Mountain Spirits: Brusin 'Ales Hosts Birdsong Brewing Co. and Founders CBS Beer Tastings

December 7, 2017 from 5 PM to 7 PM at Brusin' Ales, 66 Broadway Street, Asheville, NC:  Birdsong Brewing Co. Beer Tasting.   Brusin' Ales welcomes Lauren Bilski to the shop this Thursday. She'll be pouring samples from Charlotte's Birdsong Brewing Co.  "Birdsong started in 2011 with just two full-time employees. Since then, they've brewed all kinds of exciting beers. Thanks to the overwhelming response, they have since purchased a 17,000-square-foot building in the Belmont neighborhood with a new 30-barrel brewhouse and room for up to 1,200 barrels of fermentation capacity."



  
December 7, 2017 from 5 PM to 7 PM - Founders CBS Bottle Release and Tasting.  Hot stuff coming through! Founders CBS is among the most coveted beers from the Grand Rapids, MI, based This is an extremely limited release and you can count on it running out VERY quickly, so make sure you get to Brusin' Ales by 5:00 if you want a chance to pick up a bottle. Jesse Robinson will be on hand to pour samples.


Check out all the NEW RELEASES at Brusin' Ales  just in time for holiday gift - giving. Order online for in-store pick-up or shipping anywhere your beer lovers live. It's a gift you know will fit.

Mountain Spirits: Special Beer and Wine Events this Weekend

March 16, 2017 at Brusin' Ales, 66 Broadway Street in downtown Asheville NC  - 5 PM to 7 PM.  Ashley Monday will be at Brusin' Ales this Thursday for a tasting of seasonal and special releases from Brooklyn Brewery. In addition to the new "Cloaking Device" Brett Porter, there will also be opening another bottle of last years fantastic Serpent. 

March 17, 2017 at Maggie B's Wine and Specialty Store, 10 C South Main Street in Weaverville NC:  5:30 - 8 PM. St. Patrick's Day Green Wine Tasting.  Be green and celebrate St. Patty's day with Maggie B's this Friday.  They will be pouring "green" wines that are carbon neutral, bio dynamic and organic. Don't worry, there will also be  some delicious Irish beer too. 

Deal of the Week:  Elki Artichoke Tomato Bruschetta Spread 12 oz jar WAS: $8.99 each THIS WEEK: $4.99 each

Maggie B's Wine and Specialty Store

March 17, 2017 at Round Peak Vineyard,   765 Round Peak Church Road in Mount Airy NC - St. Patricks Day celebration at the brewery. 2 PM - 8 PM. A food truck, a new beer release, our newly canned Knuckle Dragger and trAle bRed...sounds like a winning combination. NOW released: CANNED BEER, Knuckle Dragger and trAle bRed. Both are now available at the brewery and winery, and soon to be available elsewhere.



March 18, 2017 - Spring Fling 12 PM to 6 PM. Spring Fling is back and bigger than ever. With great food from the smoker, live music, the release of the vineyard's 1st ever canned wines, and our newly canned beers as well, lots of beers, how can you pass this up?  NOW released CANNED WINE. A 1st in NC! Cans of Infatuation, Sweetest Thang Pink, and Sangria are all now available at the winery and for ordering on-line.

Canned wine ( Infatuation, Sweetest Thang Pink, and Sangria) from Round Peak Vineyards

Mountain Spirits: Wine and Beer Tastings for the Week of 8-18-16

Heinzelmannchen Brewery, 545 Mill Street in Sylva NC - WUNDERBAR WEDNESDAYS - Every Wednesday they offer Traditional Growler fills in our Gnomler (1/2 gallon) or German Growlers for only $10 (Save $2 per fill) – it's Wunderbar!

August 18, 2016 at Brusin' Ales, 66 Broadway Street in downtown Asheville NC    Fullsteam Brewery Beer Tasting.  This Thursday Brusin' Ales will be joined by Stuart Shefter from Fullsteam Brewery out of Durham, North Carolina. Established in 2008, Fullsteam was one of the first breweries in North Carolina to focus on brewing with local and regional products. Today they continue source the ingredients for their ingenious beers from farmers and manufacturers right here in North Carolina.

