Highlands Food & Wine Festival 2021 by The Laurel Magazine of Highlands NC and Cashiers NC

We l c o m e t o a n

Elevated Weekend

Let’s begin this celebration by saying that we’re so excited to be back. We had to cancel last year’s Highlands Food & Wine because of, well, you know the reason. And we might as well thank you right here at the start for obeying all our Covid-related Health Policies and Entrance Requirements. Your adherence ensures that everyone, on both sides of the equation, can revel in this event without anxiety. If this is your first time on the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau, please relax and enjoy the full measure of the delights offered within these few days. You’d be forgiven for wondering how such a small town can stage a Food & Wine Festival that not only attracts regional gourmands, but foodies from across the country. The recipe is quite simple – seemingly baked into Highlands itself. From its earliest days, Highlands has been welcoming guests looking to escape the concerns of life off the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau. Two of our earliest buildings – The Old Edwards Inn and The Highlands Inn – were built within two years of the town’s founding for the express purpose of welcoming travelers. Over the decades, Highlands’ cool temperatures and languid pace attracted the South’s wealthy and celebrated citizens, all looking for a seasonal escape. This influx fostered a Darwinian culinary culture and an astonishingly deep pool of exquisite restaurants. And then there’s the ephemeral, undeniable spirit that infuses the Plateau. While you’re here, open your heart and your mind and your eyes and see if you can sense what we’re talking about. And, of course, set your palate free, and loosen your belt (and slip on your dancing shoes), because that’s the best way to discover what we’re talking about.

Highlands Food & Wine Festival 2021 |

Schedule

Events

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 11

Grand Tasting Featuring Rufus Lee & The Handful Kelsey-Hutchinson Park | 7:00 - 10:00 P.M. | pg. 12

Wine Dinners pg. 32

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 12

Truckin’ Featuring Hiss Golden Messenger The Bascom | 12:00 - 3:30 P.M. | pg. 16

Wine Dinners pg. 32

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 13 The Main Event Featuring Amos Lee

Main Street & 4th Street | 12:00 - 3:30 P.M. | pg. 20

Wine Dinners pg. 32

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 14 Sunday Shindig Featuring Devon Gilfillian

Kelsey-Hutchinson Park | 12:00 - 3:00 P.M. | pg. 26

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C o n t ents

Schedule of Events 6 Covid-Related Policies 8

Grand Tasting 12 Truckin’ 16

Wine Dinners 32 General Festival 411 36 Sponsors & Partners Thank You 38 With Gratitude 42

Main Event 20

Osteen Scholarship Fund 43

Venue Map 24

Advertisers Index 46

Sunday Shindig 26

Highlands Food & Wine Festival 2021 |

E ntry R e qu i rements Highlands Food & Wine is committed to providing a safe event for everyone in attendance. The health and safety of our patrons, staff, and vendors are our top priorities. Therefore, a full COVID-19 vaccination or negative COVID-19 test result is required to attend Highlands Food & Wine Festival 2021. For patrons who are not fully vaccinated, a negative COVID-19 test result must be obtained within 72 hours (3 days) prior to attendance at any Highlands Food & Wine Festival event. Highlands Food & Wine 2021 Entry Procedures • Comply with the Highlands Food & Wine Festival Health Pledge. • Bring a printed copy of your vaccine card, vaccine record, or printed negative COVID-19 test result (showing test date) to the Vaccine Check & Testing Site. If you do not have a vaccine card or negative test result proof, visit the Vaccine Check & Testing Site for testing. See next page for details. • Bring your Universe event ticket and COVID Free Wristband to each event. Additional Information Hand sanitizing stations are on site, and cleaning crews will do frequent cleanings in high touch areas. We are continuing to monitor best practices and guidelines established by state and local health authorities. These policies are subject to change, in accordance with guidelines and changing circumstances. For the most up-to-date COVID information, visit highlandsfoodandwine.com. See page 36 for Highlands Food and Wine general F.A.Q.

