Sip, Savor, Celebrate

Head up to Highlands and raise your glass in a toast to the tenth anniversary of our beloved annual fest, Highlands Food & Wine! This year marks the return of some crowd-favorite events, plus a few exciting additions — and we’ve got the full scoop. To commemorate ten years of festival magic, Davis Family Vineyards will release a special red blend this fall. Start your pre-fest celebration at the release party, November 6, at High Country Provisions in Highlands.

Ticketholders will kick off their weekend extravaganza on Thursday night, November 13, at the Grand Tasting. Local and regional chefs will fill your bellies, The Psychedlics will have you on your feet, and the wine will flow freely!

On Friday, guests of Smoke Signals will indulge in everything grilled, smoked, charbroiled, or otherwise kissed by fire. Paul McDonald & The Mourning Doves open for bluegrass Americana band Railroad Earth, and a wide range of beer and spirits will have everyone feeling festive.

Later that evening, Vines in the Pines offers a scenic stroll through the Botanical Gardens of the Highlands Biological Station, with tastings and education on organic wines along the way. End the evening with a toast to the stunning sunset view at the lakeside pavilion. Or, head over to the Skyline Lodge for Her Voice, Her Vintage, where AMA-nominated Emerging Artist of the Year, Nikki Lane, will serenade a rapt audience with songs, stories, and cheer. H’ors d’oeuvres and flights of wine will be served.

The Main Event on Saturday packs downtown Highlands with a sold-out block party of epic style and proportion, headlined by Grammy award-winning rock band The Wallflowers. Sample offerings from over 30 chefs and dozens of wines, cocktails, and mocktails. Try not to worry about how your pants will fit on Monday!

Food and Wine attendees — shall we say gladiators — who’ve yet to run out of steam can head over to Rock & Roe on Saturday night to taste and learn about the caviar and roe conjured up by the event’s planning team. Or, be among the first to attend the festival’s brand-new event, and old-time Barn Ramble at Flat Mountain Farm! This event promises to rock your socks off.

Those who are still standing will be relieved to finally sit on Sunday Morning at Shot at Redemption at The Bascom. The Blind Boys of Alabama are back this year to provide soothing southern ambiance while you sip Bloody Marys and munch your brunch. As the festival honors the legacy of Chef Louis Osteen and the scholarship established in his name, acclaimed Chef Dickie Brennan joins the Old Edwards culinary team to serve up a feast to remember.

Tickets to Smoke Signals, Vines in the Pines, and Barn Ramble are still available! Go to highlandsfoodandwine.com to learn more. See you there!