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Items filtered by date: August 2024

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ASHEVILLE - A local chef's return to the brick-and-mortar restaurant style is a triumph for the Woodfin community and diners who frequented Ambrozia Bar and Bistro before its closing five years ago.
 
On Aug. 21, Quench! Wine Bistro opened at 60 North Merrimon Ave., Suite 105 in Reynolds Village in Woodfin. Chef Sam Etheridge and John Kerr and Gina Trippi, business partners and owners of Metro Wines, have converted the former bottle shop into a wine bistro offering regular lunch and dinner services and a complementary bar menu of wine and beer pairings – and a soup of the day.
 
In 2019, Etheridge closed Ambrozia, which had a six-year run on Merrimon Avenue. The space was sold to Early Girl Eatery.
Chef Sam Etheridge, owner of Ambrozia, has parterned with Metro Wines at Reynolds Village in North Asheville.
Etheridge said he wanted to be more present for his adolescent children, so he pivoted to a catering company, allowing him to control his schedule and workload.
As a private chef, Etheridge collaborated with Kerr and Trippi, who had been regulars at Ambrozia, on pop-up dinners with Metro Wines.
A visit to Metro Wines’ Reynolds Village storefront, which had briefly served as a retail bottle shop and a special events venue, and seeing the prominent bar inspired Etheridge.
 
“After a Fantasy Football draft, me and Gina started joking, ‘We could turn that place into a wine bar with soup.’ That was the beginning,” Etheridge said.
Kerr and Trippi, who also own and operate Metro Wines bottle shop at 169 Charlotte St., praised Etheridge for his culinary skills and creativity put into each dish, which has been an ideal match for the wine retailer.
 
“I never planned to get back into the restaurant business. I liked private chefing,” Etheridge said. “But it was the right situation for me. It’s smaller than most restaurants because we want to enjoy it and have our personal lives.” Since opening Quench, Etheridge said he’s seen a lot of Ambrozia customers he hasn’t seen in five years.
“It’s been nice to be able to open with a customer base that already knows us,” Etheridge said.

The bistro's menu features new dishes, plus revivals from Etheridge’s recipe repertoire.
Quench’s deviled eggs with bacon jam and fried sage is a longtime favorite of Etheridge and was a hit with Ambrozia diners.
The menu continues with ahi tuna nachos with citrus caviar, a classic cassoulet with sausage and chicken confit, and burrata with mint pesto, watermelon and tomatoes.
“Everything is based off the wine and pairs well with the wines,” Etheridge said. “We kept with the soup idea so most of the entrées are soup-based like the Cassoulet and Beef Bourguignon and vegetarian gumbo.”
The gumbo is a nod to Trippi, a vegetarian from New Orleans.
 
Various gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches are on the list, like the French onion grilled cheese sandwich with Gruyere.
The bacon jam and pimento grilled cheese sandwich is made with tomatoes and birria and served with a dipping sauce.
“We try to have fun and be creative,” Etheridge said.
 
Metro Wines aficionados curate Quench’s drink offerings. “Quality is number one and we’re also trying to be slightly adventurous,” Kerr said.
Wine is available by the glass and retail bottle. Quench offers takeout and delivery. Bistro diners may request assistance choosing a beverage that pairs well with their meal.
 
Wine and Dinner Nights
The pop-up dinner concepts have continued, now with a home base.
Since Quench’s opening, there have been sake, wine and Bastille Day dinner parties. Special dining events, including some scheduled for late lunch guests, are intended for at least once a month and to increase in the new year. Expect collaborative programs with local chefs and wine professionals, too.
Metro Wines offers Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) training for sommelier certification.
 
Quench’s location Reynolds Village, a mixed-use residential and commercial neighborhood, is intended to bring something new and original to Woodfin that all can enjoy.
The partners aim to offer moderate pricing and fill a void in the local dining scene.
“Asheville’s well established. Weaverville is well established. This is kind of like a no-man’s land in between and there’s a great future for Woodfin,” Kerr said.
 
