Items filtered by date: March 2025

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

Tarot cards originated in northern Italy during the late 14th or early 15^th 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

I am writing to you with a heavy heart, and letting you know that I will be leaving Metro Wines. I have an opportunity to be the Director of Operations for a real estate investment company that will be a game changing opportunity for me and my family. We will be staying here in Asheville for this opportunity.

Leading the team here at Metro Wines has been one of the highlights of my career. I have made so many amazing connections that I hope last a lifetime. I will never forget my Metro family of vendors, customers and colleagues. 

A special thanks to John and Gina for letting me be apart of their business for almost 5 years.

Thank you for everything and remember... life is too short to drink bad wine, so keep supporting Metro Wines!

Zach Eidson

News Release: Friday, August 4, 2023

About:          Ciao Asheville Event: Volcano Wines!

Italian wines are revered throughout the world for their beautiful qualities as well as their distinctive taste. So what makes them so unique? The secret begins in the depths of the earth, brought to the surface by the extinct and active volcanos found throughout Italy’s landscape. And it’s not just the wine. Tomatoes would not have become the global culinary favorite without volcanic soil.

Ciao Asheville and John Kerr of Metro Wines team up to discuss what makes Italian volcano wines so unique. This event will take place on Wednesday, September 20, 2023, from 5-6pm at Metro Wines, 169 Charlotte Street, Asheville. 

John will discuss how volcanos produce the world’s best wines and how volcanos create the excellent conditions needed for the varied and complex flavors found in many Italian wines. You’ll also find out how volcanos helped produce Italy’s vast number of grape varietals, over 1,500 throughout the peninsula. And you’ll learn how to recognize these flavors as you taste volcano wines throughout the presentation.

We’ll present 4 volcano wines for tasting: a white and red from Mt. Etna in Sicily and a white and red from Mt. Vesuvius near Naples. 

Price for the evening is $15 + tax (refundable up until 48 hours prior to the event), which includes the tasting and talk by John. Light snacks will be served. Register online here. 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.

Letter to the Editor – Wine Time? Shop Local!

Your Sunday, July 9 “Wine Time” article didn’t mention that Asheville has the absolute best wine clubs right here. There are at least three in town. Ours has all of the pros and none of the cons listed for the national clubs you mentioned. But your article missed one con we don’t have and two pros we do have. Con: all of these national clubs have expensive shipping fees. If they say there are no fees, trust me, it’s coming out of the quality of the wine. And the two pros: local clubs are a better value, and all of your club dollars stay in Asheville and support your community. So, consider the local clubs before sending your dollars out of town and NC.

John Kerr, co-owner, Metro Wines

News Release: June 4, 2023

About: Learning the Language of Your Dreams @MetroWines 

“Dreams are pure nature,” says Swiss psychiatrist and psychoanalyst Carl Jung. On Sunday, July 16th from 2-3:30 at Engaged in Reynolds Village, Tayria Ward, Ph.D, takes us through the beginnings of learning how to understand our dreams. "Nature is offering us this gift, let’s listen!" says Tayria. 

Tayria tells us that dreams provide profound, practical, useful and healing insights, designed by the psyche to communicate what we need to know now.  Learning the language of your dreams is a powerful tool not only for self-development and self-awareness, but for learning about the multi-layered world we live within. "I help individuals to learn this language and understand the value presented to them regularly in their nightly visions," says Tayria. 

 At this event, hosted by Metro Wines, Tayria will share a brief lecture offering insights into how to develop a relationship with your dreams, explaining why they are important, and giving a brief history of dreamwork. Bring your questions and bring your dreams, as the rest of the time will be spent interacting with those who attend. 

About Tayria: 

Tayria Ward has a Ph.D. in Depth Psychology. She lives in Asheville, NC, where she has a private practice offering dream analysis, psychological and spiritual mentorship to clients from all parts of the world. Tayria has worked intensively with her own dreams and those of others for nearly 50 years, and for nearly 30 years has been an avid student of indigenous ways of knowing and being. She conducts a monthly Global Community Dream Symposium wherein persons from all over the world come to share their dreams and listen to the collective dreaming mind. Tayria also teaches to a wide audience in regular interviews and lectures.  

One of her major tools to restore and improve health psychologically, emotionally, physically, socially and environmentally is focusing upon the messages consistently coming through in dreams. "Dreams are the language of the soul," says Carl Jung. Tayria has also studied world religions for many years, worked intensively with shamans from Africa and a variety of other traditions, and studied the theories of Carl Jung including completing her doctorate in Depth Psychology. Tayria worked for many years in analysis of her own dreams with some of the finest Jungian analysts. She is uniquely qualified to assist persons on an in-depth spiritual and psychological quest. https://tayriaward.com 

The event is $15 and includes a presentation on learning the language of dreams by Tayria Ward, questions and answers, and a glass of wine and light snacks. Reserve your seat by calling (828) 575-9525 or online here: https://metrowinesasheville.com/events.

