most of the grape varieties grown in the Pacific Northwest are familiar to aficionados of California wine, the scale, focus and viticulture of Oregon and Washington are unique and distinct from California. Oregon focuses its attention on the traditional Burgundian varieties of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, as well as Pinot Gris. Washington focuses more on premium table wine as opposed to bulk wine production. Wines from the Pacific Northwest are increasing in public attention and critical acclaim, and in this seminar you will learn why. Sommelier Anne Prevatte will be our guide as we learn more about this emerging wine region. The seminar is $28 per person. For reservations, call (828) 414-9111. “Riedel Challenge” — noon at The Inn at Ragged Gardens: Robert M. Parker Jr. of The Wine Advocate wrote, “The finest glasses for both technical and hedonistic purposes are those made by Riedel. The effect of these glasses on fine wine is CONTINUED ON PAGE 13

April 16, 2015


Blue Ridge Wine and Food Festival

April 16, 2015

SEMINARS FROM PAGE 12

profound. I cannot emphasize enough what a difference they make.” Discover the true deliciousness of wines by tasting them in a glass made exclusively for that variety. A representative of Fine Wines Trading Company will demonstrate the luxury of Riedel glasses while tasting a variety of wines. And you get to keep the glassware at the end of the seminar for future “research.” The seminar is $55 per person. For reservations, call (828) 295-7851.

Page 13

The Artful way to Showcase your Wine Collection

“Wine and Chocolate” — 1 p.m. at Meadowbrook Inn: Wine and chocolate have long been considered by some to be “guilty pleasures.” Well, did you know that both of them are high in healthy antioxidants? Take a double dose of what’s good for you at this special seminar and learn how to pair two of life’s little (or not so little) pleasures. The seminar is $28 per person. For reservations, call (828) 295-7851.

“You Say Syrah, I Say Shiraz” — 2 p.m. at Meadowbrook Inn: Have you ever wondered what the difference is between Syrah and Shiraz? After all, Syrah and Shiraz are the same grape. But why are they called different names, and why do they taste differently? Australian Shiraz is generally much sweeter and riper than its counterparts from the Rhone Valley, which tend to taste more of spice and pepper. Both are bold and complex, and have the capability to age well. Today, many regions produce Syrah/ Shiraz, and in this seminar you taste examples from all over the world, learning about the differences in this grape. Whether you call it Syrah or Shiraz, you will leave CONTINUED ON PAGE 14

Built in the USA

(828) 262-0051 | 4912 US HWY 421 S. | BOONE, NC

WWW.MOUNTAINHOMEANDHEARTH.COM


Blue Ridge Wine and Food Festival

SEMINARS FROM PAGE 13

with a new found respect for this little understood grape. Presented by Doug May of the “Wine Book of Knowledge.” The seminar is $28 per person. For reservations, call (828) 295-7851.

“Great Minds Drink Alike” — 3 p.m. at Blowing Rock Brewery: Have you ever wondered what makes a lager different from an ale? Or how the temperature and water really affect the beer’s flavor? Led by Blowing Rock Brewery brew master Ray Hodge and lead brewer Jim Deaton, this seminar will be a behind-the-scenes look at brewing processes at the Blowing Rock Brewery. Learn what makes each style special and sample a variety of their craft beers brewed right in the heart of downtown Blowing Rock. The seminar is $20 per person. For reservations, call (828) 295-7851.

“Beer & Bites: A Crafty Conversation with Kaela” — 3:30 p.m. at Foggy Rock: Foggy Rock Eatery and Pub’s favorite bartender, Kaela, will lead this seminar on how to pair great craft draft beers with bites and appetizers. Beers will include those from the award-winning Blind Squirrel Brewery in Plumtree, N.C. The seminar is $20 per person. For reservations, call (828) 295-7262.

“Exploring Burgundy: The Basics” — 4 p.m. at Meadowbrook Inn: The Burgundy region of France has been producing what are widely considered to be the world’s finest Pinot Noirs and

“Build Your Own Bordeaux” — 6:30 p.m. at Christopher’s Wine and Cheese: Build Your Own Bordeaux is a unique wine experience you will not want to miss. You are invited to blend your own wine out of the classic varietal components of Bordeaux. You will be able to taste each of these wines individually throughout the night and hear about the history of blending, the grapes and the famous blends of the world. And the winning blend will receive a prize. The seminar is $30 per person. For reservations, call (828) 414-9111. SATURDAY, APRIL 18 “Coffee Cupping by Bald Guy Brew” — 8 a.m. at Foggy Rock: Have you dreamt of making the perfect pot of coffee. Learn how, Coffee Talk will be held at Foggy Rock Eatery and Pub in conjunction with a fantastic pancake and French toast breakfast. We will explore the world of coffee varietals and compare them with the many different manual brew methods, including the chemex, the aeropress, Vietnamese drippers, pour-over devices and even siphon brewers. The seminar is $15 per person. For reservations, call (828) 406-1153. SUNDAY, APRIL 19 “Grilling with the Grill Masters” — 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce: Learn how to grill everything from appetizers to desserts in this class put on by Appalachian Energy. Charles Rogers and his grilling team will guide you in creating appetizers, salad, entrees, bread and desserts. And the best part is you finish the class by eating all your creations. Beer and wine will be served for attendees 21 and older. This class is for all levels of cooks and the following dishes will be prepared: grilled veggie terrine, smoked chicken wings, smoked salmon, grilled Caesar salad, whole roasted chicken, medallions of beef loin, roasted potatoes and corn, fresh “baked” bread, honey-drizzled grilled grapefruit, grilled stone fruits and pineapple upside-down cake. The seminar is $50 per person. For reservations, call (828) 295-7851.

