Saturday Wine Tastings in the Mountains

The Western North Carolina mountains offer some of the best wine shops in the Southeast. Many host regular Saturday wine tastings or special events with food pairings. Here are samples of the samplings:

Nov 13,  4PM-8PM -  Asheville’s Best Wine & Beer Tasting at The Appalachian Vintner:
Ricardo Santos Sémillon- Mendoza. Ricardo Santos has demonstrated a life-long commitment to the Argentinean wine tradition, particularly in regards to Argentina’s great varietal—Malbec. The wine has an intense yellow color with delicate, fruity aromas. The flavor is grassy with a fruity acidity and no oak. Shelf $14.99 Tasting $13.49
Tenuta Canale Rosso Toscano “Pergolato”- Tuscany, Italy.  In wine terms, it is considered the rough Italian equivalent of the French vin de pays designation. A blend of 90% Sangiovese and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, think of it as a “Super Tuscan” at a bargain price. Shelf $7.99 Tasting $7.19
Altesino Rosso di Altesino IGT Toscana- Altesino has always been an innovative leader. Plum, cherry & cedar aromas follow through to a medium body, with soft, silky tannins and a dreamy texture thats clean and focused. Shelf $14.99 Tasting $13.49
Tezza Valpolicella Ripasso Ma Roat- Vento, Italy. Flavio, Vanio & Frederico are the third generation to farm these vines. Their Great Grandfather, Giovanni planted the vineyards in the early 1960's. Velvety texture, spiced fruit produced without the use of oak. Try it with fresh mushroom risotto, hearty winter squash soup or black truffle & parmigiana reggiano polenta. Shelf $13.99 Tasting $12.59


Nov 13  3-6PM Hops and Vines in West Asheville: Lo Duca Wines, Italy
Lambrusco - A soft, light, semi-sweet red wine, naturally carbonated the way the original Lo Duca family blend has always been. Pares great with turkey and cranberry sauce, a Thanksgiving tradition for us!
Montepulciano de Abruzzo - A dry, rich, robust wine with subtle flavors of cherry and cedar with a smoothness reminiscent of the fine montepulciano grapes used to make it.
Pinot Noir -a smooth rich Pinot with berry and spice flavors in the finish. A great wine for Thanksgiving or any holiday event.

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Nov 13,  noon - 5 PM - FREE wine Tasting at
The Cottage Craftsman in Bryson City NC
We feature fine wines from 17 boutique wineries in North Carolina and the Blue Ridge region. You’ll find wine for everyone’s palate – from muscadine to merlot. Enjoy the contemporary fine art and craft gallery and browse the market of specialty foods while you sample wines.