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Contact for MetroWines: Gina Trippi

Metro Wines Asheville

Charlotte Street! It's the Next BIG Thing!

"Big Shop Selection. Small Shop Service"

(828) 575-9525

   Low Alcohol wines are becoming scarce. What’s up? The temperature! Scorching heat waves and other climate-driven calamities have ruined harvests in Europe, North America, Australia and elsewhere.  Parts of Bordeaux are burning, Chile continues to battle devastating wine country fires and it seems California fights fire in vineyards on a daily basis.

   Red wines produced in Bordeaux, Tuscany, Piedmont and California had higher alcohol between 2010 and 2019 than registered in the 1990s. Climate change is the catalyst. Winemakers are trying to harness the alcohol through the timing of the harvest. The longer the grapes hang on the vines, the more intense the sugar and, hence, the alcohol level. But, winemakers explain, you cannot control the alcohol by simply picking grapes earlier. For example, if you harvest cabernet sauvignon grapes early to achieve a lower alcohol content, you risk producing a tart wine with heavier vegetal flavors such as green pepper.

   ABV or ALC, indicates alcohol by volume. The amount of alcohol in a container is shown as a percentage of the overall volume of the drink. And don’t think you can lower the ABV by aging the bottle! ABV is not affected by age as the sugars have already converted to alcohol. But the taste of the alcohol may become smoother and more understated giving the impression that the volume has been reduced. The percentage of alcohol in a wine bottle is is posted on the label, usually marked ALC.

   Wines with higher alcohol levels are rounder and richer in texture offering deeper and more concentrated flavors and often seem sweeter to the palate. Some wineries aim for this style as these higher alcohol wines tend to score higher points from the critics. That said, many wineries, particularly mass produced nationwide brands actually aim for this style! But if this is not the style you want, we can help!

   Metro Wines has assembled a list of low alcohol wines and can direct you to bottles from around the world to meet your menu or event.

   Alois Lageder Schiava is 11.5% alcohol. This bottle, due to its versatility and popularity has been a Thanksgiving tradition at Metro Wines. Schiava is a grape variety native to Trentino-Alto Adige, in northern Italy. Historically known for producing light-bodied and lighter-colored wines, the grape is light and tart with aromas of strawberry, raspberry, rose, lemon and smoke and boasts a spicy black pepper backbone that helps it pair nicely with heavier and spicier foods, even Thai Chili Basil!

   Also from Alois Lageder is an organic Pinot Grigio at 12% alcohol. Brilliant straw yellow with a green shimmer in the glass. The nose is pronounced and expressive aromas with flowery and somewhat spicy notes. And the palate presents rich flavors with a slight smokiness and a strong, fresh finish.

   An all around good choice for summer, low alcohol wines have a lower calorie count and tend to pair better with food!

For immediate release: June 1st 2023

Introducing “wine please”!

MetroWines presents a new, convenient way to deliver wine to your home or work by just texting us “wine please.” This fast and easy service is an Asheville first that combines selection, service and convenience. Text two words, just two, and wine shows up at your door!

It’s easy to use. First, set up your account at MetroWinesAsheville.com/wine-please. In the profile, tell us the price and style of wine you prefer. As always, Metro Wines offers a 15% discount on case purchases. 

Now, order your wine any time by just texting us “wine please” at 828-575-9525. Our team of wine professionals will select wines that match your preferences at the average bottle price you want. And we’ll deliver it to your door within 24 hours. It’s that easy!

Why “wine please”? “We understand the changing landscape," says Zach Eidson, General Manager @MetroWines. "Convenience is king. This service works for customers who prefer to shop online, customers who are too busy, too tired or just want someone to shop for them! Our driver, Lou, will carry the wine in and even fill your wine rack if you wish. That's more convenient than Amazon,” Eidson says. 

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Zach Eidson
General Manager
Metro Wines
(p) 828.575.9525
(m) 828.200.5133

News Release: Monday, May 8, 2023

About:  Ciao Asheville Event

Taste and Talk Series: Art and Wine 

Can art affect and inform winemakers and their philosophy about making their wines and how they want the public to perceive those wines? The answer is definitely yes!

This is an Asheville FIRST! Ciao Asheville and Metro Wines team up with Sarah Newman, art historian and Certified Sommelier with Volio Imports, to discuss the symbiosis between art and wine. This event will take place on Tuesday, June 13, 5:30pm, at Engaged Asheville Event Space, 41 N Merrimon Ave #107, Asheville, NC 28804.

Sarah just returned from a whirlwind trip to Italy, making her way from Piemonte to Sicily, visiting a number of winemakers, and will discuss their favorite artists and the various ways that art fuses with wine. 

