MountainX Tells the Quench! Story
Tuesday, 20 August 2024 19:26
Story by Kay West for MountainX
The inspiration for Quench! Wine Bistro and Provisions, which will open Wednesday, Aug. 21 in Woodfin, began with a conversation about soup.
Earlier this year, Gina Trippi, co-owner with John Kerr of Metro Wines, and chef Sam Etheridge were winding down after one of the wine dinners they frequently partner on. “We have a fantasy football league at Metro, and the season had ended,” Trippi recalls. “We were looking for something simple to do, and the idea of soup to go came up. Sam said soups were easy. But really, it started as a joke!”
Etheridge owned Ambrozia Bar and Bistro on Merrimon Avenue from 2013 until he sold it in 2019 intending to trade life as a restaurateur for the private chef and events business. The soup joke, he says, gradually became more serious and the concept more complex.
“It kept expanding,” he says with a laugh. “It was like, well, if we do soup, we need bread. If we have bread, we should have cheese. If we have bread and cheese, we can do grilled cheese. And we need wine for all that.”
Conveniently, Trippi and Kerr — who have operated their busy but compact retail store on Charlotte Street since 2013 — had an underutilized storefront in Reynolds Village. They had been using the space in the commercial section of the mixed-used development for storage and to meet with wedding clients.
“It was big for just those two things,” Trippi explains. “At first, we thought we’d just do takeout. Then we thought, maybe four tables, then it was eight tables, then 12 tables and two bars.”
They built a wall to separate front of house from back and added a simple but efficient kitchen. A large bar with a half-dozen stools faces a chalkboard built into the wall to list daily wines by the glass and other specials. A smaller bar set against the window looks out on the sidewalk; between the two are about a half-dozen tables for four.
Free-standing shelving on one wall stocks specialty food items and bottles of wine. A cold case will hold cheeses and other perishables.
Quench’s menu leads with snacks, such as smoked olives, Sam’s deviled eggs, pimento beer cheese with Blunt pretzels, fresh burrata and beef tartare. There are also five types of grilled cheese sandwiches; several boards featuring cheeses, charcuterie, seafood and crudités; a couple of salads and, of course, soups — seasonal options as well as entrée soups like gumbo. A quartet of sweets compose the dessert menu, and there is a large selection of wines by the glass and bottle plus some beer and nonalcoholic drink options.
“We really feel like we’re filling a need here,” Trippi says. “Between Asheville and Weaverville, it’s kind of a restaurant desert, and John has been working with the Woodfin [Town] Council and mayor to support business in this area while also being thoughtful about growth.”
Etheridge shakes his head when asked about his return to the restaurant industry. “When I closed Ambrozia, I said I was done with the restaurant business,” he says. “I have kids and needed the independence to make my own schedule with private events. But this was the right opportunity with the right schedule, and I don’t have to haul around my own kitchen anymore.”
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The Ultimate Guide To Hosting A Wine Party At Home
Monday, 05 August 2024 10:34
Hosting a wine party at your home is a delightful experience that brings together friends and family, as well as the pleasures of fine wine. The anticipation starts with careful planning, selecting a variety of wines that will please different palates and complement the food you plan to serve.
Whether you opt for a themed selection like a tour of Italian vineyards or a mix of reds, whites, and sparkling wines, the choices set the tone for the evening. The excitement builds as you prepare your home, arrange comfortable seating, set up wine glasses, and perhaps add a few decorative touches to create a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Materra Dinner at Quench!
Wednesday, 31 July 2024 12:24
News Release: Wednesday, July 31st, 2024
About: Quench! Evolved Dinner Series: Materra/Cunat Family Vineyards
Join us for our first in series "Quench! Evolved Dinner" with Materra/Cunat Family Vineyards on Thursday, August 29th at 6pm at Quench!, 60 North Merrimon, Suite 105 in Reynolds Village, Woodfin. Dishes will be prepared by Quench! award winning, in-house Chef Sam Etheridge to perfectly pair with Materra Wines.
The evening starts with Materra Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc and continues with a course presenting a side by side comparison of Materra Left and Right Bank Bordeaux Blends, and concluding with John's "2023 Wine of the Year," Materra Midnight!
There will be 20 seats only for this intimate dinner with Brian Noshay, National Sales Manager for Materra, Gwen Bell of Three Keys Distribution and Chef Sam! The evening is $85 (plus tax) and parking is free, close and easy.
Reserve your seats NOW by calling (828) 575-9525
or online here: https://metro-wines.shoplightspeed.com/august-29th-evolved-dinner-series-materra.html
About Materra Wines:
From his days, owner Brian Cunat, worked on a Midwest farm, developing an interest and respect for agriculture and farming that became his life’s passion. In 2007, Brian and his brother John purchased a 50-acre property in the Oak Knoll District of Napa Valley as an investment. Brian decided to blend his passion with an expert team of vineyard managers and winemakers. In 2014 they completed construction of a state-of-the-art winery capable of producing 150,000 gallons and a beautiful tasting room. Each Materra wine is a perfect expression of the land, the grapes, the passion the Cunat family has invested in each bottle and the unyielding quality delivered consistently by the growing conditions and terroir of the Napa Valley.
