SAVOR Blowing Rock 2016

Your Official Guide to

APRIL 14-17, 2016 Reserve Tasting Wine Seminars Taste!

Winemakers’ Dinners Grand Tasting Culinary Events Sip, Shop and Stroll Corkscrew 5K Entertainment

SPONSORED BY

A Special Publication of

SAVOR

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April 14, 2016

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Twigs

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Christopher's Wine & Cheese

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American Legion Hall

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Inn at Ragged Gardens

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Town Tavern

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Welcome to SAVOR Blowing Rock

A

fter a decade of billing itself as the Blue Ridge Wine and Food Festival, the Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce decided to change the name of its premiere spring event to SAVOR Blowing Rock.

Why, you ask? Well, over the years the festival has grown and included more North Carolina-based breweries, bakers, distillers and makers of distinct fine foods.

Life, it seems, is more than just a glass of wine.

Not that wine has disappeared from the festival. Au contraire! SAVOR Blowing Rock features more wine tasting events, seminars and winemakers dinners than ever.

So, welcome to SAVOR Blowing Rock.

Enjoy our town and our favorite spring

PHOTO JEFF EASON

Get ready to raise a glass during the ďŹ rst SAVOR Blowing Rock event, to be held April 14-17.

Event Sponsors event, now with a new name! For more information, be sure to visit our website at www.savorblowingrock.com.

Sponsors for SAVOR Blowing Rock include SweetGrass of Blowing Rock, Hendrick Northlake Luxury Auto Mall, Blue Ridge Mountain Club, RockitmanRadio.com, Goodwill of Northwest North

Carolina, the Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce, Blowing Rock Tourism Development Authority, Meadowbrook Inn and Suites, Charlotte Magazine, Lake Norman Currents and WNC Magazine.

April 14, 2016

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SAVOR Schedule of Events Thursday, April 14 11 a.m. to noon Seminar: The World of Zinfandel at Christopher’s Wine & Cheese 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Seminar: Roses from Around the World at American Legion Hall 2 to 3 p.m. Seminar: Wines of the Southern Hemisphere at American Legion Hall 3 to 5 p.m. Beer Tasting at Foggy Rock 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Seminar: The Magic of Malbec at American Legion Hall 4 to 5 p.m. Seminar: Wine & Chocolate at Meadowbrook Inn 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Call Family Shine & Southern Finger Foods at Rustique 6 to 9:30 p.m. Winemaker’s Dinner: Rowland’s at Westglow 6 to 8 p.m. TASTE! A Restaurant Showcase at the Main Tent on Maple St. 6:30 to 8 p.m. Chateau Coupe-Roses Tasting with Winemaker Francois Le Calvez at Christopher’s Wine and Cheese 9:30 p.m. The Adam Church Band at Town Tavern

Friday, April 15 11 a.m. to noon Seminar: Vintage Paso at Christopher’s Wine and Cheese 11 a.m. to noon Seminar: Break Out

the Bubbly! at American Legion Hall Noon to 1 p.m. Seminar: Riedel Challenge at the Inn at Ragged Gardens Noon to 1 p.m. Seminar: Wine, Food & Spices at Meadowbrook Inn 1 to 2 p.m. Seminar: Wine & Chocolate at Meadowbrook Inn 1 to 2 p.m. Seminar: Washington State Wine Tasting at American Legion Hall 2 to 3 p.m. Seminar: North Carolina is Rocking! at Meadowbrook Inn 2 to 3 p.m. Seminar: Five Wines You’ve Never Heard of 90 Points or Over! at American Legion Hall 2 to 6 p.m. Wine Tasting at Christopher’s Wine and Cheese 3 to 5:30 p.m. Cooking Class: Grilling Class with the Grill Masters at the Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce 3 to 7 p.m. Sip, Shop and Stroll (fomerly the Downtown Wine Down) on Main Street 3 to 4 p.m. Seminar: Taste Your Way Through History: An American Wine Story at Meadowbrook Inn 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Seminar: Capturing the Essence of Chianti at American Legion Hall 4 to 5 p.m. Seminar: Pair Like a Pro at Meadowbrook Inn 5:30 7: 30 p.m. Cork & Canvas at

Blowing Rock Art and History Museum 6 to 10 p.m. Pairing Dinner: Gamekeeper Restaurant 6 to 9 p.m. Winemaker’s Dinner: Restaurant G at Gideon Ridge 6:30 to 10 p.m. Pairing Dinner: Rustique 6:30 to 8 p.m. Seminar: Montinore Estates Tasting at Christopher’s Wine and Cheese 7 to 10 p.m. Pairing Dinner: Twigs Restaurant and Chateau Coupe 10 p.m. Harris Brothers at Town Tavern

Saturday, April 16 8 to 9 a.m. Seminar: Coffee Cupping at Camp Coffee Roasters 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. Corkscrew 5K at Chetola Resort 10 a.m. to noon Cork & Canvas Part Deux! at BRAHM 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Gilling Class with the Grill Masters at the Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Cooking Class: Caribbean Cuisine Noon to 2 p.m. Reserve Wine Tasting (1st seating) at The Inn at Ragged Gardens Noon to 6 p.m. Wine Tasting at Christopher’s Wine and Cheese 1 to 5 p.m. Grand Tasting at the Main Tent on Maple St.