Cack-a-lacky: Brewed in partnership with Page Skelton, president of Cackalacky in Chapel Hill, N.C. A zippy, hoppy ginger pale ale that's enjoyable on its own and a perfect complement to spicy food.
Southern Basil:  Bright, lively farmhouse ale with ever-changing local basil and N.C. wheat.
Rocket Science:  Rocket Science is a true-to-style American IPA inspired by the quest for harmony. We longed for an IPA that exuded confidence in its restraint, that paired well with any meal, and that wouldn't destroy your palate.
Fearrington India Tea Ale:  This beer is a new twist on a traditional IPA. Made with 18% local malt this beer has the flavors and aromas of an IPA but with a toned down ABV that makes it more palatable for the hotter months.
Fearrington Apple ESB:  Fearrington A[pple ESB is our take on an English style Extra Special Bitter (ESB). What makes this beer stand out from other English bitters is the addition of 100 lbs of Foggy Ridge's apple pomace to each batch. 

August 19, 2016 from 5:30 - 8 PM at Maggie B's Wine and Specialty Store, 10 C South Main Street in Weaverville NC:   Back to School Bash Wine Tasting.  College students are leaving and kids will be starting school in about a week. Come celebrate the last hurrah of the summer. Bring in your teacher ID during the tasting and receive 10% off your purchase. .

Maggie B's will be at the Asheville Wine & Food Festival this Saturday at the US Cellular Center and teaming up with The Red Stag Grill pairing wines with different food courses. Then later on in the day sign up for our fun and informative wine and flavor profile pairings with Shelton Vineyards.

August19 - 25, 2016 at various times - Asheville Brewing Company, 675 Merrimon Avenue, Asheville NC: Asheville Brewing Company will release "Licence to Swill Session IPA" on Friday, August 19, at 5 PM at both the Merrimon Ave and Coxe Ave brewpubs. This 5.2 percenter is brewed with 007 Idaho, Galaxy, and Cascade hops, and includes an intriguing malt bill of flaked oats, light crystal, plus a fair amount of wheat. “We’d been wanting to play with the 007 Idaho and to brew a session IPA,” says Pete Langheinrich, head brewer. “The hops give this easy-drinking beer a fantastic aroma and fruity flavors of tangerine, apricot, and pineapple.” Also known as “The Golden Hop,” 007 Idaho gives this summer beer a crisp, complex character. It’s your "License to Swill".  

Movies - BFG, The Legend of Tarzan, Brazil. Come enjoy Asheville's Favorite Dine-In Theater.  All tickets are just 3 bucks for all shows. The theater section is equipped with all the fancy digital sound and picture quality you've come to expect from the full price theaters...even 3d! As you can imagine, tickets go quickly. Please come early for tickets (you can even buy them one day in advance). You can come yourself, send your favorite uncle Buck, or your dear old grandma, but tickets must be purchased in person. If you are planning a group of more than 2 people, we suggest arriving at least 30 minutes before movie time to ensure you can find seats together..    Monday pizza special and Thursdays $10 growlers.

August 18, 2016 from 5 - 7 PM at Hops and Vines, 797 Haywood Rd. Ste 100 in West Asheville NC:  FREE Beer Tasting -
 
August 19, 2016 from 3 - 6 PM:  FREE Wine Tasting -  10% off wines tasted.

August 20, 2016 from 4 - 7 PM at Appalachian Vintner,  745 Biltmore Avenue Suite 121 in Asheville NC -   FREE WINE TASTING with a purchase of $10 (per person) or more every Saturday. The patio is now open. Beat the crowds on the slope, grab a drink (draft or wine) at the bar and hit the relax button in one of the comfy chairs. Every Sunday and Monday is $1 off full pours of draft beer DAY. Choose from 20 taps pouring the best craft beer available.

Wine Wednesday - $1 off wine by the glass and no corkage on bottles over $20.

August 18 - 25, 2016  at  Shelton Vineyards, 286 Cabernet Lane in Dobson NC:  No special events scheduled. Regular tour and hours in effect. Reserve Tastings Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays
include a guided tour of the 33,000 square foot winery with an overview of the winemaking process, a tasting of six reserve wines, chocolate, and a souvenir crystal wine glass. $25 per person.
 

August 19, 2016 at Old North State Winery, 308 N Main St in Mount Airy NC - Jim Mayberry performs 8 PM - 11 PM.   August 20 - The Mulligans perform 8 PM - 11 PM. 

