The Highlands Food & Wine Festival is back and inviting guests to enjoy a culinary experience on the Highlands Plateau from November 7-10, 2024. As always, this year’s event promises to be an Elevation Celebration, where attendees can enjoy delicious food and drinks while listening to great music. 

The weekend kicks off with the Grand Tasting, an exclusive event showcasing the talents of world-class chefs from the Cashiers-Highlands Plateau and beyond. Guests will indulge in small plates while sampling a variety of red, white, and sparkling wines from around the world. Craft cocktails and local brews will also be available, making this the perfect way to start the festivities. Additionally, a portion of each ticket sold will support Highlands Festivals’ charitable beneficiaries, with receipts provided upon request.

As the weekend progresses, head to Kelsey-Hutchinson Park for Truckin' on Friday afternoon. This lively event includes a range of innovative food trucks and vendors serving up tasty dishes that pair perfectly with craft cocktails and a selection of local brews. The “Highway to Ale” area will provide tastings from various craft breweries, adding to the festive spirit. Like the Grand Tasting, part of the ticket sales will benefit local charities, highlighting the festival's commitment to supporting the community.

On Saturday, November 9, from 12pm to 3:30pm, foodies and wine lovers will gather for The Main Event on Highlands’ Main Street. This special gathering offers the ultimate oyster roast, small plates from esteemed chefs, and a selection of craft cocktails, cold brews, and fantastic wines. Tickets for this event are $325 per person, plus a donation to charitable partners, with additional taxes and fees applicable. Attendees can look forward to an unforgettable afternoon of delicious food and drink in a vibrant atmosphere.

On Sunday, November 10, festival-goers are invited to participate in “A Shot at Redemption,” a special Sunday brunch inspired by Paul Simon’s classic song “You Can Call Me Al.” This meaningful event aims to raise funds for local relief organizations, with $125 from every ticket sold going to important community initiatives, including the Highlands Emergency Council, Highlands Food Pantry, BeLoved Asheville, Equal Plates Project, and Southern Smoke Foundation. Attendees can look forward to announcements about special guests and event partners leading up to the festival. For those unable to attend but wanting to contribute, donations can be made directly to the HFW Hurricane Relief Fund, ensuring that all funds go directly to those in need.

 Be sure to grab tickets before they are gone and prepare for an unforgettable Elevation Celebration! For more details on reservations and ticketing, guests should reach out to highlandsfoodandwine.com.