Springtime Spirits
Springtime Spirits: Raise a glass (or three) at these local wine and beer fests
NC Small Batch Beer Festival
April 2 | Asheville
One of Asheville’s premier local brewing companies, Hi-Wire Brewing, hosts the fifth annual Small Batch Beer Festival. Rotating performances by local artists make this event a tad livelier than your typical brew fest. Along with food and entertainment, each guest gets two four-ounce pours and a commemorative glass, for starters. All the libations served are one-of-a-kind, exclusive “small batch” recipes not sold anywhere else, making this a can’t-miss event in Beer City. hiwirebrewing.com
Ville to Ville Craft Brew Relay
April 9 | Asheville & Greenville
The Ville to Ville Craft Brew Relay combines fitness with fun in this team race. The journey starts early morning in Asheville, with teams covering a 72-mile stretch to Greenville, SC. Runners pause for a beer or two at Southern Appalachian Brewery and Swamp Rabbit Brewery and finish at Hampton Station, an upscale conglomeration of bars, businesses, and outdoor fun. villetovillerelay.com
Bring the Fyre Beer Fest
April 9 | Hickory
Hosted by Fyreside Taproom and Eatery, a local restaurant that started in Granite Falls, Bring the Fyre is the inaugural brew-tacular event at their new location in Hickory. More than a dozen local brews will be on tap, not to mention live music from community artists. Facebook: Fyreside Taproom and Eatery
Taste: A Wine and Food Event
April 20 | Maggie Valley
After their son Richie was diagnosed with autism in 2009, Debora and Louis Perrone founded Richie’s Alliance, a nonprofit that raises awareness of autism and funds local resources for children in need. Attendees of Taste, one of the organization’s fundraisers, are treated to some of the best food and spirits in Maggie Valley, along with live music from jazz quartet James Hammer and Friends. All proceeds from the night go to the Haywood County Exceptional Children’s Program. richiesalliance.org
Hickory Hops Beer Fest
April 23 | Hickory
One of the most popular brew fests in the South returns for its 18th year. Sponsored by Hickory’s historic downtown district, Hickory Hops features more than 50 vendors this year. Attendees can sample craft beer while exploring the town’s center square and local businesses. Perfect for a casual stroll around the town, Hickory Hops makes for a relaxing and fun afternoon. downtownhickory.com
Yadkin Valley Wine Festival
May 21 | Elkin
More of an oenophile than a hophead? Head to Elkin for the Yadkin Valley Wine Fest, a family-friendly fete. Catch a performance by the eclectic band The Castaways, an eight-man ensemble known for their beachy-meets-rock-n’-roll sound. For more entertainment, there’s a variety of craft booths perfect for a buzzed perusal, not to mention the chance to snag a photo with WNC’s own local Bacchus impersonator. yadkinvalleywinecountry.com