August 19, 2016  7 PM at  Classic Wine Cellar, 20 Church Street, Waynesville NC - Joe Cruz with piano and vocals performing music of the Beatles, Elton John, James Taylor, Simon and Garfunkel.
 
August 20, 2016 at 7 PM -  The Jazz Cats perform -  Bonnie Rossa, Flute, Vocals;
Brad Keller, Jazz Piano; Jean Bolduc, Drums; Kevin Kherberg, Bass
 
WOW: Wine on Wednesdays - Every Wednesday enjoy FREE tasting with DINNER purchase. The kitchen is open from 5-8pm. Reservations accepted by calling 828-452-6000.

 

August 19, 2016 from 2 - 7 PM at Table Wine, 1550 Hendersonville Road, Suite 102, Asheville NC- A free wine tasting featuring some new, delicious and affordable California wines.  Get your weekend off to a good start with the best free wine tasting in Asheville.  This week Sara Helmkamp of Advintage Distributing will be behind the bar pouring a great lineup of great values from sunny California.  Rich and creamy Chardonnay from the Central Coast, a beautiful Cabernet Sauvignon deal from Paso Robles, and a bold and spicy old vine Zinfandel.  

August 20, 2016 from 2 PM - 5 PM: Try Three For Free Wine Tasting showcasing New Italian Wines– Daniel Lukin-Beck of Asheville's own Sour Grapes Distributing will be pouring a trio of truly incredible Italian wines.  A rich and textured Pinot Grigio, a fresh and juicy Tuscan blend based on Rhone varietals, and 2011 Tenuta Monteti Caburnio

August 19, 2016 from  4 - 6 PM at  LaBouteille, 10 N Trade St, Suite A Tyon NC - Complimentary Wine Tastings  every Friday.   Last Saturday of the month , 4 6 PM 10 beers for $10 beer tasting.

August 19, 2016 from 6 PM - 8 PM at Brushy Mountain Winery, 125 West Main Street in Elkin NC - Live Performance by Keith Rea.
 
August 20, 2016 - Caroline Noel Beverly performs live from 6 to 8 PM. 

 
Tasting Rooms:

Biltmore Winery, located on the Biltmore Estate, Asheville NC. Daily tasting and tours with Estate admission. Special events and tastings throughout the year.

Old North State Winery, 308 North Main Street, Mount Airy NC. Tasting room open seven days a week. Reservations are recommended for tastings and tours.  Sample wines and browse the gift shop featuring wine related and gourmet gift items. Thursdays live music at 8 PM. 

RagApple Lassie, 3724 Ragapple Lassie Lane Boonville NC.  Tours are "on demand" noon to six PM daily. Tastings are available noon to six PM daily and include up to 11 varieties of wine.

Calaboose Cellars, 565 Aquone Road, Andrews NC.  Tasting room summer hours: Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from Noon to 8:00. 

Carolina Heritage Vineyard and Winery,  170 Heritage Vines Way in Elkin NC - Open to the public for Tours and Tastings on Saturdays and Sundays from 1 PM to 6 PM and at other times by appointment – call (336) 366-3301 to schedule a time.

Elkin Creek Winery, 318 Elkin Creek Mill Road in Elkin NC,  Open for tastings Thursday through Sunday, 11 AM - 5 PM and other times by appointment. 

Grassy Creek Vineyard and Winery, Tasting Room Drive off of Klondike Road, 235 Chatham Cottage Circle, State Road, NC -  Tasting Room open Wednesday through Saturday 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Sundays open 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. June through September: Saturdays open 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

McRitchie Winery and Ciderworks,   315 Thurmond PO Road in Thurmond NC - Tasting Room Hours: Wednesday - Saturday 10 AM to 5 PM, Sunday 1 PM to 5 PM.

Round Peak Vineyard,   765 Round Peak Church Road in Mount Airy NC - Tasting Room Open Daily: Sun–Thurs 12 pm–5 pm;  Fri 12 pm–8 pm;  Sat 11 am–6 pm (and until Sunset Jun–Aug); By appt. other times. The Tasting Room is also a cozy place to host your private event. With space for 20-40 people depending on seating, and the ability to cater any type of food or appetizers desired, we can create the atmosphere you'd like. Available any time except the normal business hours that the Tasting Room is open.
 