Scan for Highlands Food & Wine website highlandsfoodandwine.com

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V a c c i ne Che ck & Tes ting S ite

Our health and safety sponsor, Mountain Lakes Physicians Group will be holding vaccine checks & COVID-19 testing from November 10-14 at 478 Dillard Road in Highlands. Wednesday, November 10 | 10:00 A.M. - 3:00 P.M. (Wednesday Check and Testing for Weekend Ticket Holders and Locals) Thursday - Sunday, November 11 - 14 | 9:00 A.M. - 12:00 P.M. Guests can bring proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test conducted elsewhere, as long as it is within 3 days of festival. Upon documentation of either vaccine or negative COVID-19 test, each guest will be issued a COVID Free Wristband, required upon entry to each event.

Highlands Food & Wine Festival Health Pledge We ask that you not attend if any of the following is true for you or anyone in your party: • Within 14 days before attending the festival you have tested positive, or have been exposed to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19; • Within 48 hours prior to attending the festival, you have experienced symptoms of COVID-19 (e.g., a fever of 100.4F or higher, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, chills, repeated shaking muscle pain/achiness, headache, sore throat, loss of taste or smell, nasal congestion, runny nose, vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue or any other symptoms associated with COVID-19 identified by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention); • Within 14 days prior to attending the festival, you have traveled to any international territory identified by federal or applicable state or local governments as being subject to travel or quarantine advisories due to COVID-19. If you are unable to comply with these safety precautions, you may resell your tickets through Lyte, our ticket resale partner.

Scan for Lyte ticket exchange highlandsfoodandwine.lyte.com

Highlands Food & Wine Festival 2021 |

Thursday, November 11 | 7:00 –10:00 P.M. Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park | 411 Pine Street Kick off your elevated weekend the right way at the Grand Tasting. Listen to the vibrant tunes of Rufus Lee & The Handful while enjoying exquisite small plates from world-class chefs situated right here in the Plateau and sampling wines from around the world. PRESENTING SPONSOR Allen Tate | Pat Allen Realty Group EVENT SPONSORS Visit Highlands, Old Edwards Inn & Spa, Peter Millar, Empire Distributors, Johnson Brothers - Mutual Distributing, Tryon Distributing, and Tito’s Handmade Vodka PARTICIPATING RESTAURANTS 4118 Kitchen & Bar, Bridge at Mill Creek, Dining Room at High Hampton, Fressers Courtyard Cafe and Catering, J Chong Eats, Madison’s Restaurant and Wine Garden, Magnolia Republic, Oak Steakhouse, Ristorante Paoletti, Tug’s Proper, and Wolfgang’s Restaurant and Wine Bistro BEVERAGE PARTNERS Aviva, David Milligan Selections, Don Julio Tequila, Eco Valley, Empire Distributors, Epiphany Wines, Fel Wines, Frederick Wildman, Highlands Wine Shoppe, J Lohr, Joel Gott, Johnson Brothers - Mutual, Laurent-Perrier, Mananalu Water, Moët, The Moody Tongue, Satulah Brewing Company, Tarpon Cellars, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Tryon Distributing, Volio Imports, Wagner Family Wines, WJ Deutsch, and Zamora Company MUSIC TALENT Rufus Lee & The Handful | 8:00 – 10:00 P.M.

