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Items filtered by date: August 2023

Saturday, 30 September 2023 14:43

Another 5 Star Review for Cat!

DSC04807
Another 5 Star Review for Cat from GR:
"Metro has a great selection and Kat was so nice and helpful!
We described what we wanted and she took us right to it!"
Saturday, 30 September 2023 13:07

Wine Pairing Dinner at Blackbird

black bird
News Release: Saturday, September 30, 2023
About: A Harvest Farm Dinner: Wine Pairing Evening at Blackbird

The Blackbird Presents A Harvest Farm Dinner with Metro Wines and Juniper Cooper of Johnson Brothers/Mutual Distributing of North Carolina.
Please join us on Monday, October 23rd  at The Blackbird, 47 Biltmore Ave in downtown Asheville, for a special dinner to celebrate the harvest season and highlight our local farm partners. 
 
Each course has been designed by Executive Chef and Owner, Michael Reppert and carefully paired with a wine  selection from sustainably certified, family-led wineries from around the world. In addition, we are fortunate enough to be joined by several of our local farm partners who will talk about their journeys and experiences/farming ethos with the courses that feature their products.
 
The evening begins at 6:30pm with a Bubbly Welcome Pour paired with an amuse and will then continue with 4 courses, dessert, and their wines.
-Apple Goat Cheese Amuse with Cuvee Francoise Cremant de Limoux Brut
 
*** MENU ***
1st Course
- Local Pear Salad with Walnut, Creamy Pear Vinaigrette
   paired with Ceretto Langhe Arneis Blange 2021
2nd Course
-Malinak Farms Candied Roaster Squash Bisque (Speaker: Rama Malinak- Malinak Farms)
  paired with Shaya Habis Old Vine Verdejo 2018
3rd Course
-Gourmet Mountain Mushroom Risotto (Speaker: Tony Buckner- Gourmet Mountain Mushrooms)
paired with Donald Patz Maritana Russian River Valley Pinot Noir "Le Russe" 2020
4th Course
-Braised Brasstown Beef, Local Autumn Root Vegetables (Speaker: Garrett Osburn- Brasstown Beef)
    paired with Shatter Cotes Catalanes Old Vine Grenache 2021
Dessert
-Apple Crumb Cake, Housemade Ice Cream
paired with Paula Kornell California Brut
 
Monday, October 23rd at 6:30pm
The evening is $125 (non-inclusive of tax and gratuity) and the wines will be available the same week through Metro Wines. Seating is limited so please reserve your seat by calling 828-254-2502 or online at https://theblackbirdrestaurant.com/reservations/
 
We look forward to seeing you there and sharing this special evening.
***********************************************************************
Gina Trippi: Contact for MetroWines
Charlotte Street! It's the Next BIG Thing!
"Big Shop Selection. Small Shop Service"
(828) 575-9525
 
Friday, 29 September 2023 11:03

An Evening in Bordeaux

60s couple
 
New Release: Friday, September 29, 2023
About: French Wine Pairing Dinner
 
Please join us on Thursday, November 2nd, 6:30pm, at Engaged in Reynolds Village, for "An Evening in Bordeaux!" Chef Sam Etheridge will prepare a true French dinner with wines paired by Importer Jean-Christian Rostagni. Chef Sam Etheridge will be available to take your questions about the menu and Importer Jean-Christian Rostagni will pour the wines and discuss pairing food and wine!
 
*** MENU ***       
                                                                                          

Chateau Vignol, Entre Deux Mers 2022, Château la Fleur des Pins Blanc 2019, Château Léhoul Graves Supérieures 2020

Lemon Pepper oysters served 3 ways

Chateau Haut-Bergeron Sauternes 2013

Foie Gras torchon, fennel apple chutney, little gem salad, 

cider vinaigrette

Chateau Coulonge Malbec 2016, Château houl Grand Vin de Graves 2019, Château Le Chatelet St. Emilion Grand Cru Classé 2018

Duck confit terrine, cherry bordelaise, winter squash, garlic greens

Château Haut-Bergeron 2016 Sauternes

Blue Cheese cheesecake, poached pear, spiced honey syrup, pecan crumble

"Please reserve your seats early," says John Kerr of MetroWines, "The very mention of Chef Sam Etheridge and Importer Jean-Christian Rostagni, creates a buzz that guarantees a sell out!"

The evening is $95 plus tax. You must cancel 48 hours in advance for a full refund. A Link to buy tickets will be posted next week. Until that time, please call (828) 575-9525 to reserve your seats.
***********************************************************************
Gina Trippi: Contact for Metrowines
Charlotte Street! It's the Next BIG Thing!
"Big Shop Selection. Small Shop Service"
(828) 575-9525
Monday, 25 September 2023 10:17

Trick or Tarot

tarot cards

News Release: Monday, September 25, 2023

About: Ciao Asheville Event: Trick or Tarot? The History of Tarot in Italy

Tarot cards originated in northern Italy during the late 14th or early 15th century. They began as illustrated playing cards with imaginative themes and were used for a leisurely card game called tarocchi, which became popular in Europe. Tarocchi eventually became tarot in southern France and around the mid 18th century decks started to be used for divination and fortune telling while also being infused with a layer of the occult. In modern times you'll find a never-ending variety of designs and themes for tarot cards, from French Impressionism to Star Wars.