Shelton Vineyards, 286 Cabernet Lane in Dobson NC. Regular tour and tasting is offered daily departing every half hour. This includes a guided tour of the 33,000 square-foot winery with an overview of the winemaking process, a tasting of five wines, and a souvenir wine glass. $5 per person.  Retail hours are Monday-Saturday 10 AN.-6 PM., and Sunday 12 PM - 6 PM (Daylight Savings Time); Monday-Saturday 10 AM-5 PM and Sunday 12 PM-5 PM (Standard Time). Tours and tastings are offered daily. The winery is open every day of the year except New Year's Day, Easter Sunday, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. A variety of additional special tours are available - reservations are required, see the website for details.

South Creek Vineyard and Winery, 2240 South Creek Road, Nebo, NC  Open Wednesdays through Saturdays from 11 AM to 5 PM, Sundays from 1 PM to 5 PM through the year until January 1st. Tastings include the glass & are $6, $7 or $10 depending on the wines you choose. Music events are rain or shine and provided to South Creek Customers at no admission fee, unless it is a stated ticketed event.

Wedge Brewing Company, 125 B Roberts St. in the River Arts District, Asheville NC. Micro-brewery regular Hours: Monday to Thursday 4:00 PM till 10:00 PM, Friday 3:00 PM till 10:00 PM. Live music on select dates and outdoor cinema. 

Greenman Brewery, 23 Buxton Ave., Asheville NC. The tasting room is open seven days a week at 4 o'clock, or maybe earlier.

Slightly Askew Winery, 913 North Bridge Street in  Elkin NC - Hours of operation: Thursday - Friday 1 PM - 6 PM; Saturday 12 PM - 6 PM; Sunday 1 PM - 5 PM

Stoney Knoll Vineyards, 1143 Stony Knoll Road in Dobson NC -  Tasting Room Hours: Regular hours March through December - Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Monday 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM; Winter hours in January and February - Fridays 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM and Saturdays 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM. Wine tasting: $7.00, Wine by the glass: $5.00. 10% Case Discount on Regular Prices (includes free wine tasting and glass)

Other Wineries and Vineyards:

Olde Mill Winery and Vineyards,  2742 Simpson Mill Road in Mount Airy NC

Mountain Spirits: Wine and Beer Tastings for the Week of 7-22-15

July 23, 2015 from  5 - 7 PM at Brusin' Ales, 66 Broadway Street in downtown Asheville NC: FREE Beer Tasting of Uinta Brewing. Uinta Brewing Tasting with Dave Dabill from salt Lake City, UT. Sample five beers, including the new Contrail Witbier:

Contrail Witbier: NEW! "Best of both worlds combining the approachability of many the more common white ales and adds a distinctive floral/spice note provided by the bitter orange peel and coriander that you may find in many craft examples of the style." [5.6% abv]

Hop Nosh: "Bold and refreshing, this IPA combines an abundance of hops with a smooth malt profile." [7.3% abv]

Dubhe: "Toasted, chocolaty dark malts align with an astronomical amount of hops. Named Utah's Centennial Star in 1996, Dubhe (pronounced Doo-bee) illuminates the front of the big dipper from 124 light years away. Dubhe, also known as Alpha Ursae Majoris, is a red giant that appears orange in color and has a mass 4x that of the sun." [9.2% abv]

Birthday Suit: "Cast aside inhibitions and dive into this year's Birthday Suit, a sour abbey ale brewed with plums and an authentic Belgian abbey yeast strain that flaunts complexity and charm. A playful combination of sour tanginess and subtle fruit flavors, this Sour Plum bares it all in honor of Uinta's 22nd Birthday." [7.6% abv]

Cockeyed Cooper: "Launch into the exquisite flavors of bourbon with splashes of vanilla. Watch for currents of dark chocolate and dried fruit. Generous amounts of hops and malts make for a smooth journey from start to finish. Decadent desserts and aged cheeses make superb companions. [11.1% abv]

July 24, 2015 from 5:30 - 8 PM at Maggie B's Wine and Specialty Store, 10 C South Main Street in Weaverville NC:  Summertime Favorites Wine Tasting. Maggie B's will be pouring refreshing whites, and yes, red wines to quench your thirst. These wines will definitely help you enjoy the summertime heat. FREE event. Deal of the Week: Fazi Battaglia Verdicchio - "This wine has a fragrant bouquet of peaches and apples, with a flavorful, fruity and refreshing palate." WAS: $13.99, THIS WEEK: $10.99.