PHOTO BY JEFF EASON

The official poster for SAVOR Blowing Rock.

1 to 5 p.m. Live music in the Courtyard (BRMC Courtyard at the Martin House) 1 to 5 p.m. BBQ, Brews and Cruise In for Habitat for Humanity at Town Tavern 3 to 5 p.m. Reserve Wine Tasting (2nd seating) at The Inn at Ragged Gardens 5 to 10 p.m. Wine and Craft Beer Flights at Timberlake’s Restaurant at Chetola Resort 7 to 10 p.m. Downton Abbey Dinner at the Chestnut Grille at the Green Park Inn

Sunday, April 17 Noon to 2 p.m. Seminar: Bloody Marys at Rustique

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April 14, 2016

TASTE! A Restaurant Showcase SAVOR Blowing Rock opening night event to delight food lovers

By JEFF EASON

editor@blowingrocket.com

O

ne of the things that visitors to the High Country soon figure out is that although we might not have a lot of chain restaurants such as Olive Garden and Red Lobster, we more than make up for it with an outstanding array of privately owned fine dining establishments.

Unfortunately, it would take weekend visitors many trips to the High Country to try them all.

SAVOR Blowing Rock has solved that problem by inviting many of the best restaurants in the area to participate in TASTE! a Restaurant Showcase. The event takes place under the Grand Tasting Tent on the Maple Street parking lot from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, April 14. Tickets are $35 per person in advance, $45 at the door.

At TASTE!, area restaurants will serve small plate sized portions of some of their signature dishes. In addition to the great food, North Carolina produced beers, wines and other beverages will be available for

PHOTO BY JEFF EASON

Diners at TASTE! fill their plates with signature items from the High Country’s finest restaurants. tasting. The event will also feature live music.

Participating restaurants include The Best Cellar, Roots, Canyons Historic Restaurant and Bar, Makoto’s Japanese Steakhouse and Sushi Bar,

Casa Rustica/CR Catering, Twigs, Timberlake’s Restaurant at Chetola Resort, Blowing Rock Ale House, McKethan Brothers Barbecue, the TASTE! – Continued on Page 6

Come enjoy our

Award Winning Wines, stay for an afternoon or a few days in our

Luxurious Inn!

An Uncommon Experience The Village Inns of Blowing Rock are Hillwinds Inn, Ridgeway Inn and The Village Inn, three stylish accommodations conveniently located just steps from the shops and restaurants of Blowing Rock.

Each of the three inns offers a complimentary continental breakfast and afternoon reception. Accommodations include deluxe rooms, suites and cottages.

Pet friendly rooms available.

The Hillwinds Inn: 828.295.7660 The Ridgeway Inn: 828.295.7321 The Village Inn: 828.295.3380

www.TheVillageInnsOfBlowingRock.com

Included in “2014 Top Ten Vineyard Inns”

Banner Elk Winery & Villa Open Daily 12-6pm 60 Deer Run Lane Banner Elk, NC 28604 (828) 898-9090 www.BannerElkWinery.com

April 14, 2016

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April 14, 2016

PHOTOS BY JEFF EASON

Diners sit down for a luxurious meal under the Grand Tasting Tent during last year’s TASTE! event.

Staff from the Chestnut Grille at the Green Park Inn serve specialty items during last year’s TASTE! gathering.

TASTE! FROM PAGE 4 Table at Crestwood, Bistro Roca, Restaurant G at Gideon Ridge, Six Pence Pub, the Town Tavern of Blowing Rock, Pepper’s Restaurant, Woodlands Barbecue and Pickin’ Parlor, the Gamekeeper Restaurant and Chestnut Grille at Green Park Inn.

Baked goods will be supplied by Ugga Mugga Bakery and Stick Boy Bread Company.

Beverages will be supplied by Covington Vodka, Blind Squirrel Brewery, Defiant Whiskey, Blowing Rock Brewery, Southern Grace Distillery and Grandfather Vineyards.

For more information, or to reserve tickets, call the Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce at (828) 295-7851 or visit www.savorblowingrock.com.

SAVOR

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GET A TASTE OF LONDON IN THE HIGH COUNTRY

PHOTO BY JEFF EASON

Reds, whites and sparkling wines will be presented at The Grand Tasting on Saturday.

Kitchen Always Open Until Midnight

Experience a world of wine at The Grand Tasting

By JEFF EASON

editor@blowingrocket.com

F

or wine lovers, the highlight of SAVOR Blowing Rock has to be The Grand Tasting.

Held in the giant Grant Tasting Tent on Maple Street, The

Grand Tasting is your chance to sample more than 100 varieties of wine. The event also features food, beverages, beer and distilled spirits to sample.