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Highlands Food & Wine Festival 2021 |

Friday, November 12 | 12:00 – 3:30 P.M. The Bascom | 323 Franklin Road Keep Truckin’ along at our second event of the weekend. Nosh on dishes from six incredible food trucks and vendors while sipping on craft beer, wine, and spirits and grooving along to the critically acclaimed melodies of Hiss Golden Messenger with special guest Erin Rae. PRESENTING SPONSORS Monarch Private Capital, DMX Transportation, and The Bascom EVENT SPONSORS Visit Highlands, 200 Main, Futral Construction, The High Dive, TJ Bailey’s, Land Rover of Asheville, Empire Distributors, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Wilson Gas, Tryon Distributing, and Bulleit Bourbon PARTICIPATING RESTAURANTS Backwoods Bakery, The Crafty Goat, Highlands Smokehouse, Indaco, Root Down, The Scarlet Bee, and Wicked Good Pretzels BEVERAGE PARTNERS Blackberry Farm Brewery, Blake’s Hard Cider Co., Blowing Rock Brewing Company, Bulleit Bourbon, The Chemist Spirits, Doc’s Draft Hard Cider, Duck Rabbit Brewery, Empire Distributors, Foothills Brewing, Founders Brewing Co., French Broad Brewing Co., Lagunitas Brewing Company, Mananalu Water, Methodical Coffee, The Moody Tongue, Precept Wine, Proof Syrup, Sierra Nevada, Sweeten Creek Brewing, Sweet Water Brewing Co., Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Tryon Distributing, Two Pitchers Brewing Company, and Willie’s Superbrew MUSIC TALENT Hiss Golden Messenger with special guest Erin Rae | 1:30 – 3:00 P.M.

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Highlands Food & Wine Festival 2021 |

Saturday, November 13 | 12:00 – 3:30 P.M. Main Street | Highlands Presenting …The Main Event! Foodies and wine lovers will migrate from across the nation to jam with singer-songwriters Amos Lee and Diana Demuth. Festival-goers will also partake in the ultimate oyster roast, savor delicious small plates by esteemed chefs, enjoy craft cocktails and, of course, fantastic wines. PRESENTING SPONSOR Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Meadows Mountain Realty EVENT SPONSORS Visit Highlands, Old Edwards Inn & Spa, Adam & Jessica Moskowitz, The Ugly Dog Public House, Good Grit, Underwood Construction, Debi & David Bock of David Bock Builders, Red Clay Hot Sauce, Ralph Hayes Toyota, Spinx, Highland Hiker, Barbour, Lunazul Tequila, Johnny Walker Red, Bulleit Bourbon, Johnson Brothers - Mutual Distributing, Tryon Distributing, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, and US Foods PARTICIPATING RESTAURANTS CAMP, Chestnut, The Darling Oyster Bar, The Essential, Four65 Woodfire Bistro + Bar, Garden and Gun Club, Grass VBQ Joint, Highlands Burritos, Jargon, The Native Fine Diner, O-Ku, Oysters Carolina, Red Clay Hot Sauce, Sorghum & Salt, Topsoil Kitchen + Market, and Society Sandwich Bar & Social Club BEVERAGE PARTNERS Aviva, Bogle Family Wines, Bulleit Bourbon, Charleston Bloody Mary Mix, Eco Valley, Fel Wines, Frederick Wildman, Highlands Brewing Company, J Lohr, Joel Gott, Johnson Brothers - Mutual Distributing, Johnnie Walker Red Label Scotch Whiskey, Laurent-Perrier, Lunazul Tequila, Mananalu Water, Methodical Coffee, Santa Margherita Wines, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Tryon Distributors, and Wagner Family Wines MUSIC TALENT Diana Demuth | 12:20 – 1:00 P.M. Amos Lee | 1:30 – 3:00 P.M.

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The Bascom

Highlands

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2nd St

Nort h Carol i na

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478 Dillard Road

1. Vaccine Check and Testing Site

2. Box Office and Information Desk

3. Grand Tasting and Sunday Shindig 4. Truckin’

5. Main Event

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Box Office and Information Desk

Hel

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Bar

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Spr ing St

Main Street between 4th St. & 5th St.