July 24, 2015 from 5 - 7 PM at Hops and Vines, 797 Haywood Rd. Ste 100 in West Asheville NC: DuClaw Brewing FREE Beer Tasting. Enjoy some fresh and unique selections from this great brewery from Maryland. Plus, get a free pint glass with purchase of 6 pack.

Dirty Litte Freak - This medium-bodied, 5.8% abv brown ale is a feast for the senses from its dominant blend of warm, roasted malt, coconut, caramel, and chocolate flavors barely restrained by a gentle hop bite, to its tantalizingly satisfying finish.

Sweet Baby Jesus - This Chocolate Peanut Butter Porter is jet black in color with a tan, rocky head, full body and creamy, luxurious mouthfeel. Its lightly sweet, malty flavor is accented by rich flavors of chocolate, coffee and peanut butter, and balanced by a subtle hop character and moderate 6.5% abv. Sweet Baby Jesus finishes smooth, dry, and roasty with lingering notes of chocolate and peanut butter so savory, you will exclaim its name!

Neon Gypsy - This 6.5% hoppy ale features a medium-bodied and clear with a thin white head and crisp mouthfeel. A vagabond blend of 7 different hops dominates with grapefruit and citrus flavors and aromas, accented by notes of pine, that continue to roam your palate long after its clean, hoppy finish. Disconnect, and you will find your way. 

July 25, 2015 from 3 - 6 PM: Stunning Old World Wines FREE Wine Tasting:

Jordanov, Rkaciteli, Macedonia, 2013 Check out this unique wine from Macedonia! This ultramodern winery is producing some absolutely amazing wines, in very small quantities. This 2013 Rkatsiteli from the Tikves appellation is high in acidity with pleasant floral and spicy characteristics, similar to a Gewurztraminer. Super refreshing! $12.99

Liquid Geography, Mencia Rosé, Spain, 2014 Slightly prickly, super fresh and ripe! Liquid Geography is a project of Alberto Orte (the Iberian master) and Patrick Mata (the liquid geographer). This dry, floral rosé is produced from vines planted in Bierzo at 450-600 m (1,476-1,968 ft) elevation growing in river stone and clay soil. All profits from this wine will go to charity so come show some support and drink some great wine! $12.99

Commanderie de Peyrassol La Croix, France, 2014 The “prestige” cuvée in red, this wine is a blend based on Cabernet Sauvignon with some Syrah in the mix. Harvested from the oldest vines on the estate (35 years average age) and from several prime parcels, the wine is fermented in stainless steel and is then aged in barrel (a mix of foudres and barriques) for a period of twenty-four to thirty months before bottling. A small percentage of new oak is used. A powerful expression of the garrigue of Provence, this is a sturdy wine with compelling aromatics $14.99

July 23, 2015 at 7 PM at Classic Wine Cellar, 20 Church Street, Waynesville NC - Chilean Dinner. $49.99 per person for a four course Chilean Dinner including live music from Folkmoot Chile group. Reservations required.

 

July 23, 2015 from 7 - 9 PM at Table Wine, 1550 Hendersonville Road, Suite 102, Asheville NC -Seated Wine Tasting – Top Shelf California Wines - 5 an evening of fine wines, intelligent and entertaining discussions, and big savings at our annual Top Shelf California Wines Tasting. You’ll get to sample some of the finer wines from the Golden State at this seated wine tasting. From fresh and zesty whites to rich and creamy Chardonnays and from silky, elegant Pinots to big, full flavored Cabs, you’ll sample some of the finest the Golden State has to offer. $30.

July 24, 2015 from 2 - 7 PM: Asheville  FREE Wine Tasting. Stop by the store any time between 2 and 5 p.m. this for Asheville’s best free wine tasting. This week, pouring a trio of wines from Oregon’s Willamette Valley. Stop by, taste, learn, and save every Friday at Table Wine.

July 25, 2015 from 2 - 5 PM:  Free Wine Tasting in Asheville. Stop by the store any time between 2 and 5 for the best free wine tasting in Asheville. This week pouring a surprise lineup of wines from one of California’s top rising star producers.