SAVOR Blowing Rock’s Grand Tasting will take place from 1 to 5

p.m. on Saturday, April 16. Tickets are $40 per person and proof of age is required.

Attendees to The Grand Tasting will also be able to visit a satellite tasting GRAND – Continued on Page 8

Enjoy our Excellence in Courtesy & Customer Service.

BAR OPEN: Sunday - Wednesday Until Midnight Thursday - Saturday Until 2 a.m.

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SAVOR

April 14, 2016

PHOTOS BY JEFF EASON

The name of the celebration may no longer be the Blue Ridge Wine and Food Festival... ...but you can bet your bottom dollar there will be plenty of wine on tap at SAVOR Blowing Rock.

GRAND FROM PAGE 7 tent location at the Blue Ridge Mountain Courtyard on Main Street. There they will

find more varieties of wine and food and hear live music.

Ticket for The Grand Tasting are available at the event or in advance at the Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce. For more information, call the chamber at (828) 295-7851.

SAVOR

April 14, 2016

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

PHOTOS BY JEFF EASON

Amateur painters explore their inner Van Gogh at last year’s Cork and Canvas at BRAHM.

BRAHM to host ‘Cork and Canvas’ on Friday and Saturday

By JEFF EASON

editor@blowingrocket.com

I

nside every wine lover is a philosopher and aspiring artist. The Blowing Rock Art and History Museum (BRAHM) supports the artistic dreams of wine lovers with its regular “Cork and Canvas” gatherings. Simply put, folks gather at BRAHM for a session of trying new wines and putting brush to canvas

while making new friends. What could be better than that?

In conjunction with SAVOR Blowing Rock, BRAHM will host two Cork and Canvas sessions: from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. on Friday, April 15, and from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, April 16. The evening session will feature wine and the morning session will feature mimosas.

The cost for each session is $30 for BRAHM members and $40 for

non-members and BRAHM provides the wine, paint, brushes, canvas and professional instruction.

For April’s Cork and Canvas, students will celebrate SAVOR Blowing Rock by creating art based on Vincent Van Gogh’s “Blossoming Almond Tree” (1890).

Cork and Canvas is always a hit and often sells out. To reserve your seat at an easel today, call BRAHM at (828) 295-9099.

Courtyard by Marriott 1050 Hwy 105 · Boone, NC

828-265-7676

www.marriott.com/hkybn

The Artful way to Showcase your Wine Collection Visit our Showroom

Built in the USA

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

Art instructor Dacia Trethewey gives out pointers during last year’s Cork and Canvas event.

WWW.MOUNTAINHOMEANDHEARTH.COM

SAVOR

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April 14, 2016

The Blowing lowing Roc ock Music Festival estival September 17th 2016 434 Rock Road • Blowing Rock, NC

Weddings and Special Events at Rain or Shine Event TICKETS GO ON SALE JULY 15TH

The Blowing Rock Attraction Planning a Wedding or Special Event, make it a breathtaking event for your special day at The Blowing Rock Attraction.

For More Information

Contact us for further information.

www.theblowingrock.com www.facebook.com/TheBRMusicFestival 828.295.7111

432 The Rock Road Blowing Rock, NC 28645 828.295.7111 brockattraction@bellsouth.net

April 14, 2016

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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.

SAVOR

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April 14, 2016

Coming in June BLOWING my ROCK hometown

PHOTOS BY ALLISON WEST

Runners enjoy the beautiful scenery of Blowing Rock in April during last year’s Corkscrew 5K.

On your mark, get set, pour!

Chetola Resort’s Corkscrew 5K kicks off Saturday’s events

By JEFF EASON

Blowing Rock, My Hometown is a take-home guide depicting life in Blowing Rock, NC. It will focus on retail, entertainment, real estate, property values, restaurants, events, town officials, important numbers, transportation, utilities, the Chamber of Commerce, civic groups, etc.

Deadline June 17 Call Mark Mitchell for advertising info.

828-264-6397

editor@blowingrocket.com

L

et’s face it, most of SAVOR Blowing Rock’s great events involve some sort of caloric intake. Fortunately, there is one event that can help you shed some of those calories.

The Corkscrew 5K, held at Chetola Resort, is an event that combines road racing and wine (or, if you prefer, walking and wine). The event takes place from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, April 16.

SAVOR Blowing Rock and ZAP Fitness will host the 3rd annual Corkscrew 5K and proceeds from the event will benefit the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation.

Walk-up registration takes place from 7:30 to 8:20 a.m. on the day of the race, with the run and walk beginning at 8:30 a.m. Early packet pick-up is available from 4 to 6 p.m. on Friday, April 15 at the Recreation Center at Chetola Resort.

Registration fee for the wine-free race is $25 in advance and $35 the morning of the race. Registration for wine lovers, which includes four wine tasting stations along the route, is $30 in advance and $40 the morning of the race. You must be 21 and over to enter the wine lovers division and wrist bands will be given out and are required to be worn during the race.

