As the apple trees begin to bloom, Hendersonville celebrates the spring season and the hope for a bountiful harvest with the second annual Cider, Wine & Dine Weekend, April 25-28. The four-day event showcases local food and drink with nearly 50 happenings at cideries, wineries and tasting rooms throughout the county.
New this year is an Opening Gala on Thursday night at The Horse Shoe Farm. The 85-acre property along the French Broad River recently opened as a luxury retreat and event venue. The ticketed gala includes tastings of cider, wine and mead paired with small bites. Music and dancing make for a festive evening.
Another new addition to Henderson County, Point Lookout Vineyards, introduces its Knight Cellar. Carved into the side of a mountain and faced with stone, the cellar seats 50 for intimate events and also serves as the winery’s barrel room.
Saint Paul Mountain Vineyards encourages visitors to bring their boogie shoes on Friday night for the Twist & Shout Dance Party. In addition to music from the ’60s, ’70s and ’80s, the party includes wine, cider and a fire pit for roasting marshmallows and making s’mores.
The popular food truck festival returns to Bold Rock Hard Cider on Saturday. Live music, cider tastings and cidery tours combine for a fun-filled, family-friendly day.
Appalachian Ridge Artisan Cidery presents a paella and blues combo Saturday evening. Take in the sunset and sip crisp, European-style cider while the chef prepares a giant pan of seafood and the Lee Griffin Trio serenades with blues music.
Burntshirt Vineyards hosts tastings and live music throughout the weekend at two locations, its original Hendersonville winery and the new tasting room and bistro overlooking Chimney Rock and Hickory Nut Falls.
Two additional tasting rooms will also participate: Saint Paul Mountain Vineyards Flat Rock and Wine Sage & Gourmet.
For a full schedule of Cider, Wine & Dine events, go to www.VisitHendersonvilleNC.org/Cider-Wine-Dine-Weekend or call (800) 828-4244.