July 24, 2015 from 3 - 7 PM at Appalachian Vintner, 745 Biltmore Avenue Suite 121 in Asheville NC: Saturday Wine Tastings. The tasting is free with a purchase of $10 or more.

July 24, 2015 from  4 - 6 PM at  LaBouteille, 10 N Trade St, Suite A Tyon NC - Complimentary Wine Tastings  every Friday.   The last Saturday of each month 4-8 pm is a 10 beers for $10 beer tasting. Bring a dish of food to share.

July 24, 2015 from  2 PM - 5 PM at The Wine Guy, 555 Merimon Ave and 1200 Hendersonville Rd., Asheville NC. FREE Saturday tastings are a great way to sample new favorites in a casual setting. Sample 4 to 6 new wines. Light hors d’ oeuvres will be served and all wines poured will be specially priced

Tasting Rooms:

Biltmore Winery, located on the Biltmore Estate, Asheville NC. Daily tasting and tours with Estate admission. Special events and tastings throughout the year.

Old North State Winery, 308 North Main Street, Mount Airy NC. Tasting room open seven days a week. Reservations are recommended for tastings and tours.  Sample wines and browse the gift shop featuring wine related and gourmet gift items. Thursdays live music at 8 PM. 

RagApple Lassie, 3724 Ragapple Lassie Lane Boonville NC Tours are "on demand" noon to six PM daily. Tastings are available noon to six PM daily and include up to 11 varieties of wine.

Calaboose Cellars, 565 Aquone Road, Andrews NC.  Tasting room summer hours: Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from Noon to 8:00.

South Creek Vineyard and Winery, 2240 South Creek Road, Nebo, NC  Open Wednesdays through Saturdays from 11 AM to 5 PM, Sundays from 1 PM to 5 PM through the year until January 1st. Tastings include the glass & are $6, $7 or $10 depending on the wines you choose. Music events are rain or shine and provided to South Creek Customers at no admission fee, unless it is a stated ticketed event.


Wedge Brewing Company, 125 B Roberts St. in the River Arts District, Asheville NC. Micro-brewery regular Hours: Monday to Thursday 4:00 PM till 10:00 PM, Friday 3:00 PM till 10:00 PM. Live music on select dates and outdoor cinema. 

Greenman Brewery, 23 Buxton Ave., Asheville NC. The tasting room is open seven days a week at 4 o'clock, or maybe earlier.

Mountain Spirits: FREE Beer and Wine Tastings in Asheville

January 30th 5-7pm at Hops and Vines, 797 Haywood Rd, Ste 100 in Asheville NC: Alex Buerckholtz and Howard Brewing FREE TASTING - 2014 Pro-Am winner, Winter White Kolsch. This delicately balanced Kolsch style beer is the results of Howard Brewing Company's first Pro-Am competition. Homebrewer Alex Buerckholtz crafted this example and took home the Best of Show prize. With subtle maltiness and a crisp finish, White Winter Kolsch is proof that not every winter beer needs to be A "Quintuple Extra Imperial Bourbon beer".

The Winter White Kolsch is available only at Hops and Vines in West Asheville in 6 pack cans and on draft. Samples are free,  Pints are $4.  Jason Howard will be on hand to talk about the release of all his year round beers now available in Asheville.

January 31st, 3-6pm: Free Wine Tasting of 3 French Wines.
Dom Antugnac, Chardonnay, 2013 - This organic, uno-oaked Chardonnay is redolent of fresh apple and honey with herbal notes. With a round center, the wine finishes with a crisp acidity and would pair beautifully with shellfish. $14.99
Patience, Merlot, 2013- Forget everything you thought you knew about Merlot! This organic wine is a charmer full of chocolate, ripe plums, coffee and sweet herbs. Super ripe and mineral, this is a wine to turn heads! $14.99
Altitudes, Cotes de Rousillon, 2013- A blend of Carignan, Grenache, and Syrah. Made from roughly equal proportions of its three constituent grapes, this wine exhibits a blend of vibrant fruit, spicy undertones and firm tannins, with characteristic.

10% off all featured bottles on Saturday.