“Quench is downtown Asheville food and wine in Woodfin with free parking,” Trippi said.
Quench! Wine Bistro
 
Where: 60 North Merrimon Ave., Suite 105, Reynolds Village, Woodfin.
Hours: 11 a.m.-7 p.m. (last seating) Wednesday-Saturday.
Info: Catering services and private venue event bookings are available. For more, visit quenchavl.com and facebook.com/quenchavl. For more event announcements, sign up for Metro Wines’ newsletter at metrowinesasheville.com.
Thursday, 19 September 2024 15:46

5 Star Review for Quench!

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"We were huge fans of Ambrosia so had to check out Quench when we saw the Ambrosia chef (Sam Etheridge) was back! Lunch today was excellent. My husband had the mushroom gumbo and I had the butternut squash soup. We shared the pork pot pie with sherry gravy (see photo). Everything was wonderful! Our new favorite eating place in north AVL. Food: 5/5Service: 5/5Atmosphere: 5/5"
Wednesday, 18 September 2024 14:06

Stu Helm, Food Fan, Reviews Quench!

stu helm tuna
Dawn and I recently drove to Reynolds Village to visit our friend Chef Sam Etheridge (formerly of Ambrosia fame!) at his new venture, Quench Wine Bistro Cheese Provisions! It's a lovely little shop with a few tables and a counter. There's an excellent selection of wine from Metro Wines Asheville, plus a great little menu from Chef Sam! Dawn ordered a glass of wine, and tuna tartare "nachos," and loved both! I stuck with water and ordered a big ol' bowl of comfort in the form of Beef Bourguignon. It was awesome. So warm, flavorful, and satisfying! Dawn and I both recommend Quench! For eaters as well as wine fans.
Tuesday, 17 September 2024 14:55

WSET Classes at Quench!

wset
 
News Release: Tuesday, September 17th, 2024
About: WSET Classes by Melanie Webber in Partnership with the Asheville School of Wine @MetroWines.

We are excited to announce the first series of WSET Award in Wines certification courses for 2025, presented by MWWine School in partnership with Asheville School of Wines/Metro Wines, including WSET Level 3 Award in Wines, one of the industry’s most prestigious and most rigorous credentials. Join us in January to elevate your wine game. Use code OWN2025 to receive 10% off all Asheville course registrations.
 
WSET Level 3 Award in Wines starts on January 19th
WSET Level 1 Award in Wines on January 26th
WSET Level 2 Award in Wines starts on February 16th
 
Courses and Dates:
WSET Level 1 Award in Wines                  January 26
                                                                  One day class & exam
 
WSET Level 2 Award in Wines                  Feb 16, 17 & 25
                                                                   Three day class & exam
 
WSET Level 3 Award in Wines                  Jan 19, 21, 27, 28, Feb 10, 18 & 25
                                                                   Six day class & exam day
(5 in-person and 1 webinar )
 
All classes at Quench! Wine Bistro
QuenchAVL.com
60 North Merrimon Ave. Suite 105, Reynolds Village 
in Woodfin. Free and Easy Parking.

Level 3 Award in Wines 
An advanced level qualification for professionals working in the wine industry and for serious wine enthusiasts.

 
Sunday/Tuesday January 19th/21st, 9:30 – 5:00 pm (in person)
Monday/Tuesday January  27th/28th 9:30 – 5:00 pm (in person)
Monday February 10th 6:00 – 9:00 pm EDT (online webinar)
Tuesday February 18th 9:30 – 5:00 pm (in person, Final Class)
Monday February 24th – 9:30 – 1:00 pm (Exam Day)
Registration closes January 6th
Course Price: $1,499
Classes at Quench! in Reynolds Village, Asheville
 
   For individuals seeking to delve deeply into the world of wines. Provides a detailed understanding of grape growing and wine making. Open to students with WSET Level 2 Award in Wines, or who can demonstrate knowledge at an Intermediate level through the completion of equivalent education courses, or who have sufficient wine trade experience. The course covers wines of the world in – depth (35+ hours) and tastings of 70+ wines. This qualification has a minimum requirement of 84 hours of study time, including 30 hours of classroom time. Please see my note on Level 3 and the commitment the class requires
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Level 1 Award in Wines 
Perfect for Tasting Room and Restaurant Service Pros and Wine Lovers

 
Sunday, January 26th, Course & Exam, 9:30am - 5:00pm
Registration closes January 13th
Course price: $350
Classes at Quench! in Reynolds Village, Asheville
 
   A beginner level introduction to wine, all in one day,  suitable for those starting a wine career or pursuing an interest in wine. You’ll explore the main types and styles of wine through sight, smell, and taste, while also gaining the skills to describe wines accurately, and make food and wine pairings, as well as learning wine service and etiquette. Tasting of 10 wines from around the world.
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Level 2 Award in Wines 
A Deep Dive into Wine Styles & Regions, Winemaking & Wine Tasting