Just in time for Halloween, join Ciao Asheville and local teacher, folklorist and book author H. Byron Ballard as she discusses the history of tarot and how cards are interpreted (is drawing the Death card always a bad thing?) She'll also do some sample card interpretations for attendees. 

This event will take place on Thursday, October 26, from 5-6pm at Metro Wines, 169 Charlotte Street, Asheville. Price for the evening is $20 + tax and includes a glass of red or white Italian wine. Register online here and find out more information about this event here. (Note: registration refundable up to 48 hours prior to the event.) For more information call Metro Wines at (828) 575-9525.

Note for attendees: Please park at the back of the parking lot at Metro Wines. 

Contacts:
Ciao Asheville: Gail Rampersaud, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Metro Wines: Gina Trippi, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Saturday, 23 September 2023 14:29

Wine Dinner at Market Place!

dissen
News Release: September 23rd
Re: Dinner at Market Place with Haw River Wine Man and MetroWines
 
Please join us on November 8th at 6:30pm at Market Place, 20 Wall Street in Asheville, with Mike Tiano of Haw River Wine Man for an Innovative Wine Pairing Dinner! To be certain that all guests can interact with the food and wine staff, seating is limited. 
 
"The Market Place has been a fixture in downtown Asheville since 1979. Though its beginnings rose in the streams and mountains of western North Carolina – a place of mountain trout and small farms – it also has a hand and heart inspired by traditions far from our borders. This mélange of local food prepared with other worldly traditions of the table may have helped the Market Place garner national attention but the keen reverence for the heritage and roots of Appalachia has always remained at the center of what we do."
 
You will be greeted with a Sparkling Wine, Domaine Thet Sparkling Chenin Blanc Loire, FR NV
 
1st Course
Wood Roasted NC Oysters (2-3 ea.), lemon peppermash butter, caviar, chervil
paired with Garofoli Verdicchio "Supera" Le Marche IT 2022

2nd Course
Slow Roasted Acorn Squash, farro piccolo, braised rainbow chard, miso parmesan crema paired with Gilles Paris Beaujolais Chiroubles "Les Genets" FR 2021

3rd Course
Maitake Rubbed Beef Short Rib, flowering cauliflower, marigold, cabernet jus
paired with Paolo Conterno Barolo "Riva del Bric" IT 2018
 
Dessert
Pecan Tart, bourbon, shortbread crust, cinnamon brown butter ice cream, preserved raspberries paired with Coffele Recioto di Soave IT 2020
 
The evening is $125 (includes gratuity) plus tax. Please reserve your seat by calling (828) 252-4162 or online for November 8th at 6:30 here: 
https://www.opentable.com/booking/experiences-availability?rid=82936&restref=82936&experienceId=200624&utm_source=external&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=shared&covers=2&dateTime=2023-11-08T18:00:00
 
Wine purchased will be available the next day @MetroWines.
***************************************************
Contact for MetroWines: Gina Trippi
Charlotte Street! It's the Next BIG Thing!
"Big Shop Selection. Small Shop Service"
(828) 575-9525
Thursday, 21 September 2023 14:39

Tarot or Trick?

byron
 

Event title: Trick or Tarot? The History of Tarot in Italy

Tarot cards originated in northern Italy during the late 14th or early 15th century. They began as illustrated playing cards with imaginative themes and were used for a leisurely card game called tarocchi, which became popular in Europe. Tarocchi eventually became tarot in southern France and around the mid 18th century decks started to be used for divination and fortune telling while also being infused with a layer of the occult. In modern times you'll find a never-ending variety of designs and themes for tarot cards, from French Impressionism to Star Wars.

Just in time for Halloween, join Ciao Asheville and local teacher, folklorist and book author H. Byron Ballard as she discusses the history of tarot and how cards are interpreted (is drawing the Death card always a bad thing?) She'll also do some sample card interpretations for attendees.

This event will take place on Thursday, October 26, from 5-6pm at Metro Wines, 169 Charlotte Street, Asheville. Price for the evening is $20 + tax and includes a glass of red or white Italian wine. Light snacks will be served. Register online here https://metro-wines.shoplightspeed.com/ciao-tarot-card-event.html.  (Note: registration refundable up to 48 hours prior to the event.) For more information call Metro Wines at (828) 575-9525.

Note for attendees: Please park at the back of the parking lot at Metro Wines.


About H. Byron Ballard

H. Byron Ballard, BA, MFA, is a western NC native, teacher, folklorist and writer. She has served as a featured speaker and teacher at Sacred Space Conference, Pagan Spirit Gathering, Southeast Wise Women’s Herbal Conference, Glastonbury Goddess Conference, Heartland, Sirius Rising, Starwood, Scottish Pagan Federation Conference, Hexfest and other festivals and conferences. She serves as senior priestess and co-founder of Mother Grove Goddess Temple and the Coalition of Earth Religions/CERES, both in Asheville, NC. She podcasts about Appalachian folkways on “Wyrd Mountain Gals.”