Mountain Spirits: FREE Beer Tasting in Asheville

June 20, 5 PM - 7 PM at Hops and Vines: FREE Green Man Ales tasting including their new seasonal Wayfarer Session IPA - 

Green Man ESB - A malty amber ale boasting rich toasted and caramel flavors, Green Man ESB is an award-winning signature brew. A blend of authentic British malts and hops creates a nutty aroma, full body, and a sweet finish. Prepare yourself for a truly exceptional interpretation of a traditional English style.

Green Man IPA - Delectably hoppy with a properly balanced body. Generous hop additions give it a wonderful bitterness and pleasant floral nose, while the combination of traditional British malts creates a rich, satisfying flavor and alluring copper color. This authentic English-style IPA is Green Mans flagship ale.
Green Man Wayfarer - A crisp, refeshing session IPA, great for warmer weather drinking.

June 21, 3 PM - 6 PM FREE Sake Wine Tasting.  Join Bill from Tryon Distributing to taste 4 unique takes on both American and Japanese sake.

Karatamba-

Ozeki Karatamba is the masterpiece of the Tamba Toji (brewmaster). Their unique brewing method and technique produce this superb, dry and crisp sake. Ozeki Karatamba has a full-bodied, rich taste that feels smooth on the palate. This is the perfect sake to indulge yourself!

Yamadanishiki-

Ozeki Yamadanishiki uses Yamadanishiki rice—the best sake making rice (saka mai). The Yamadanishiki rice has a larger kernel, so even at the high rice polishing rate the rice is left with enough starchy core essential to producing a natural full-bodied flavor. Ozeki Yamadanishiki tastes clean and refreshing with a dry aftertaste. It pairs very well with with dishes such as steak and Teriyaki chicken.

Hana Awaka-

Ozeki Hana Awaka (Sparkling Flower) is a refreshing, fizzy, low-alcohol sake. This light, pleasant bubbly sake is just perfect as brunch and after-work drinks. Ozeki Hana Awaka has a mild sweetness and acidity. Serve very well chilled.

Ozeki Dry-

Ozeki Dry is one of the three sake products that Ozeki first brewed in California in 1979. Ozeki Dry sake is a dry sake with a refreshing fruity flavor and tastes best when served chilled. This is an excellent choice for first time sake drinkers due to its lower alcohol content and smooth taste. It pairs well with chicken, light Asian dishes, sashimi, sushi, and it can be also poured over fresh or grilled oysters to add a flavor. 

Get 10% off all wines featured during this tasting.

Hops and Vines is located at 797 Haywood Rd., Suite 100 in Asheville NC

Mountain Spirits: Asheville Beer Tasting at Brusin' Ales

March 27, 5 PM - 7 PM at Bruisin' Ales, 66 Broadway Street in Downtown Asheville NC:   UK Breweries - Ilkley, Hobsons, Hawkshead.  FREE.

Ilkley Mary Jane IPA: "Multi-award-winning pale ale packed with American hops. Intensely refreshing and satisfying, with surprising balance and body for such a low abv. Mary Jane was named from the character in the Yorkshire folk song OnIlkla Moor Baht'at and is our best-selling beer by a country mile. Hast tha' beena'cooartin Mary Jane?" [3.5% abv]

Hobsons Manor Ale: ""Brewed specially to celebrate Severn Valley Railway's Manor Class steam engines. Severn Valley, one of Britain's finest Heritage Railways, chose Hobsons for its integrity and commitment to its roots in the heart of England. With aromas that reflect fresh grain, hops Manor Ale is a crisp refreshing amber bitter with biscuit overtones." [4.2% abv]

Hobsons Postman's Knock: ""Postman's Knock is a beer offering an intelligent blend of complex ingredients, the rich brown beer with a smooth fine head has a very chocolately character. The combination of subtle flavour notes of vanilla, treacle and roast malt gives an initial rich sweetness leading to a velvety chocolate finish." [4.8% abv]

Hawkshead NZPA: "NZPA is a complex, strong, modern pale ale. It is packed with wild fruit flavours and hoppy aromas. Made using four New Zealand hops: Green Bullet, Riwaka, Motueka & Nelson Sauvin. Matt, our Kiwi Head Brewer's very own personal beer. CAMRA (Silver) Champion Strong Bitter of Cumbria 2012. SIBA North, Bronze medal, Premium Strong Bitters 2011." [6.0% abv]


Hawkhead Brodie's Prime Export: "Previously known as Triple XBP. Extra strength Brodie's Prime. More intense flavour but still velvety smooth. CAMRA (Silver) Champion Barley Wine/Strong Old Ale of Cumbria 2012." [8.5% abv]

Get a link for Brusin' Ales and other Asheville Beer and Breweries on the Asheville NC Visitor Guide.

