Hendersonville’s Cider, Wine & Dine Weekend returns April 15-18 with tastings, tours, live music and more
After a year’s hiatus due to the coronavirus pandemic, Hendersonville’s Cider, Wine & Dine Weekend returns April 15-18, inviting visitors to drink, eat and celebrate the area’s wine and cider scene.
Nearly 60 events will take place throughout the weekend including tastings, tours, live music, special wine releases and more. Many events will be held outdoors to allow for social distancing.
“We have three new wineries that haven’t been a part of this event before, so it’s a great way to introduce people to those new spots,” said Amy Boswell of Henderson County Tourism.
On Saturday, April 17, Stone Ashe Vineyards will host a winemaker-led barrel tasting of its two red blends that will be released for the first time this winter. Also on Saturday, Marked Tree Vineyard will combine its expansive outdoor setting with its wines for Yoga and Rosé in the afternoon and a Sunset Soiree in the evening. Throughout the weekend, Sawyer Springs Vineyard invites visitors to taste wines and enjoy outdoor seating with vineyard views and a food truck.
In summer 2019, Henderson County received federal designation as Crest of the Blue Ridge American Viticultural Area and is now home to six wineries.
In addition to Marked Tree, Stone Ashe and Sawyer Springs, participating wineries and cideries include Appalachian Ridge Artisan Hard Cider, Bold Rock Hard Cider, Burntshirt Vineyards in Hendersonville and Chimney Rock, Point Lookout Vineyards, and Saint Paul Mountain Vineyards in Hendersonville and Flat Rock.
“We were actually closed at this time last year, so we’re excited to start spring with Cider, Wine & Dine,” said Holly Oakley of Burntshirt Vineyards, which will offer tastings and live music at its Hendersonville and Chimney Rock locations, and winery tours in Hendersonville.
For cideries, the weekend coincides with apple blossom season, signaling the start of another crop.
Appalachian Ridge will serve breakfast in its orchard, surrounded by trees imported from Normandy, France specifically to make European-style cider. Bold Rock will host live music performances all weekend in the cider garden where you can enjoy a variety of Bold Rock’s craft ciders and dishes from the cidery’s food truck.
“Cider, Wine & Dine Weekend helps bring attention to the cider industry here in Henderson County,” said Lindsay Dorrier of Bold Rock. “With the abundance of apples, crafting hard cider here makes sense and honors the area’s agricultural heritage.”
The weekend includes both free and ticketed events. For a complete schedule and lodging options, call (800) 828-4244 or click HERE.