Chu rch St St

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Pin e

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Car olin aW ay

Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park

S 4th St

3rd St

Oa kS t

Spr ing St

Highlands Food & Wine Festival 2021 |

Sunday, November 14 | 12:00 – 3:00 P.M. Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park | 411 Pine Street Go to church Highlands Food & Wine-style at Sunday Shindig. Our famous Bloody Mary bar, flavorful bites, and deep soul-inspired music by Devon Gilfillian will wrap up your Highlands Food and Wine experience with a beautiful and delicious bow. PRESENTING SPONSOR Allen Tate | Pat Allen Realty Group EVENT SPONSORS Visit Highlands, Half-Mile Farm, Lupoli Construction, Allison & Ben Hill, Land Rover of Asheville, Johnson Brothers – Mutual Distributing, Tryon Distributing, Empire Distributors, and Tito’s Handmade Vodka PARTICIPATING RESTAURANTS Asheville Proper, A’Verde Cocina, Brasserie La Banque, Callie’s Hot Little Biscuit, Fressers Courtyard Cafe and Catering, Fork & Plough, and Half-Mile Farm BEVERAGE PARTNERS Baileys, Blackberry Farm Brewery, Frederick Wildman, Mananalu Water, Methodical Coffee, Red Clay Hot Sauce, Tarpon Cellars, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Volio Imports, and Zing Zang MUSIC TALENT Devon Gilfillian | 1:00 P.M.

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Highlands Food & Wine Festival 2021 |

W i n e D i nner s

W i n e D i nner s PINOT TRIO & DUCK CONFIT Presented by Tug’s Proper Thursday - Saturday, November 11-13

Tug’s Proper presents its Compare and Contrast Wine Dinner. This is an intimate, 20-seat, four-course, six-wine pairings compare and contrast tasting featuring Natali Schlottig and Dreyfus, Ashby & Co. $65 per person plus tax and gratuity Reservations: 828.526.3335 | tugsproper.com BOURBON DINNER featuring Chef Adam Bresnahan Presented by 4118 Kitchen + Bar Saturday, November 13 At 4118 Kitchen + Bar, they like to do things a little differently. So if wine isn’t your thing, feel free to join them for their Second Annual Bourbon Dinner showcasing 5 distinctive bourbons paired with 5 amazing courses from Chef Adam Bresnahan and his culinary team. Only 25 seats available. 6:00 P.M. | $140 per person plus tax and gratuity Reservations: 828.526.5002 | 4118kitchen-bar.com

WILLIAMS SELYEM WINE DINNER featuring Chef Andrew Figel Presented by On The Verandah Friday, November 12 Enjoy five delectable courses prepared by Executive Chef Andrew Figel, each created to be enjoyed with Sonoma’s award-winning Williams Selyem wines. 6:00 P.M. | $195 per person plus tax and gratuity Reservations: 828.526.2338 | ontheverandah.com

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FARM HARVEST DINNER AND BARN DANCE with Madison’s Chefs and Local Farm-To-Table Providers Presented by Old Edwards Inn at The Farm at Old Edwards Saturday, November 13 Get ready for a full-on evening of authentic mountain culture. Your senses will come alive with sights, sounds, smells, and flavors of farm-fresh creations being prepared live. Meet the farmers and feast on their bounty from Sunburst Trout Farm, Anson Mills, and Painted Hills Natural Beef. End the evening with the foot-stomping live music of Back Porch Orchestra. oldedwardsinn.com/farmharvest | This event is sold out.

DINNER WITH GUEST CHEF SUE ZEMANICK & Cookbook Author Melissa Martin Presented by Half-Mile Farm Saturday, November 13 Spice up your evening with globally-influenced Creole cuisine from Sue Zemanick of Zasu in New Orleans. Melissa Martin, author of Mosquito Supper Club, joins the party for this Chefs in the House Dinner at Half-Mile Farm. Zasu’s culinary goal is to explore new ways to inspire traditional favorites by allowing fresh ingredients to speak for themselves. At Zasu, you will find a mix of local and non-native ingredients, creating a unique dining experience that is clean and light, yet rich in experience. oldedwardshospitality.com/suezemanick | This event is sold out.