Her essays are featured in several anthologies and she writes a regular column for SageWoman Magazine. Her books include “Staubs and Ditchwater” (2012), the companion volume “Asfidity and Mad-Stones” (2015) “Embracing Willendorf” (2017), “Earth Works: Ceremonies in Tower Time” (2018),“Roots, Branches, and Spirits: the Folkways and Witchery of Appalachia” from Llewellyn (Feb. 2021) and “Seasons of a Magical Life: a Pagan Path of Living” (Weiser, August 2021). Upcoming: “The Ragged Wound: Tending the Soul of Appalachia” (Smith Bridge Press), “Porch Food: a cookbook from Wyrd Mountain” and a musical adaptation of A Midsummer Night’s Dream. www.myvillagewitch.com

Thursday, 21 September 2023 08:36

My Favorite Neighbor Wines and tasting

favorite neighbor logo
The Story:
 
Eric Jensen is the Farmer-Winemaker at Booker Vineyard. Named 2022 Paso Robles Wine Industry Person of the Year, he is well know for championing the Paso Robles AVA, it's wines, people and community. The Booker Vineyard wines have been recognized with the highest of accolades from all publications and industry notables. In addition, he is a founding supporter of the Juan Nevarez Memorial Scholarship Fund, which provides academic opportunities to children of vineyard and winery works. Booker Vineyard obtained organic certification in 2021 and Eric is carrying that mission to all his family of wines. Booker Wines have achieved cult-status and are highly sought after and allocated. There will be a limited amount of a surprise pour of one of the newly relased Booker wines as well as the line up from his other two projects, My Favorite Neighbor and Harvey and Harriet.
My Favorite Neighbor Wines were created to honor Eric's mentor and friend, Stephan Asseo of L'Aventure Winery. Stephan was instrumental in Eric's journey as a wine maker and the My Favorite Neighbor Wines pay hommage to Stephan's Bordeaux roots.It should also be noted that Stephan gave himself the title of Eric's "favorite neighbor" and introduces himself as such.
 
The wines are meant to be shared with friends and family, wherever life might find you. Harvested from Paso Robles vineyards that hold true to Eric and Stephan's commitment to responsible farming practices and community support. The Cabernet is a gorgeous culmination of black cherry, cassis and warm spice with well-integrated tannins. The Chardonnay is a complex representation of the region, notes of Meyer lemon, nutmeg, Asian pear and a long mineral finish. Both wines are perfect for the sharing with company during upcoming season, special occasions and an everyday treat for these busy times.
My Favorite Neighbor Cabernet 2020- 95 pts Robert Parker/WA, 94pts James Suckling
My Favorite Neighbor Chardonnay 2021- 97pts WA, 93pts James Suckling
Harvey and Harriet Wines are the eponymous labels created for Eric's parents. As the Booker Vineyard wines garnered ever higher ratings and commanded commensurate price points, Eric's salt of the earth parents felt like they could not afford the wines (although I am sure he would have just given it to them!). So Eric developed two Bordeaux inspired blends that are sourced from his favorite vineyard sites and barrels but are at a price point that his parents were more comfortable with. Thoughtful, delicious, cult-style wine that can land on everyone's dinner table.
 
The Red is a blend that is crafted for ultimate drinkability with attention to the specific nature that Paso Robles lends to the wine. Bold with bramble fruit, baking spices and savory elements, sure to be a crowd pleaser and a go-to selection. The White is a fun, unique blend with unexpected notes of tangerine, honeydew and nutmeg cream with a refreshing acidity. It will pair well with many fall/winter dishes but is sublime for a glass all on its own.
Harvey and Harriet Red 2020- 93pts James Suckling, 91pts Robert Parker/WA
Harvey and Harriet White 2021- 95pts Robert Parker/WA
Each of these wines have consistently achieved top ratings and accolades from the industry's top critics.
https://www.myfavoriteneighbor.com/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=paid&utm_campaign=conversion&utm_content=search&utm_term=brand&gclid=CjwKCAjwsKqoBhBPEiwALrrqiHyZuyBGryijLsLfz3xGdxCQgm6EZzOQ5IApRL9MclWfesZ_9vyyehoCkn0QAvD_BwE
https://harveyandharriet.com/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=paid&utm_campaign=conversion&utm_content=search&utm_term=brand&gad=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwsKqoBhBPEiwALrrqiBjU6DbkU1IU4v3sWFtijyqcPwSuG5TOLPgoQgH0tA-w5af_Us7H9hoCNb8QAvD_BwE
Saturday, 16 September 2023 15:53

Another 5 Star Review for Kristen!

greyhound heart flowers
 
"I loved working with Kristen while planning a family wedding!
She was always quick to respond
and made picking out the wine a fun experience.
Everyone I have been in contact with has been upbeat and helpful.
I’ll be shopping here regularly from now on!