Mountain Spirits: Oskar Blues Brewery Tasting at Bruisin' Ales in Asheville

March 20, 5 PM - 7 PM at Bruisin' Ales, 66 Broadway Street in Downtown Asheville NC: Welcome to the canned beer revolution! The folks from Oskar Blues WNC will be at Brusin' Ales in-store tonight with samplings their wares for you.

Deviant Dale's: "Deviant Dale's IPA (8 percent ABV, 85 IBUs) was born at the crossroads, in a juke joint, as if Dale's Pale Ale sold its soul to balance Deviant's foreboding aromas of citrus, grapefruit rind and piney resins, its copper ball-of-fire color and inscrutable flavor-intense finish. Deviant is the Devil incarnate with untold amounts of malt and hedonistic Columbus dry-hopping. Oskar Blues delivers this boundary-buster in the brewery's first 16-ounce tallboy can.

G'Knight: "Our Velvet M80 is a hefty, dry hopped double-red ipa with a nose full of aroma, a sticky mouthfeel, a malty middle and unctuous hop flavors. G'Knight sports a surprisingly sensuous finish for a beer of its size (8.7% ABV, 60 IBUs). It's brewed in tribute to a fellow Colorado craft beer pioneer and Vietnam vet who died fighting a 2002 wild fire outside of our Lyons hometown. For all the details behind this tribute follow this link to www.N3978Y.com . G'Mornin'. G'Day. G'Knight."

Gubna: Gubna was bred from Oskar Blues Brewery's hankering to confront 100+ IBUs by cranking up the complexity of hops by pouring Cascade on top of copious amounts of Summit, then balancing that with a backbone of German Dark Munich Malt and Rye Malt. GUBNA's post-fermentation dry-hopping with both hops allows this monstrosity to gently coax the citrus rind and grapefruit aroma while providing a rye malt-induced, spicy-yet-round middle, and a brisk, clean bitter finish (10 percent ABV, 100+ IBUs)

Old Chub: "This jaw-dropping Scottish strong ale (8% ABV) is brewed with bodacious amounts of malted barley and specialty grains, and a dash of beechwood-smoked malt. Old Chub features semi-sweet flavors of cocoa and coffee, and a wee-bit of smoke. A head-turning treat for malt heads and folks who think they don't dig dark beer."

Mountain Spirits: Beer Tasting Tonight at Asheville's Hops and Vines

February 28, 5-7 PM at Hops and Vines, 797 Haywood Rd, Ste 100  in  Asheville NC - FREE Stout Tasting:  Southern Tier Creme Brulee Stout, Southern Tier Chocolate Stout and Pisgah Vortex Imperial Coffee Stout. 

March 1, 3 - 6 PM FREE Wine Tasting: delicious sustainably farmed California Wines. Join Augusta with Fine Wine Distributing as she pours Manifesto!

Manifesto Sauvignon Blanc, 2012- Super floral nose full of lime blossom, ruby red grapefruit, tropical tangerine, honeydew melon and a hint of cut herbs. Big, complex flavors of key lime, and orange Creamsicle, with a bright, lingering finish of tangerine and hints of pineapple.

$11.99

Manifesto Cabernet Sauvignon, 2011- Bright, floral nose of cassis, dark red cherry, and rose petals. Secondary aromas of chocolatey rhubarb with hints of saddle leather and mint. Silky, medium bodied flavors of ripe red cherry, plum and cassis with end notes of rhubarb, red meats, and Baker’s chocolate.

$11.99

Manifesto Zinfandel, 2011- Showcases a high-toned nose of currants, red raspberry, wild strawberry, and Asian spice with a touch of dusty earth. Medium bodied flavors of red raspberry and currant follow through with hints of baking spice, citrus and garrigue. Finishes long and lean.

$11.99

10% off ALL featured bottles of wines on Saturday. 

Find links for more Beer and Wine Tastings on the Asheville NC Visitor Guide.