Scan for up to date wine dinner offerings highlandsfoodandwine.com/wine-dinners-specialty-events/

Highlands Food & Wine Festival 2021 |

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F est i v a l 411

2021 COVID-19 PROTOCOL Highlands Food & Wine is committed to providing a safe event for everyone in attendance. The health and safety of our patrons, staff, and vendors are our top priorities. Therefore, a full COVID-19 vaccination or negative COVID-19 test result is required to attend Highlands Food & Wine Festival 2021. See pages 6-7 for entry requirement details. ATTIRE Mountain Chic, Resort Casual RULES/RESTRICTIONS No one under the age of 21 is permitted. You must bring proof of COVID-19 vaccination or negative PCR COVID-19 test to receive COVID Free Wristband required for entry. No outside food or alcohol will be permitted in the events. Complimentary hydration stations will be available courtesy of Mananalu. WHAT TO BRING Government issued photo ID Printed copy of proof of vaccination or negative COVID-19 PCR test results (you will receive a wristband once shown) Barcoded event tickets from Universe Mask Cash or credit card for merchandise Proper attire for forecasted weather WHAT NOT TO BRING Pets (service animals are permitted) Outside food or drink Chairs are not permitted at events unless stated Illegal drugs Children under the age of 21 Cigarettes—this is a non-smoking event

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WEATHER All events are in tents or outdoors and will happen rain or shine. Please be prepared for forecasted weather. Should dangerous weather arise, all ticket holders will be contacted via email, and we will utilize our social media platforms. PARKING There is limited parking at each of the events. Please consider walking or carpooling to limit cars needing to park. There is NO guest parking at the Truckin’ event. All guests must park in public spaces and walk to the Bascom. Do not park at the Highlands Post Office or you will be towed. TICKET WRISTBANDS Where do I pick up my ticket wristbands? Ticket wristbands will be distributed at the gates of each event, unless you have VIP Weekender Passes – those will be available for early pickup at the Highlands Food & Wine Box Office and Information Desk, located at 424 Pine Street (the former Bank of America building). You must have a printed ticket or barcode on your phone to present at the gate for entry at the events. What do I need to get into the event? You need your ticket bar code and Covid Free Wristband upon entry. After receiving wristbands, you must wear that wristband for the duration of the event. Weekender VIP Pass Holders must wear Weekender wristbands and Covid free wristband for the duration of the festival. What if I lose or cut off my wristband? Wristbands must be worn at all times. Individuals not wearing a wristband will not be allowed entry, no exceptions. Do not lose your wristband—these are not replaceable. The plastic security lock on the wristband is a one-way lock. Do not play with this lock to tighten the band too much. How do I put on my wristband? Treat your wristband like cash—lost, stolen, tampered with, and/or confiscated wristbands will not be replaced! Festival security will put on your wristband for you. Re-Entry Your wristband allows you to come and go as you please to the events. You must have the specific event wristband on to enter/re-enter. Beverages may not leave the event barricade.

Scan for information on Highlands Food & Wine recycling, composting, and ocean regeneration efforts. highlandsfoodandwine.com/information/sustainability/

Highlands Food & Wine Festival 2021 |

Heartfelt Thank Yous! F e s t iv a l Spo n so rs

Event Partners

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Event Sponsors G rand Tasting

Allen Tate|Pat Allen Realty | Visit Highlands | Old Edwards Inn & Spa Peter Millar Empire Distributors | Johnson Brothers - Mutual Distributing Tryon Distributing Tito’s Handmade Vodka

Sun day Sh in di g Allen Tate|Pat Allen Realty Group | V isit Highlands Half-Mile Far m | Lupoli Construction Allison & Ben Hill | Land Rover of Asheville