The start and finish location is at Chetola Resort and the course is an

SMOKIN’ MEATS DAILY Ballerinas heading down the home stretch. At left, Corkscrew 5K trophies for the winners.

accurately measured, winding and scenic run through the Chetola and Tanger properties.

Awards will be given to the overall male and female winners, master male and female winners, and in a variety of age groups.

Door prizes include wine, winerelated items, T-shirts, running accessories, massages from the spa at Chetola, tickets to Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce events and

more.

No dogs, bikes or roller blades are allowed.

Parking and shuttle service will be available for runners to and from the race. The fee is $10 and will include shuttle to resort and pickup whenever the races are finished. Parking is located at the First Baptist Church of Blowing Rock and only cash or checks will be accepted for this service.

Proceeds from the shuttle will go the church’s summer mission trips for student ministries.

For more information, or to register, call (828) 295-5533, or email gwoolard@chetola.com.

•LUNCH SPECIALS DAILY •CHECK OUT OUR SALAD BAR •WE CAN CATER ANY EVENT “Great Pulled Pork BBQ “Exceptional Experience” I visited the restaurant on Jan. & Southern Sweet Tea 28th for supper and found the with Superb Service” I met an old friend in Boone and we decided to try McKethan BBQ for lunch.

Today's lunch special was a sandwich, a side and a drink.

My friend and I both went with the pulled pork BBQ sandwich, the mac & cheese with sweet tea. You can smell the meat being smoked when you get out of your car....

experience exceptional. The wait staff was quick and courteous, the food was delicious, and the portions were generous. I got the pulled pork barbecue, collards and okra. The corn muffin was moist and tasty. Anytime I’m in Boone I’ll make a point to visit there again. Keep the cook! Cool tats.

LOCATION: 1475 Hwy 105 • Boone, NC (828) 265-2828 www.mckethanbrothers.com CATERING: (828) 964-3530 www.mckethanbrothers.com catering@mckethanbrothers.com

HOURS: Open daily 11am to 9pm

SAVOR

April 14, 2016

PHOTO BY JEFF EASON

The Reserve Wine Tastings will feature 12 to 15 local, national and international wines.

Reserve Wine Tastings Offering elegance and the finest of wines

J

oin us for this limited seating tasting of select scrumptious wines hosted by the Blue Ridge Mountain Club.

We will be tasting 12 to 15 wines from international, national and local wineries.

The Reserve Wine Tasting will be held on the lawn of the Inn at Ragged Gardens. Seatings take place at noon and 3 p.m. Tickets are $125 in advance and $150 at the door (if available).

Presenters include Hank McCrorie of Burly Wines, Trent Moffett of Moffett Vineyards, Carolina Bistue, Francois La Calvez and Diane Flynt of Foggy Rock Cider.

After a successful 40-year career in sales, Hank McCrorie (a Charlotte, North Carolina native) and wife Bernice (raised in Sonoma County, California) decided to build a retirement home in Napa Valley. Hank has a passion for robust, small production Napa Valley Cabernets, which subsequently created the desire to produce an outstanding wine himself. Thus begins our journey with a singular vision intact. Shortly following, the opportunity presented itself to buy grapes from 9 1/2 acres of Cabernet Sauvignon from the Simpkins’ Ranch in Coombsville. Seizing the moment, Hank and Bernice set upon hand-crafting their signature offering at

a small boutique winery where they were introduced to 4th generation winemaker, Massimo Monticelli, and renowned vineyard manager, Michael Wolf, whose collective mastery of the craft helped bring BURLY to life in 2004.

Growing up in Napa Valley, Trent Moffett is a second-generation vintner with an inherent passion for winemaking. Trent grew up farming during his summers, winemaking, and fully learning the ins and outs of the family business.

Working his way through all aspects of winemaking and running a business. Trent studied Agricultural Business at both Cal Poly and University of the Pacific, graduating in 1992. Upon graduating from UOP, Trent joined the family business at Livingston Vineyards working hand and hand with his parents John and Diane Livingston. In 1993 Trent produced his first wine called H.W. Helms, named after the original winemakers who had owned his family’s land in the 1860’s.

The Chardonnay, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon are still popular wines now made under the name C&T Cellars, named after he and his wife, Colleen.

For more information, or to reserve tickets to The Reserve Wine Tasting, call the Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce or visit www.savorblowingrock.com.

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SAVOR

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April 14, 2016

Winemakers Dinners and Pairing Dinners Local chefs team up with wine and beer experts to create pairings to savor

W

hen a great chef creates a dish that he or she knows customers will savor, the question comes to mind: What beverage would best compliment this food?

That question will be answered during SAVOR Blowing Rock at a variety of venues as our local chefs team up with some of the best and brightest winemakers and brewers in the state.

SAVOR Blowing Rock’s winemaker dinners and pairing dinners are always among the more popular events at the celebration, so be sure to sign up for one (or more) soon.