 
Part 1 and 2: Sunday/Monday, February 16th/17th, 9:30am - 5:00pm
Please note these dates include President’s Day
Part 3 and Exam: Tuesday, February, 25th, 9:30am - 5:00pm
Registration closes February 11th
Course price: $850
Classes at Quench! in Reynolds Village, Asheville
 
  For individuals seeking a core understanding of a wide range of wines, this qualification explores the major grape varieties of the world and regions in which they are grown. Through a blend of tasting and theory, we explore the factors that impact style and quality and learn to describe wines with confidence. Course includes tastings of over 35 wines. “Melanie makes the learning accessible, fun and engaging, all while ensuring a depth of understanding. Melanie’s classes are essential learning for anyone who is serious about expanding their wine education as well as for those who love wine, but also want to keep it real.”

Melanie Webber, DipWSET, Director
MWWine School
  Melanie Webber is a certified wine educator, sommelier, writer and communications expert who helps wine industry professionals achieve their wine certifications and wine lovers deepen their appreciation and understanding of wine. At the core of everything Melanie does is her passion to make it fun to learn how to taste, assess and enjoy wine.  
   She holds the globally-recognized Diploma in Wine & Spirits from WSET as well as the French Wine Scholar and Spanish Wine Scholar certifications from the Wine Scholar Guild and is certified by the Wine & Spirit Education Trust to teach WSET Level 1, 2 and 3 Awards in Wine. Melanie’s MWWine School is an approved program provider of WSET and Spanish/French Wine Scholar courses in Asheville, NC and Paso Robles.She has taught WSET courses since 2018, helping over 700 industry professionals and wine lovers achieve their certifications. 
   She is also an adjunct Wine Studies professor at College of the Canyons in Santa Clarita.  Melanie has traveled extensively to wine regions around the world gathering material for classes as well for her articles for her blog, BottlePoet, and for a variety of other outlets.  Melanie’s articles “The Wine Student” and "Chianti spritzer on the beach" were shortlisted in the 2023 and 2024 Jancis Robinson Wine Writing competition and both are published at JancisRobinson.com.
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Register for All Classes Here:
 
Contact: Kristen Calloway
Charlotte Street! It's the Next BIG Thing!
"Big Shop Selection. Small Shop Service"
(828) 575-9525
Monday, 16 September 2024 13:37

Empire Distribution "Comparative" Wine tasting

empire distributors
News Release: September 16th, 2024
About: Empire Distribution "Comparative" Wine Tasting
 
Please join us at Metro Wines on Charlotte Street on October 3rd from 4 to 6pm as Holly Leightener of Empire Distribution hosts a wine tasting comparing the same grapes from different regions. Event is, as always, "at the bar" and "on the house" and parking is free, close and easy.

Tasting:
Chateau de Villaneuve Saumur Blanc 
Chateau de Villaneuve Saumur Rouge
  On the plateau overlooking the Loire, the Château de Villeneuve offers stunning views of the river. Magnificent 18th century mansion serving as the winery is built in stone. The 25 acres surrounding the property of the family provides for give complex wines marked by a great personality. The plan of the vineyard is to maximize rooting and water supply to the vine, preserving natural enemies to promote integrated pest management and to limit the use of pesticides.

Domaine Beatrice et Pascal Lambert Chinon Blanc
Domaine Beatrice et Pascal Lambert Chinon Rouge
  Founded in 1987 near Chinon, Beatrice and Pascal have been carefully cultivating Cabernet Franc and Chenin Blanc in soils that range between sand and gravel deposits, limestone-clay soils and flint based clay soils. For over 20 years, the estate has been practicing organic viticulture and biodynamic preparations, becoming certified in 2012. 
  With their trusty draft-horse Isis, they plow the rows between the vines, planting each year different cover crops to assist in the uptake of the biodynamic preparations while adding back nutrients for the following season. Their overall purpose is to accentuate the purity of the terroir from which their vines come, while allowing them to elaborate on their personalities in the cellar. 
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Contact: Gina Trippi
Charlotte Street! It's the Next BIG Thing!
"Big Shop Selection. Small Shop Service"
(828) 575-9525
Monday, 16 September 2024 11:16

Hazel

Sunday, 15 September 2024 16:42

Tasting Wines made by Women Winemakers

greyhounds 8
 
News Release: Sunday, September 15th, 2024
About: Tasting Wines by Women Winemakers
 
Join us at Quench! in Reynolds Village on September 25th from 3-6pm. Juniper Cooper hosts a wine tasting of wines by women winemakers to celebrate Mother Daughter Day. The event is "at the Quench Bar" and "on the house."  Expect a few snacks from Quench! in house Chef, Sam Etheridge.
 