About Chelsea Barrett, Director of Winemaking
Chelsea Barrett grew up in Calistoga and began working in vineyards and wineries from a young age. She attended UC Davis and graduated in 2010 with a degree in Viticulture and Enology. After college, Chelsea interned at Mayer am Pfarplaz in Austria, Two Hands in Barossa Valley, then returned home to Napa Valley, spending a harvest at Opus One. She then worked at Joel Gott Wines for seven years with projects all over California, as well as Oregon and Washington. During this time, She also began collaboration with her mother Heidi Barrett making wines for Amuse Bouche and Aviatrix. Chelsea joined the Materra team as Winemaker in 2019. She lives in Calistoga with her husband, three daughters, and a husky-german shepherd mix.
Chelsea Barrett grew up in Calistoga and began working in vineyards and wineries from a young age. She attended UC Davis and graduated in 2010 with a degree in Viticulture and Enology. After college, Chelsea interned at Mayer am Pfarplaz in Austria, Two Hands in Barossa Valley, then returned home to Napa Valley, spending a harvest at Opus One. She then worked at Joel Gott Wines for seven years with projects all over California, as well as Oregon and Washington. During this time, She also began collaboration with her mother Heidi Barrett making wines for Amuse Bouche and Aviatrix. Chelsea joined the Materra team as Winemaker in 2019. She lives in Calistoga with her husband, three daughters, and a husky-german shepherd mix.
Quench website still in progress but you can join in progress at QuenchAVL.com
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Contact for MetroWines: Gina Trippi
Charlotte Street! It's the Next BIG Thing!
"Big Shop Selection. Small Shop Service"
(828) 575-9525Wine Tasting: Austria
Saturday, 20 July 2024 10:01
News Release: Saturday, July 20, 2024
About: Orsini Wines Presents Austria!
Join us on Wednesday, August 21st from 4-6pm as Tom Leiner of Orsini Wines presents Austria! at Quench! located at 60 North Merrimon, Suite 105 in Reynolds Village, Woodfin. As always, the tasting is "at the bar" and "on the house" with no reservations required.
Austria has been making wine a long, long time. Wiki says: There is archaeological evidence of grape growing in Traisental 4000 years ago. Grape seeds have been found in urns dating back to 700 BC in Zagersdorf, while bronze wine flagons of the Celtic La Tène culture dating to the 5th century BC have been found at Dürrnberg in Salzburg state. Viticulture thrived under the Romans, once Marcus Aurelius Probus (Roman emperor 276–282) had overturned the ban on growing grapes north of the Alps. Both Grüner Veltliner and Welschriesling appear to have been grown around the Danube since Roman times.
"Austrian wines have a reputation for being lighter and most are compared to the California style but Austrian wines are also structurally solid and pack a flavorful punch," says Gina Trippi, co-owner of MetroWines. "And many of the reds are chillable for the warmer months."
Go Here for a complete history of Austrian Wine:
https://www.austrianwine.com/*************************************************************************************
Contact for Quench!: Gina Trippi
Quench! website coming soon!
Charlotte Street! It's the Next BIG Thing!
"Big Shop Selection. Small Shop Service"
(828) 575-9525Sake Class
Friday, 12 July 2024 13:02
News Release: Friday, July 12, 2024
About: Sake Class with Dila Lee of Kome Collective and Vine Connections
Join us on Wednesday, August 14th from 5:30 to 6:30 at Quench! for a presentation and tasting of Sake with Dila Lee of Kome Collective and Vine Connections. Quench! is located at 60 North Merrimon, Suite 105, in Reynolds Village, Woodfin. Taste Sake as Dila Lee presents the production, purpose and pairings of each style together with Dim Sum by Quest! in-house Chef Sam Etheridge.
Who is Dila Lee?
Sake & Spirits Sales Manager, Kome Collective
Born and raised in Turkey, Dila moved to the United States after receiving her master’s degree in Japanese. Since moving to the US, she has worked in some of the most prestigious Japanese restaurants across the country (Ozumo, Alexander’s, Katana) and most recently worked as the Beverage Director for TAO in Chicago. Dila’s passion for sake & Japanese culture is contagious and she brings an extensive knowledge of sake, spirits & Japanese cuisine to the Vine Connections team. Dila is currently based in the Chicago area and manages the VC sake & spirits portfolio in IL, FL, MA, GA, and NC. In her spare time you can find Dila cooking for friends or blasting music in her car & singing along with her son.
Born and raised in Turkey, Dila moved to the United States after receiving her master’s degree in Japanese. Since moving to the US, she has worked in some of the most prestigious Japanese restaurants across the country (Ozumo, Alexander’s, Katana) and most recently worked as the Beverage Director for TAO in Chicago. Dila’s passion for sake & Japanese culture is contagious and she brings an extensive knowledge of sake, spirits & Japanese cuisine to the Vine Connections team. Dila is currently based in the Chicago area and manages the VC sake & spirits portfolio in IL, FL, MA, GA, and NC. In her spare time you can find Dila cooking for friends or blasting music in her car & singing along with her son.
