Using Western North Carolina’s spring and early summer harvests of herbs, fruits — and even vegetables — intrepid DIY enthusiasts can easily make wine at home with minimal equipment.
![EASY DOES IT: At his West Asheville homebrewing shop, Hops & Vines, David Pottharst serves a small but devoted clientele of home winemakers. “Wine is a lot more forgiving [than beer],” says Pottharst. “You can ferment literally anything that has sugar.”](https://mountainx.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/WPphoto_DIY_wine_HopsVines-330x220.png)
Carolina Beer Guy: Apple Country Cider Jam debuts in Hendersonville
The event will feature a blend of North Carolina-made cider, live music, exhibits and demonstrations.
Small bites: Food Connection’s Hunger Relief Concert returns to The Grey Eagle
The upcoming concert at The Grey Eagle supports the work of Food Connection, which helps divert unused food from Asheville restaurants to organizations that feed the hungry. Also this week: Asheville Wing War, Dine To Be Kind and more local food news.
Troy & Sons owner releases memoir, Pure Heart
Asheville Distilling Co. will celebrate the launch of owner Troy Ball’s new book with a whiskey-tasting event on Saturday, Feb. 11.
Zappers Pizzeria and Bar opens soon in East Asheville
Zappers Pizzeria & Bar will debut in East Asheville just in time for Super Bowl weekend. The restaurant is taking over the 90 S. Tunnel Road location that housed Asheville landmark Frank’s Roman Pizza for nearly 40 years until it closed in November. Zappers will sling authentic New York-style pizza alongside classic pasta dishes, subs, […]
Small bites: Talking cider at Rhubarb
In this week’s food news, local cidermakers join a discussion and tasting at Rhubarb, the French Broad Food Co-op hosts a class on wellness teas, a fermentation class is scheduled in Hot Springs, Santé Wine Bar & Tap Room offers a Wines of Portugal pop-up Flight Night event and early-bird tickets go on sale for Root Bound weekend in Highlands.
North Carolina wines hold up to international competition at blind judging
A recent blind tasting organized by the French Broad Vignerons proved that North Carolina wines are on par with similar vintages from Napa Valley, France and Spain.
Holidays on ice: Asheville bartenders mix up seasonal cocktails for the home bar
Mixologists from Zambra and En La Calle offer easy, festive cocktail recipes that harness the flavors of pumpkin and local apples, plus a dash of sugar and spice.
Beer Scout: Giving back with brews
Appalachian Vintner’s annual holiday auction supports local children’s organizations.
Holiday happenings around Asheville
The holiday season is in full swing, and there’s so many celebratory possibilities that it would be easy to miss out on something big — lights shows, a trolley tour, a naughty elf and good music are all on the list.
In Photos: Warren Haynes Christmas Jam 2016
It was a (quite literally) jam-packed night with tons of guests sitting in with each group’s sets.
Manhattan project: Asheville Bar Wars returns
Asheville Bar Wars is back for its third year, inviting local imbibers to vote for their favorite Manhattan cocktail as presented by participating Asheville mixologists.
Small bites: Black Mountain Ciderworks celebrates Guy Fawkes Day
This week, Black Mountain Ciderworks + Meadery hosts its Guy Fawkes Celebration and Croatan release. Also, the RAD Farmers Market holds its annual fundraising dinner, Villagers offers a pickled beets workshop, Chestnut teams with the Asheville School of Wine for a dinner pairing and Lex 18 closes up shop.
Bringing it home: Asheville bartenders offer tips for creating a personal bar
From spirits to jiggers and everything in between, setting up a quality bar at home can be accessible and affordable if you know what to buy.
Taste of Our Carolina Foothills welcomes larger crowd with new venue
This year’s Taste of Our Carolina Foothills culinary event features an expanded capacity and a wider variety of vendors with its shift to the Foothills Equestrian and Nature Center.
In Photos: Andrew Bird at The Orange Peel
He hails from Chicago, though, “as a musician,” he said during his performance, “I always wanted to be big in Asheville. I love it here.”
A room with a view: Montford Rooftop Bar opens at Hyatt Place
The new downtown al fresco food and drink venue joins a recent wave of rooftop bar openings.
Smart bets: Poetry Cabaret IV
Poetry-themed drinks and live music continue after the untamed variety show, which runs Sunday-Monday, Aug. 28-29.
Ever-evolving: A look at the 2016 Asheville Wine & Food Festival
Festival organizer Kris Kraft talks about the numerous changes to this year’s festival and why there is no longer a WNC Chef’s Challenge. Photo gallery from Sweet and the Grand Tasting by Adam McMillan
Mix and mingle: A new workshop series educates home bartenders
With intimate, hands-on classes that spotlight classic cocktails, The Imperial Life mixologists Ben Johnson and Jasper Adams are empowering Asheville’s home bartenders one drink at a time.
Small bites: Asheville Wine, Food Fest changes
The Asheville Wine and Food Festival caps its eighth year with an updated Grand Tasting event; Gan Shan Station brings Charleston chef Daniel Heinze onboard for Sunday Supper, Appalachian Appetite photo contest looks for images of family recipes; Sanctuary Brewing Co. hosts and anniversary bash and The Cheese Store of Asheville plans a pairing event with Blue Ghost Brewing Co.