Nestled high in the majestic mountains of North Carolina, the Highlands Food & Wine festival is a culinary celebration that could make even the staunchest flatlander believe in the magic of high-altitude indulgence. Held annually in November, this festival is not just an event — it's a tradition. With a backdrop of the stunning Highlands-Cashiers Plateau at 4118 feet, it celebrates fabulous food, exquisite wine, and world-class music that beckons festival-goers from near and far.
The Highlands Food & Wine 2024 festival was a feast for the senses. Over four days, attendees were treated to a plethora of events designed to delight every palate and ear. The VIP Weekender offered an unparalleled experience with exclusive tastings and intimate performances, setting the tone for a memorable weekend. For those who live for the thrill of discovery, the Grand Tasting on Thursday night was a must. Here, we savored the creations of acclaimed chefs and sample wines that dance on the tongue like the melodies of a favorite song.
Standout culinary offerings at the Grand Tasting included Chef Mark Bolchoz Jr.'s Radiatori Nero with Blue Crab, which earned the "Best Bite of the Night." At the same time, The Secret Garden's Chef Rachel Lewicki impressed attendees with a Seared Ahi Tuna & Zesty Asian Salad, bringing local flair to the forefront. Chef Aaron Kulzer from Trailborn wowed with a Field Pea Sauté, our editor's favorite dish of the night, and Sophie Delany's Autumn Harvest Mac & Cheese from One Wicker Cheese Co.'s debut was a delightful addition.
Friday's Truckin' event was a laid-back affair, where the taste of artisan food trucks mingles with the crisp mountain air. Local favorites like The Stubborn Bull and Crafty Goat contributed to the relaxed yet delicious atmosphere. It's the perfect prelude to Saturday's Main Event, a culinary takeover of Main Street itself. This is where the festival truly shines, with various flavors and sounds that create a symphony of sensory delight.
The Main Event featured culinary masterpieces such as Montgomery Sky Farm's Mole Manchamantel Short Rib, which not only tantalized taste buds but also highlighted their community contributions. Since Hurricane Helene devastated Western North Carolina, they have fed over 3,500 people scratch-made hot meals. Other highlights included Chef Masa Hamaya's Hamachi Sushi from O-Ku and the sensory delight of Chef Katsuji Tanabe's Butternut Squash Soup with Cotton Candy from Flour & Barrel.
But the festivities don't just end with a taste; they crescendo with A Shot at Redemption on Sunday. This grand finale is more than just a party — it's a chance to give back. Jack Austin, board member of Highlands Festivals, Inc., passionately expressed this sentiment at Thursday's Grand Tasting event.
"The Highlands Festival's Board of Directors wanted to do something about [the impact of Hurricane Helene], so we've turned our Sunday event, A Shot at Redemption, into a benefit to raise funds for a number of organizations that are hands-on, boots on the ground, doing yeoman's work to fill the greatest needs, not just here in Highlands, but in the counties surrounding us that were so severely damaged by the winds and waters of that hurricane."
With $125 from every ticket sold going to support local organizations such as BeLoved Asheville and the Highlands Food Pantry, the festival not only fills hearts and bellies but also fuels the spirit of community support. Austin urged attendees to "look for the QR codes… [and] make a significant contribution in a way that will seriously matter to our friends and neighbors in the Southern Appalachians."
Musical performances are the heartbeat of Highlands Food & Wine, with artists like Greensky Bluegrass, Wilder Woods, and Lee Fields gracing the stage. Their performances are the threads that weave together the fabric of this vibrant festival, each note echoing against the mountains and drawing people together in shared joy and appreciation.
As the sun sets over the Plateau, painting the sky with hues only nature could create, the atmosphere is electric. Laughter mingles with the aroma of smoked delicacies and the cadence of music, creating a tapestry of community and celebration. It's a reminder that the best experiences are those shared with friends, old and new, bound together by the shared love of food, wine, and the stories they tell.
The Highlands Food & Wine Festival is a story written in flavors, sounds, and shared moments. Whether you're a seasoned festival-goer or a curious newcomer, this experience promises to enchant, inspire, and invite you back year after year. So, pack your bags and your sense of adventure — Highlands awaits.
For every ticket to the Highlands Food & Wine Festival’s “Shot at Redemption” event, Highlands Festivals, Inc. donated $125 to a designated relief fund that will benefit the following organizations. It's not too late to donate! Click on the links to learn more about these incredible organizations and contribute today.
- BeLoved Asheville
- Equal Plates Project
- Highlands Emergency Council
- Highlands Food Pantry
- Southern Smoke Foundation