What is Kome Collective?
"We are a collection of traditional and cutting edge thought leaders, producers, and brands with a commitment to the culture of Japan. We have the most comprehensive and diverse sake portfolio in the US and our Japanese spirits are both unique & inspirational."
This amazing evening is $65 (plus tax). You can reserve your seat by calling (828) 575-9525 or online here: https://metro-wines.shoplightspeed.com/events/
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Contact for MetroWines: Gina Trippi
Charlotte Street! It's the Next BIG Thing!
"Big Shop Selection. Small Shop Service"
(828) 575-9525
Tasting: Wines from Portugal
Tuesday, 09 July 2024 16:54
News Release: Tuesday, July 9th, 2024
About: Tasting Wines from Portugal with Joseph Schwabauer
Join us on Tuesday, July 30th from 4-6 @Metrowines on Charlotte Street to meet James Schwabauer, learn about the grapes of Portugal and taste wines made in Portugal. The event is "at the bar" and "on the house."
Why Joseph Schwabauer?
Joseph is a 12 year veteran of the wine business, doing it all from wine retail, restaurant wine lists and working with some of the best producers and importers on the supplier side.
Why Portuguese wines?
From Wine Folly: "Because Portugal’s wine culture developed in relative isolation, many grape varieties do not grow anywhere else in the world. If you don’t recognize the grape variety on a Portuguese wine label, it’s a good thing. There are over 250 indigenous varieties and a few imports (including Alicante Bouschet) that have adapted well to the Portuguese landscape (i.e., they are delicious). To many wine experts, Portugal is the last frontier of wine in Western Europe; there is still so much to be tasted and explored. With all the excitement Portugal offers, let’s look at the major wines and regions."
"To put it succinctly, Portuguese Wines are the next big thing," says Gina Trippi, co-owner of MetroWines. "This is a great opportunity to expand your wine world."
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Contact for MetroWines: Gina Trippi
Charlotte Street! It's the Next BIG Thing!
"Big Shop Selection. Small Shop Service"
(828) 575-9525
Avenue M on Merrimon to Close Tonight Permanently
Saturday, 06 July 2024 11:00
Hi Friends of Metro:
Avenue M is set to close for good after service tonight. This HURTS and is bad news for North Asheville for sure.
John and I will be there to buy a bottle of expensive wine and say goodbye at 6pm!
John and I will be there to buy a bottle of expensive wine and say goodbye at 6pm!
This is what Avenue M said on FaceBook:
"Tonight will be our final last call at Avenue M. It is time for us to write a new chapter. We are forever grateful for all of the support we have received from this amazing community and we genuinely cherish so many of the moments we have shared. It has been our pleasure to celebrate your special moments, share your lives, and to honor our friends we have lost along the way. Please come & raise a glass with, and to, our incredible staff tonight. All we can say, as many local folks have this past year, is to remember to continue to support our local 828 business community. It's been a difficult year for so many and your support means everything to them.
Be kind to one another and take care of each other."
Love, Ralph & Tony
Please forward to Friends. Let's Clear Out the Cellar at M!
Gina
Charlotte Street! It's the Next BIG Thing!
"Big Shop Selection. Small Shop Service"
(828) 575-9525French Libation Tasting
Thursday, 04 July 2024 09:52News Release: Thursday, July 4th, 2024
About: French Wine Tasting
Join us on Wednesday, July 24th from 4-6pm @MetroWines on Charlotte Street to meet Global Brand Representative, Thibault Petiet, of French Libation, and taste his collection of stellar wines including Metro Wines customer favorite Vetriccie from Corsica! The event is "at the bar" and "on the house" with no reservations necessary. Amenez vos amis!
French Libation
"Our company is the link between French producers and the American market specializing in hand-crafted wines, ciders and spirits. We strive to select qualitative and affordable libations that express their terroir perfectly. Above all, we work with producers we believe in. We focus on regional US distribution with partners in over 40 states. Our goal is to build long-term relationships through fine product selections, right prices and high-quality service."
Vetriccie
"Located in the town of Aghione, on the Costa Serena, the Vetriccie estate bought by the Barcelo family in 1966 expresses all the attributes of a premium Corsican wine. It spreads over 120 hectares in the heart of the appellation AOP Vin de Corse. The well-orientated soils are located between sea and mountain. The harmonious blend of continental and native varietals on this recognized terroir give elegant and flavoured wines with strong potential."
"What we like about French Libation is the amazingly high quality to price ratio," says Gina Trippi, co-owner of Metro Wines. "This is not only a tasting of great wines but a learning experience."
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Contact for MetroWines: Gina Trippi
Charlotte Street! It's the Next BIG Thing!
"Big Shop Selection. Small Shop Service"
(828) 575-9525