They include:

WINEMAKER’S DINNER: Rowland’s at Westglow 6 to 9 p.m. on Thursday, April 14. $75 Enjoy a very North Carolina-centric evening with Rowland’s Restaurant at Westglow Resort and Spa and Jones von Drehle Winery. Dinner will be three courses paired with its own wine flight. The event will include a meet and greet reception

from 6 to 7 p.m. To make reservations, call (828) 295-5141.

PAIRING DINNER: Twigs Restaurant and Château Coupe Roses 7 to 10 p.m. on Friday, April 15.

Join Francoise Le Calvez of Château Coupe Roses winery and Twigs for an amazing dinner and very special evening.

To make reservations, call (828) 295-5050.

PAIRING DINNER: Gamekeeper Restaurant 6 to 10 p.m. on Friday, April 15. $85 The Gamekeeper Restaurant and Bar, located between Boone and Blowing Rock will host an amazing evening of food and drink. During the reception, guests will toast the evening with a Charles Bove Sparkling Chenin Blanc. The meal will consist of duck and rabbit rillettes paired with Quatre Saisons Gamay Beaujolais (2014), Atlantic sheepshead and crawfish risotto paired with Vin D’Alsace Pinot Blanc, center-cut bison rib-eye paired

THANK YOU TO OUR 2016 SPONSORS!

with Château Haut-La Pereyre Bordeaux Supérieur (2012) and Delice de Bourgogne Cheese paired with Charles Bove Touraine Sauvignon Blanc (2014). To make reservations, call (828) 963-7400.

WINEMAKERS DINNER: Restaurant G at Gideon Ridge 6 to 9 p.m. on Friday, April 15.

Enjoy an eclectic blend of fresh mountain ingredients prepared and served in the classic style by executive chef Hunter Womble of Gideon Ridge, accompanied by the famed winemaker, Trent Moffett of Moffett Vineyards. To make reservations, call (828) 295-3644.

PAIRING DINNER: Rustique and Northern Italy 6:30 to 10 p.m. on Friday, April 15. $80 plus tax and gratuity.

“A Taste of Northern Italy” is the theme of the pairing dinner at Rustique with food prepared by Cordon Bleu trained chef Shayne Lewis. Northern Italian cuisine is known for less olive oil, pasta and tomato

sauce and a heavier reliance on butter, rice, corn (for polenta), cheeses and cream sauces. To make reservations, call (828) 295-9474.

Beer and Barbecue at Town Tavern 1 to 5 p.m. on Saturday, April 16. $25 Enjoy freshly smoked barbecue and all the fixin’s and wash it down with your choice of eight locally brewed beers. The Town Tavern in Blowing Rock will also be hosting a cruise-in of classic cars and live music. Proceeds from the event will be used to help a local Habitat for Humanity building project. For more information, call the Town Tavern at (828) 295-7500.

Wine and Craft Beer Flights at Timberlake’s Restaurant 5 to 10 p.m. on Saturday, April 16. $10 Take flight! Or just enjoy one. Chetola Resort will feature $10 local wine or beer flights in the Headwaters Pub and Timberlake’s Restaurant. Local craft beers featured come from Lost Province Brewery, DINNERS – Continued on Page 15

SAVOR

April 14, 2016

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PHOTOS BY JEFF EASON

Unique food offerings from the High Country’s top chefs will be paired with regional wines this weekend.

Live Life in Comfort Enjoy a night of fantastic food and wonderful wine at one of SAVOR’s winemakers dinners.

Appalachian Mountain Brewery, Blowing Rock Brewing Company, French Broad Brewery and Catawba Brewing Company.

Local wines featured come from Childress Vineyards, Shelton Vineyards, Jones von Drehle, Grandfather Vineyard and Banner Elk Winery. For more information, call (828) 295-5505.

Downton Abbey Dinner at Chestnut Grille

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7 to 10 p.m. on Saturday, April 16. $85 Your presence is requested at a Downtown Abbey style dinner at the Chestnut Grille Restaurant at the Green Park Inn.

2015

EE

FROM PAGE 14

NT

DINNERS

Period attire is welcome but not required and the event will include live music from the Steve Frank Orchestra. Hors d’oeuvres will include smoked salmon canapé, mushroom toast, deviled eggs and finger sandwiches paired with Regent’s punch and Rosselini cocktails. The first course will include brown ale, bacon and cheddar soup paired with Renaud Pouilly Fuisse.

The second course will feature a salad of watercress, turnips, oranges and goat cheese with a beet-yogurt dressing, paired with a Monmousseau Vouvray. The third course will feature crab-stuffed mushrooms and asparagus tips with a herb cream sauce paired with Vignerons de Buxy Mercurey. The fourth course will feature jugged pork and herb-roasted quail, potatoes au gratin, braised cabbage, Yorkshire pudding and rosemary-bacon au jus paired with a Château Moutinot Rouge.

To make reservations, call (828) 414-9230.

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SAVOR

SAVOR Seminars:

April 14, 2016

Learning about the finer things in life

O

nce you gain an interest, if not a downright obsession, about wine, beer, spirits and food, you will find out that you can never learn it all. There is always something new to discover.