Fine Teas • Custom Spice Blends

LOVE SPICES & TEAS?

Gourmet Salts & Sugars

“Grilling with the Grill Masters” — 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce: Grills aren’t just for steaks and burgers any more. They can be the focus of your entertaining and dining creations year- round. Learn how to grill everything from appetizers to desserts in this class put on by Appalachian Energy. Charles Rogers and his grilling team will guide you in creating appetizers, salad, entrees, bread and desserts. And the best part is you finish the class by eating all your creations. Beer and wine will be served for attendees 21 and older. This class is for all levels of cooks and the following dishes will be prepared: grilled veggie terrine, smoked chicken wings, smoked salmon, grilled Caesar salad, whole roasted chicken, medallions of beef loin, roasted potatoes and corn, fresh “baked” bread, honey-drizzled grilled grapefruit, grilled stone fruits and pineapple upside-down cake. The seminar is $50 per person. For reservations, call (828) 295-7851.

April 16, 2015

Chardonnays for nearly a thousand years. But for those who are not familiar with Burgundy, it can be overwhelming to understand, with as many wine styles as there are winemakers. Even the labels are confusing. In this seminar, we bring it down to the basics and give you a starting point to discover Burgundy for yourself, as you taste through some of these incredibly distinctive wines. Presented by Doug May, holder of the “Wine Book of Knowledge.” The seminar is $28 per person. For reservations, call (828) 295-7851.

Fresh Spices & Herbs

Page 14

Come Find Your Flavor lavor On Main Street, across from park Locally owned & operated | 828-372-7070


April 16, 2015

Blue Ridge Wine and Food Festival

Page 15

‘A Downton Dinner’

Green Park Inn to host turn of the century-themed soiree By Jeff Eason The Green Park Inn is known by many as the “Grand Dame” of luxury hotels in Western North Carolina. Built in the 1880s, the inn has served as the home away from home for presidents, movie stars, famous writers and other celebrities. The Green Park Inn will be the perfect backdrop for the Blue Ridge Wine and Food Festival’s special wine dinner, “A Downtown Dinner.” The event is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. on Saturday, April 18. Tickets are $85 per person and are on sale at the Green Park Inn and at the Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce. The event will include a special menu, French wine pairings, live music for dancing featuring the Steve Frank Orchestra and “Downtown Abbey”-themed cocktails. The menu includes an appetizer course of passed hors d’oeuvres, including smoked salmon canapé, mushroom toast, deviled eggs and fin-

Award winning property, convientley located in downtown Boone, just minutes from Blowing Rock. Indoor Pool, Fitness Center, Market, Bistro and Starbucks.

The Green Park Inn will host ‘A Downtown Dinner.’ PHOTO SUBMITTED

ger sandwiches served with Regent’s punch and Rosselini cocktails. The first course includes Welsh rarebit made of toasted brown ale cheese and English toasting bread served with a 2013 Renaud Pouilly Fuisse (Burgundy Chardonnay). The second course includes a Manor Salad with watercress, turnips, oranges and goat cheese and a beet-yogurt dressing served with a 2013 Monmousseau Vouvry (Loire Valley Chenin Blanc). The third course includes crabstuffed mushrooms with asparagus tips and herbed cream sauce served with 2012 Vignerons de Buxy Mercu-

1 800 821 4908 COMPLIMENTARY BREAKFAST MANAGER’S AFTERNOON RECEPTION WALKING DISTANCE TO DOWNTOWN BLOWING ROCK

www.thevillageinnsofblowingrock.com

rey (Burgundy Pinot Noir). The fourth course includes jugged pork and herb-roasted quail with potatoes au gratin, braised cabbage, Yorkshire pudding and rosemarybacon jus served with a 2011 Chateau Moulinot Rouge (Bordeaux Claret Blent). The dessert will be “chocolate decadence” with orange hard sauce served with a 2011 Durban Muscat de Beaumes de Venise (Rhone Muscat fortified dessert wine). For advance tickets, call the Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce at (828) 295-7851 or visit www. blueridgewinefestival.com.

Courtyard by Marriott 1050 Hwy 105 · Boone, NC

828-265-7676

www.marriott.com/hkybn


Page 16

Blue Ridge Wine and Food Festival

April 16, 2015


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.