This event will include a talk by Sarah while everyone tastes 6 Italian wines:

Fantinel Sun Goddess, Prosecco Brut

Berlucchi, Franciacorta Brut Rosé 61

Ilatium Morini (Latium), Soave (2020)

Val delle Rose, Vermentino Litorale (2021)

Rivetto, Langhe Nebbiolo (2020)

Tenuta Argentiera, Bolgheri Poggio Ai Ginepri Rosso (2021)

This is a great opportunity to enjoy the sensory experience of these wonderful Italian wines while Sarah discusses the winemakers’ philosophies, the journey behind the bottle, and lots of “inside information” about these wines and the marriage of art and wine.   

Price for the evening is $40 + tax (refundable up until 48 hours prior to the event), which includes the tasting and talk by Sarah. Light snacks will be served. Register online here. For more information call Metro Wines at (828) 575-9525.

All wines featured can be purchased at event pricing this night only.

More about Sarah Newman:

After graduating from Duke in 2007 with an A.B. in Visual Art and Art History, Sarah Newman moved to New York to pursue her masters at Sotheby’s Institute of Art. It was a part-time job at a wine bar while in graduate school where Sarah was first bitten with the wine bug. Her New York restaurant experience includes such iconic places as P.J. Clarke’s, Oceana, Felidias and Artisanal Bistro. While in New York, Sarah also began pursuing wine education. She became a Certified Sommelier (Court of Master Sommeliers) in 2013 and passed with merit the advanced exam for Wine and Spirits Education trust. She is now pursuing the WSET Diploma, completion of which will make her eligible to become a candidate for Master of Wine (MS).  

Here in North Carolina, Sarah worked as a sommelier at the Angus Barn before discovering wine distribution. After working with over 85 restaurants in Durham, Sarah became the Regional Sales Director for Volio Imports and now represents her portfolio in over 10 states, including North Carolina. She is delighted to share her love of Italian wine in her home state.  

   More about the wines:

* Fantinel Sun Goddess, Prosecco Brut

Region: Veneto, Italy
Appellation: Prosecco

Appearance: straw-yellow with citrine glints. Nose: intense and extremely elegant, giving off fruity aromas recalling especially apple, pear and peach. Palate: a creamy essence and a velvety flavor, revealing a structured body rich in volume and smoothness. Acidity is pleasant and perfectly balanced, for a freshness feeling and a delightful after-taste.

* Berlucchi, Franciacorta Brut Rosé 61

Region: Lombardy, Italy
Grapes: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir
Appellation: Franciacorta

Wine Enthusiast – 92 Points. A Wine Spectator “Top 100”. “Bright and savory, this refreshing, polished sparkler boasts alluring aromas of juicy raspberry, wild cherry, baking spice and a whiff of bread crust. The inviting aromas follow over to the vibrant palate along with a continuous refined perlage. A tangy candied nectarine note closes the finish.” – K.O. 9/12/2017

* Ilatium Morini (Latium), Soave (2020)

Region: Veneto, Italy
Grapes: Garganega, Trebbiano di Soave
Appellation: Soave
Fresh and very persistent on the palate, a finish with delicate hints of bitter almonds typical of Soave. It is ideal at any time of day. 

* Val delle Rose, Vermentino Litorale (2021)

Region: Tuscany, Italy
Grape: Vermentino
Color: Straw-yellow, with light gold reflections. Bouquet: Intense, fruit-forward aromas that suggest tropical fruits. Taste: Fresh, crisp with well-balanced acids, and an assertive finish. 

* Rivetto, Langhe Nebbiolo (2020)

Region: Piedmont, Italy
Grape: Nebbiolo
Appellation: Langhe

An extremely pleasing and drinkable wine and although it has a high alcohol grade this never overpowers its fruity character. Its red color has Bordeaux reflections and the slow trickle from the edge of the glass confirms its optimal concentration and good body. The palate is caressed by a smooth tannin content typical of the Nebbiolo grape and by a warm and enveloping flavor. 

* Tenuta Argentiera, Bolgheri Poggio Ai Ginepri Rosso (2021)

Region: Tuscany, Italy
Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot
Appellation: Bolgheri

This Bolgheri DOC is composed of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot vinified separately and extracted by soft pressing. A nice wine with defined structure and pronounced concentration. The wine’s olfactory panorama is ample and profound while at once immediate and present. An intense structure characterizes this wine, but with a beautiful softness and a remarkably clean finish. Tenuta Argentiera stands in a magnificent patch of land in the Maremma that blends countryside and sea, suspended between woods and Mediterranean scrub. 

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Contact: Gail Rampersaud: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Metro Wines Asheville
Charlotte Street! It's the Next BIG Thing!
"Big Shop Selection. Small Shop Service"
(828) 575-9525