SAVOR Blowing Rock has more than 25 seminars and workshops where you can pique your interest and make new discoveries about your favorite subjects.

Along the way you’ll meet new friends with similar interests and taste some fantastic food and beverages!

Here’s a look at the seminars that await the curious mind and the discriminating palate:

THURSDAY, APRIL 14 The World of Zinfandel 11 a.m. to noon at Christopher’s Wine and Cheese. $28 Zinfandel is one of the oldest, if not the oldest, grape variety in California and today it occupies about 10 percent of all California vineyards.

Zinfandel is a red grape that produces red wines with strong flavors and aromas of berries, not to mention its high alcohol content, strong tannins and slightly spicy flavors. While these are the generalities, Zinfandel flavors can vary and alcohol content is an influential ingredient. Doug May will lead this seminar about the differences in Zinfandels from different regions. For more information, call (828) 414-9111.

Rosés from Around the World

Wine and Chocolate 4 to 5 p.m. at the Meadowbrook Inn. $28 Not only are wine and chocolate delicious, but as excellent sources of antioxidants, they are also really good for you. In this seminar attendees will learn which chocolates best accompany specific types of wines. Get ready to indulge some incredible pairings of two of the world’s guilty (or maybe not so guilty) pleasures. For more information, call (828) 295-4300.

Styles of IPAs 4 to 6 p.m. at Peabody’s Wine and Beer Merchants.

Join Chris Riley, beer manager of Peabody’s Wine and Beer Merchants in Boone as he discusses the variety and styles available to today’s beer lover.

To reserve your spot, call Peabody’s at (828) 2649476.

Call Family Shine Tasting and Southern Finger Foods 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. at Rustique. $25 Rustique has done it again. Call Family Distillery of Wilkes County is making waves as one of the best moonshine producers around…and Wilkes County is the moonshine capital of the world! Pair this with southern finger foods prepared by Chef Shayne Lewis and it’s a match made in, well, maybe just south of Heaven. To reserve your spot, call Rustique (828) 295-9474.

Château Coupe-Roses Tasting with Winemaker Francois Le Calvez

12:30 to 1:30 p.m. at the American Legion Hall. $28

6:30 to 8 p.m. at Christopher’s Wine and Cheese. $30

Versatile in their pairings, and covering a full spectrum of tasting notes, it’s easy to see why rosé wines are gaining in popularity. Even if you’re more on the “bold savory” versus “fruit-forward” end of the wine spectrum, there is probably a rosé for you.

In this tasting, we will be pouring a variety of rosé wines, each made from a different grape, and each having its own shade. Sommelier Anne Prevatte will lead the group through a showcase of these wines.

For more information, call (828) 295-7851.

Château Coupe-Roses has been in the Le Calvez family since 1614. It is located on the high plateau around the historic village of Minerve, long considered one of the best sites in Minervois. The family farms 16 acres, harvesting low yield grapes, and they allow the environment to shape and mold the flavors. Their wines are filled with all the great earthy elements that make southern French wines so appealing, with prices that are at a stunning value. Francois Le Calvez, winemaker for Château Coupe-Roses, will present her wines during this tasting event. To reserve your space, call (828) 414-9111.

The Magic of Malbec 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. at the American Legion Hall. $28 Remember not too long ago when Pinot Noir was all the rage? These days, the hottest wine in this country is Argentinian Malbec. It is dense and dark with full-bodied richness and flavors of plum and dark cherry that few other grapes can mimic. Why this popularity all of a sudden? Where did this grape come from? In this seminar we will discuss the history of Malbec, starting in France. We will taste Malbec from different areas and discuss the differences in style. Doug May will lead this seminar. For more information, call (828) 295-7851.

FRIDAY, APRIL 15 Vintage Paso 11 a.m. to noon at Christopher’s Wine and Cheese. $28 Paso Robles is considered by many as the wine industry’s wild west. Why? Because they are characterized by the same rule-breaking diversity

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PHOTO BY JEFF EASON

Christopher Brantley pours a glass of white wine during a pairing session for wines and chocolates.

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Rustique Presents A TASTE OF NORTHERN ITALY April 15, 2016 • 6:30pm Reservations limited and Required: 828-295-9474 $80.00 Per Person (plus tax and gratuity) Amuse - Reception Prosciutto with melon and balsamic Dolce Colline Prosecco, Veneto 1st Course Poached Seafood Salad with rock shrimp, calamari, mussels, arugula and tapenade vin Poggiobella Ribolla Gialla, Friulli 2nd Course Seared Whitefish with lentils and Tuscan Kale and salmoriglio Araldica Luciana Gavi, Piedmont 3rd Course Mushroom Risotto with parmesan and extra virgin olive oil Pecchenino Siri d'Jermu Dolcetto, Piedmont 4th Course Braised short-rib Raviolo with asparagus and tomato jam Produttori de Barbaresco, Piedmont 349 Sunset Drive Blowing Rock, NC 828-295-9474 RustiqueBlowingRock.com

Fin Panna Cotta Pineto Brachetto d'Acqui

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SEMINARS FROM PAGE 16 and innovative spirit in which the town was founded. That may explain why Paso Robles is California’s fastest growing AVA. Paso Robles wine grapes display intense varietal character due in part to their climate. They produce a wide variety of wines, all displaying rich color and opulent fruitiness. Doug May will lead the tasting and discussion of Paso Robles wines. To reserve your spot, call (828) 414-9111.