Wine Enthusiast says: "For centuries, winemaking was a male-dominated field. Today, women across the globe are changing that narrative and shaking up the industry, adding ever-more names to history’s list of important women in wine. Even in the face of obstacles that have some women in wine struggling to stay afloat, female change makers are fighting to make the fruit of the vine more inclusive for future generations."
 
"Come for the tasting," says Gina Trippi, co-owner of Quench!. "And stay for dinner!"
 
Quench! is located at 60 North Merrimon, Ste 105, in Reynolds Village, Woodfin. For more information about Quench!, go to QuenchAVL.com
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Contact: Gina Trippi
Charlotte Street! It's the Next BIG Thing!
"Big Shop Selection. Small Shop Service"
(828) 575-9525
 
Saturday, 14 September 2024 11:07

5 Star Review for Quench!

quench logo small
5 star Review for Quench!
 
This has become my favorite little lunch and dinner spot in town. The food is fresh and it is made with heart and soul. They have gone out of their way when I requested wine pairings for my dishes. They also have the accoutrements if you’re planning a nice little party; wine and beer by the bottle, good cheese, olives etc.
Also their cassoulet was divine.
 
One more thing, they have a grilled cheese special that changes periodically, the last one that I had for lunch today had a bit of a salty fried crispy ham contrasted with a bit of spicy, zazzy green hatch chili and a generous melt of manchego.
My taste buds are happy!

Food: 5/5Service: 5/5Atmosphere: 5/5
Recommended dishes
Cassoulet Bowl
Wednesday, 04 September 2024 16:36

Exclusive Mary Taylor Wine Tasting

mary taylor
News Release: September 4th, 2024
About: Mary Taylor, Wine Importer, in Asheville
 
Please join us at Metro Wines on Charlotte Street on Thursday, October 17th from 4:30 to 5:30 for an exclusive Meet, Greet and Taste with Mary Taylor! The tasting is "at the bar" and "on the house." 
 
"This is a unique opportunity to meet a young woman wine importer who has been featured in numerous publications including The Pour by Eric Asimov in the New York Times," says Gina Trippi, co-owner of Metro Wines. "For more information, read our article for The Laurel of Asheville here: https://thelaurelofasheville.com/lifestyle/the-grapevine-mary-taylor-helps-consumers-make-informed-wine-choices/."
 
About Mary Taylor:
Having worked with European wine for over two decades, I’ve come to love the nuance and diversity of Europe’s extraordinary wine regions, from the tiny villages of France and Italy, to the countryside vineyards of Portugal and Spain. As a result, I also love the European system of “place name” or “appellation,” which designates the geographical origin not just of wine, but cheese, olives, and butter as well.

To me, it’s the beautiful complexity of European wines that makes them so enjoyable. Even after all these years, I’m still endlessly fascinated by the way each village’s expression reflects its own unique “terroir,” or sense of place. That said, I’m also well aware that the European model can be confusing for most Americans. With all those hard-to-pronounce names and unfamiliar regions, it’s no wonder that so many of us look for a cartoon critter or a familiar grape on the label to guide us!

I created Mary Taylor Wine because I don’t think you should have to be a serious wine expert to experience the kind of honest, authentic wines that the Europeans have been enjoying for centuries.

Our simple White Label series is here to serve as your guide through the rural backroads and winding country lanes of the European wine route. Whenever you open one of our bottles, you’ll know you’re getting more than just another commercial brand or standard Chardonnay or Merlot. That’s because every Mary Taylor Wine is a genuine “wine of place,” sourced from some of Europe’s most classic regions and, best of all, priced according to the “Old World” view of wine as an accessible everyday luxury.   Cheers!  Mary 
 
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Charlotte Street! It's the Next BIG Thing!
"Big Shop Selection. Small Shop Service"
(828) 575-9525
Monday, 02 September 2024 16:40

Terroir And Wine: How Soil Influences Flavor

Wine lovers often discuss the subtle nuances of different wines, attributing these differences to a variety of factors such as climate, grape variety, and winemaking techniques. However, one of the most profound influences on the character and flavor of wine is the soil in which the grapevines grow.

This concept, known as terroir, encapsulates the unique interaction between soil, climate, and topography, all of which come together to impart distinctive characteristics to a wine.

In this article, we’re discussing terroir and wine and what you need to know to enhance your wine experience.