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Cider, Wine & Dine Weekend offers tastings, tours and more

Cider, Wine & Dine Weekend April 19-21 offers tastings, tours and special dinners. [PHOTO BY JARED KAY]

By Lightning Reports, Published: April 11, 2024

Hendersonville’s wineries and cideries will offer tastings, vineyard tours, wine releases, food events, live music and other activities at 11 tasting rooms during the seventh annual Cider, Wine & Dine Weekend April 19-21.

New this year are scenic helicopter tours over the seven vineyards of Hendersonville’s Crest of the Blue Ridge wine region. Helicopter tours depart from Souther Williams Vineyard at 30-minute intervals throughout the day Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

“It’s a great way to celebrate spring, tantalize your taste buds, and explore our vineyards and orchards, all in one weekend,” Michelle Owens, executive director of Visit Hendersonville, said in a news release. “Sip hard cider straight from the orchard at Appalachian Ridge Artisan Cider, and experience the newest vintages at the wineries. And don’t forget the array of food pairings and food trucks.”

A signature culinary event is the Spring Vintner’s Dinner at Marked Tree Vineyard, where guests enjoy a four-course meal at sunset paired with the vineyard's wines. At Sawyer Springs Vineyard, wine flights are paired with personal charcuterie cups, while Stone Ashe Vineyards offers a wine and chocolate event and a food truck and s’mores satisfy cravings at Appalachian Ridge.

Walking tours provide opportunities to burn calories at Saint Paul Mountain Vineyards and Marked Tree. Meanwhile, Bold Rock Hard Cider hosts a morning of mindfulness with a yoga class open to all levels.

“The nice thing about Cider, Wine & Dine Weekend is the variety. Not only events, but also food options and drink options,” said Ken Parker, whose Souther Williams Vineyard will offer wine and gourmet popcorn pairings. “Many of the wineries serve local beers and local ciders in addition to their wines.”

The weekend corresponds with apple blossom season in Henderson County, where thousands of acres of apple trees welcome spring in a tapestry of pink and white blooms.

The same soil and climate that have produced apples for generations now prove fertile for grapes. The area recently received federal designation as an American Viticultural Area, making Crest of the Blue Ridge a bona fide wine region on par with more well-known U.S. wine regions.

“Cider, Wine & Dine gives us an opportunity to educate people about our emerging wine country, including the classic varietals we grow as well as some unique varietals,” Parker said.

For a schedule of events, both free and ticketed, and lodging info, call (828) 693-9708 or visit www.VisitHendersonvilleNC.org/cider-wine-dine-weekend.