Break Out the Bubbly!

11 a.m. to noon at the American Legion Hall. $28 Sparkling wine is an instant celebration, transforming the most ordinary event into something exciting. It creates such unique sensations, starting with the sound of the cork popping, to the bubbles hitting your tongue as you take the first sip, to the taste—heaven in a glass! Who doesn’t love a little bubbly now and then? This entertaining seminar makes the subject of champagne and sparkling wine accessible to all. Led by Josh Bohlen of Grapevine Distributing, it aims to break down the barriers of the exclusive domain of Champagne, and improve your appreciation and knowledge of other types of sparkling wines. To reserve your spot, call (828) 295-7851.

Riedel Challenge Noon to 1 p.m. at the Inn at Ragged Gardens. $55 Discover the true deliciousness of wines by tasting

them in a glass made exclusively for that variety. A representative from Fine Wines Trading Company will demonstrate the luxury of Riedel glasses while tasting a variety of wines. Attendees get to keep the glassware at the end of the seminar for future “research.” Wines to be tasted include Fiddlehead “Happy Canyon” Sauvignon Blanc (2013), Flora Springs Chardonnay (2013), R2 Wine Company “Black Pine” Pinot Noir (2014), La Storia Cabernet Sauvignon (2013) and Klinker Brick “Old Ghost” Zinfandel (2013). To reserve your spot, call (828) 295-9703.

Wine, Food and Spices

Noon to 1 p.m. at Meadowbrook Inn. $29 The spice is right! With so many spices, foods and wines available from all over the world in today’s market, the old adage of red wine with red meat and white wine with white meat just doesn’t always hold true. In this seminar, learn how wine pairs with different spices found in food. Use this modern pairing method at your next dinner party and your guests will be asking how you came up with such an excellent combination. The seminar is presented by Catherine Rabb, associate instructor of the College of Culinary Arts at Johnson and Wales University. To reserve your spot, call (828) 295-4300.

Wine and Chocolate

1 to 2 p.m. at the Meadowbrook Inn. $28 (See description above)

Washington State Wine Tasting 1 to 2 p.m. at the American

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Legion Hall. $28 For a state that is relatively new to the wine game, Washington’s wineries have certainly developed an impressive worldwide reputation. The first commercial wineries started here in the 1960s and grew quickly. Today, Washington is second only to California in total wine production in the nation. The state is home to 13 different wine regions, each having its own unique characteristics and microclimates that favor certain grapes. Pair Washington’s long summer days with winemakers who aren’t afraid to innovate, and you’ll find a diverse wine tasting experience. Josh Bohlen from Grapevine Distributing will lead the seminar. To reserve your spot, call (828) 295-7851.

North Carolina is Rocking!

2 to 3 p.m. at the Meadowbrook Inn. $25 It really is best to eat and drink local! Check out awesome wines from North Carolina winemakers, paired with cheese produced locally. This is the best of farm to glass, and farm to locally made cracker. The seminar is presented by Catherine Rabb. To reserve your spot, call (828) 295-4300.

Five Wines You’ve Never Heard of 90 Points or Over!

2 to 3 p.m. at the American Legion Hall. $28 One of the greatest things about wine is that there’s always something new to discover: grapes you’ve never heard of, new techniques, or even lesser known wine regions. This seminar will explore some of these wine regions that are relatively new to the global wine market, and also explore

some lesser-known grapes. And all of the wines we will taste will have scored 90 points or more. Bennett Larsen of Fine Wine Trading Company will lead this seminar filled with hidden treasures. To reserve your spot, call (828) 295-7851.

Taste Your Way Through History: An American Wine Story 3 to 4 p.m. at the Meadowbrook Inn. $27 Explore the history of wine in America including the introduction of European grapes in the U.S. and development of the French-American hybrids for winemaking. This seminar will include details about the use of native (labrusca) grapes by the early American settlers, introduction of Vitus Vinefera (commonly known as the European grape, but there is a story behind that) to the present. This seminar is presented by wine enthusiast Bryan Tucker. To reserve your spot, call (828) 295-4300.

Beer Bites with AMB 3 to 5 p.m. at Foggy Rock Eatery and Pub. $18 Foggy rock Eatery and Pub will host a casual educational seminar with the brewers of Appalachian Mountain Brewery, one that will include a tasting of their beers. Each guest will receive several small plates as a tasting of Foggy Rock’s menu. To reserve your spot, call (828) 295-7262.

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#1 Independent High Country Sales Firm for 2015

VILLAGE REAL ESTATE TEAM 1127 Main Street Blowing Rock, NC (828) 266-0205 www.vrenc.com

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Exceptional wine deserves exceptional cabinetry.

