The Highlands Food & Wine Festival – A Celebration of Flavor and Community

Every November, the Highlands Food & Wine Festival transforms the North Carolina mountains into a haven of taste, music, and togetherness. This year’s festival didn’t just deliver incredible culinary and musical experiences — it brought people together to make a difference.

A Culinary Adventure The journey began with the Grand Tasting on Thursday, where festival-goers savored dishes like Chef Mark Bolchoz Jr.’s award-winning Radiatori Nero with Blue Crab and Chef Rachel Lewicki’s vibrant Seared Ahi Tuna & Zesty Asian Salad. Chef Aaron Kulzer’s Field Pea Sauté earned rave reviews, and Sophie Delany’s Autumn Harvest Mac & Cheese from One Wicker Cheese Co. was a comforting crowd-pleaser.

Friday’s Truckin’ event added a fun, casual touch, featuring local food trucks that showcased creative bites under the crisp mountain sky. On Saturday, the Main Event turned Main Street into a feast for the senses. Culinary standouts like Montgomery Sky Farm’s Mole Manchamantel Short Rib impressed not only with flavor but also with their commitment to hurricane relief. Chef Masa Hamaya’s Hamachi Sushi and Chef Katsuji Tanabe’s whimsical Butternut Squash Soup with Cotton Candy were also unforgettable.

More Than a Festival Sunday’s A Shot at Redemption proved that the festival isn’t just about indulgence — it’s about impact. By donating $125 per ticket to organizations like the Highlands Emergency Council and Southern Smoke Foundation, the event turned culinary celebration into community action. Attendees were encouraged to contribute further through QR codes placed around the festival, amplifying the impact.

Mountain Melodies Music played a key role in setting the tone for the festival. Artists like Greensky Bluegrass, Wilder Woods, and Lee Fields delivered performances that had everyone dancing and singing along, uniting the crowd in moments of pure joy.

Plan Your Highlands Adventure The Highlands Food & Wine Festival is more than a weekend of indulgence — it’s a chance to connect, give back, and experience the magic of the mountains. If you’re ready to explore life in this vibrant region, pack your bags and your sense of adventure — Highlands awaits.