Media Sponsors

Laurel Magazine | Good Grit | WHLC

Highlands Food & Wine Festival 2021 |

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Highlands Food & Wine Festival 2021 |

with

Gratitude HIGHLANDS FESTIVALS, INC. BOARD Jack Austin David Bock Marjorie Christiansen Thomas Craig Bill Futral Pat Gleeson Steve Mehder Marlene Osteen Mary Adair Trumbly Hilary Wilkes ELEVEN EVENTS, LLC Christy Medford Casey Reid VISIT HIGHLANDS, NC BOARD OF DIRECTORS John Woods | Chairman Trisha Cox | Vice Chairman Elizabeth Swift | Treasurer Pat Gleeson Blye Hunsinger Brian Lewis Anita Lupoli Charlotte Muir Mary Adair Trumbly

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Louis Osteen Legacy S ch olarsh i p Fun d

n partnership with the Culinary Institute of America, Highlands Food & Wine is proud to announce the establishment of the Louis Osteen Legacy Scholarship. This is a new scholarship at CIA specifically designed for students from the Highlands/Cashiers area that hope to follow Louis’ extraordinary culinary path. Louis Osteen, the James Beard award-winning chef, whose influential South Carolina restaurants elevated the Southern cuisine we enjoy today, passed away in Highlands in 2019. His influential work at the Pawley’s Island Inn and later at the Charleston Grill, was the foundation of the restaurant scene in Charleston and

throughout the South. While Louis had no formal culinary training, he was very connected to French cooking and applied those techniques to Southern cuisine. In addition, Louis loved guiding those working in his restaurants and coming up in the restaurant scene. Highlands Food & Wine is actively raising funds for this scholarship. Please consider donating and helping the next generation of great chefs follow in Louis’ footsteps. Donate today at highlandsfoodandwine. com/information/giving-back/

Scan to donate to the Louis Osteen Legacy Scholarship Fund highlandsfoodandwine.com/information/giving-back/

Highlands Food & Wine Festival 2021 |

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Highlands Food & Wine Festival 2021 |

Advertiser’s Index

200 Main...............................................................................19

Highlands Decorating Center ............................ 45

Alair Home .......................................................................... 4

Highlands Performing Arts Center ......................3

Allen Tate/Pat Allen Realty ....................................30

Jennings Builders Supply ........................................41

Allison Diane Clothing .............................................. 44

Lupoli Construction ......................................................18

Annawear ........................................................................... 21

Mckee Properties ...........................................................13

Andrea Gabbard, Highlands Sotheby’s International Realty ....................................................22

Mill Creek ........................................................................... 48

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices..................10 Black Rock Granite and Cabinetry ...................26 Bridge at Mill Creek .................................................... 48 Caliber Fine Properties .............................................29 Cashiers Color Center ..............................................34 Classic Lighting and Design ................................ 45 C. Orrico ............................................................................. 44 Dutchman’s Designs ..................................................14 Elevation .............................................................................34 Eleven Events ..................................................................47 Four65 Woodfire Bistro + Bar ...............................27 Futral Construction .................................................... 46 Highlands Aerial Park.................................................. 21 Half-Mile Farm..................................................................15

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Mirror Lake Antiques ...................................................41 Morales Painting........................................................... 45 Oak Steakhouse .............................................................31 Old Edwards Inn & Spa................................................ 11 Spoiled Rotten.................................................................34 Summer House...............................................................23 The High Dive ..................................................................35 The Ugly Dog Public House ..................................35 TJ Bailey’s............................................................................ 17 Truckin’ at The High Dive..........................................35 Visit Highlands....................................................................2 WHLC..................................................................................... 44 Wilbanks Smile Center ............................................ 40 Wit’s End............................................................................. 40 Zookeeper............................................................................ 21

Highlands Food & Wine Festival 2021 |

Highlands Food & Wine Festival 2021

Articles inside

Osteen Scholarship Fund

With Gratitude

Main Event

Wine Dinners

Covid-Related Policies

Sunday Shindig

Grand Tasting

General Festival 411

Sponsors & Partners Thank You

Truckin’