Capturing the Essence of Chianti 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. at the American Legion Hall. $28 Everyone loves Chianti, right? But what exactly is Chianti? Chianti is a region in the heart of Tuscany known for making the Chianti wine. However, the Chianti region has expanded over time, and is characterized by diversity in soil and climate. This region creates a stunning array of wines. In this tasting we will explore the different Chianti and other Tuscan wines, and talk about why they are considered the perfect food wines. Doug May will lead the seminar. To reserve your spot, call (828) 295-7851.

Pair Like a Pro 4 to 5 p.m. at the Meadowbrook Inn. $27 Food and wine are natural partners, and finding great pairs is one of life’s great pleasures. In this interactive (hands and glass full) session, we’ll break down the basic components in wine, and the basic components in food, and see what works… and what doesn’t. Experience how the chefs from Johnson and Wales do it so successfully. Catherine Rabb will lead this seminar. To reserve your spot, call (828) 295-4300.

Montinore Estates Tasting 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Christopher’s Wine and Cheese Established in 1982, Montinore Estates is a 210acre Demeter Certified Biodynamic and Stellar Certified organic estate that lies at the northern end of the Willamette Valley appellation and along the east-facing slope of the Coastal Range foothills in Oregon. Their close attention to each step of the grape-growing and winemaking process is rooted in the belief that exceptional wine is born of a sustained marriage of soil, climate and artful stewardship. Biodynamic farming, controlled fruit yields, carefully fermented wine and estate bottling help their family-run winery offer full-flavored vintages of distinctive character and quality. Tom Champine of Montinore Estates will lead the seminar. To reserve your spot, call (828) 414-9111.

SATURDAY, APRIL 16 Coffee Cupping 8 to 9 a.m. at Camp Coffee Roasters. $15 Coffee talk! 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, all while enjoying the new roasting space and tasting table at Camp Coffee Roasters (formerly Bald Guy Brew) in Blowing Rock. Guests will choose a favorite bag of coffee to take home with them along with “coffee swag” and discounts on whole beans. To reserve your spot, call (828) 406-7990.

Wellborn, the Essence of Cabinetry.”

PHOTO SUBMITTED

Chef Renata Dos Santos will lead a seminar on Caribbean Cuisine as part of SAVOR’s Saturday lineup.

Grilling Class with the Grill Masters 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce. $50 Grills aren’t just for steaks and burgers anymore!

They can be the focus of entertaining and dining creations year round. Learn to grill everything from appetizers to desserts in this class put on by Appalachian Energy, your source for grills, smokers and built-ins. Charles Rogers and members of his grilling team will guide you in creating appetizers, salad, entrees, bread and even desserts. At the end of the class everyone is invited to eat your creations. Beer and wine will be served to attendees 21 and older. The menu will include grilled pizza, smoked chicken wings, roasted onion and beet salad, herb-wrapped pork loin, jerk chicken quarters, roasted potatoes, grilled garden veggies, grilled corn, fresh baked bread, lemon cheesecake, grilled bananas and grilled stone fruit. To reserve your spot, call (828) 295-7851. (Please note: This grilling class has been added to the SAVOR schedule due to a similar class on Friday being sold out).

Visit our showroom right off 321 in Boone to see how we can make your kitchen exceptional.

Caribbean Cuisine 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the American Legion Hall. $50 Renata Dos Santos is a Culinary Institute of Charleston graduate and originally from the twin islands of Trinidad and Tobago, so she knows a thing or two about Caribbean cuisine. Dos Santos has won numerous awards for her cooking and recipes and has been featured in USA Today, Rachael Ray Magazine and Discover Charleston, to name a few. Since her move to the High Country in 2013, her focus has been on the spiritual connection with food and maintains an emphasis on local, seasonal ingredients. She is currently launching a food truck, “The Stinging Nettle,” based at Rivergirl Fishing Company in Todd, NC, to address the needs of the community. To reserve your spot, call (828) 295-7851.

• Kitchen & Bath Cabinetry • Renovations • Turn-Key Construction • Mountain Style and Log Cabin Construction • Design Services

SUNDAY, APRIL 17 Bloody Marys, Customized Noon to 2 p.m. at Rustique. $25 Customize your bloody Mary! What better way to start the day than with a bloody good bloody Mary.

Learn to make this most decadent drink with your choice of vodkas, house-made spicy or mild mix, and a “fixin’s bar” featuring shrimp, bacon and homemade pickled vegetables. Presented by Rich Scheurer, a favorite bartender in Blowing Rock. To reserve your spot, call (828) 295-9474.

2016

190 Southgate Dr.; Suite 14 • Boone, NC 828-386-1905: Office Hours 828-773-1191: Any Hours

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(Designed in North Carolina!)

TORY BURCH GENTLE SOULS KATE SPADE SAM EDELMAN JACK ROGERS JOHNNY WAS BRITT RYAN BCBG LILLA P

of Blowing Rock

April 14, 2016