{"id":51104,"date":"2022-06-28T19:00:46","date_gmt":"2022-06-28T23:00:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thelaurelofasheville.com\/updatestage\/?p=51104"},"modified":"2022-06-28T19:07:35","modified_gmt":"2022-06-28T23:07:35","slug":"travel-a-trail-of-good-taste-this-summer","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/thelaurelofasheville.com\/updatestage\/lifestyle\/travel-a-trail-of-good-taste-this-summer\/","title":{"rendered":"Travel a Trail of Good Taste This Summer"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"attachment_51111\" style=\"width: 1210px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-51111\" class=\"size-full wp-image-51111\" src=\"https:\/\/thelaurelofasheville.com\/updatestage\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Tasting-Trail-Mtn-Brook.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1200\" height=\"662\" srcset=\"https:\/\/thelaurelofasheville.com\/updatestage\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Tasting-Trail-Mtn-Brook.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/thelaurelofasheville.com\/updatestage\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Tasting-Trail-Mtn-Brook-300x166.jpg 300w, https:\/\/thelaurelofasheville.com\/updatestage\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Tasting-Trail-Mtn-Brook-1024x565.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/thelaurelofasheville.com\/updatestage\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Tasting-Trail-Mtn-Brook-768x424.jpg 768w, https:\/\/thelaurelofasheville.com\/updatestage\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Tasting-Trail-Mtn-Brook-810x447.jpg 810w, https:\/\/thelaurelofasheville.com\/updatestage\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Tasting-Trail-Mtn-Brook-1140x629.jpg 1140w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-51111\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Mountain Brook Vineyards<\/p><\/div>\n<h2>WNC Vineyards, Breweries and Meaderies Offer Visitors Beverages, Beauty and Bonhomie<\/h2>\n<p>By Gina Malone<\/p>\n<p>The rolling farmland, stunning mountain views and vibrant towns of Western North Carolina offer unparalleled beauty and opportunities for adventure. Add to that mix a selection of welcoming vineyards, breweries and meaderies along the byways, and you\u2019ve found a pleasurable way to while away an afternoon with friends and loved ones. Staff at these regional venues go out of their way to make surroundings, indoors and out, places that soothe the soul and invite unwinding with a glass of something refreshing and a plate of something delicious.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_51110\" style=\"width: 460px\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-51110\" class=\"wp-image-51110\" src=\"https:\/\/thelaurelofasheville.com\/updatestage\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Tasting-Trail_2-Hickory-Nut-Gorge-Brewery.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"450\" height=\"309\" srcset=\"https:\/\/thelaurelofasheville.com\/updatestage\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Tasting-Trail_2-Hickory-Nut-Gorge-Brewery.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/thelaurelofasheville.com\/updatestage\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Tasting-Trail_2-Hickory-Nut-Gorge-Brewery-300x206.jpg 300w, https:\/\/thelaurelofasheville.com\/updatestage\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Tasting-Trail_2-Hickory-Nut-Gorge-Brewery-1024x704.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/thelaurelofasheville.com\/updatestage\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Tasting-Trail_2-Hickory-Nut-Gorge-Brewery-768x528.jpg 768w, https:\/\/thelaurelofasheville.com\/updatestage\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Tasting-Trail_2-Hickory-Nut-Gorge-Brewery-810x557.jpg 810w, https:\/\/thelaurelofasheville.com\/updatestage\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Tasting-Trail_2-Hickory-Nut-Gorge-Brewery-1140x784.jpg 1140w, https:\/\/thelaurelofasheville.com\/updatestage\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Tasting-Trail_2-Hickory-Nut-Gorge-Brewery-145x100.jpg 145w, https:\/\/thelaurelofasheville.com\/updatestage\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Tasting-Trail_2-Hickory-Nut-Gorge-Brewery-380x260.jpg 380w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 450px) 100vw, 450px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-51110\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Hickory Nut Gorge Brewery<\/p><\/div>\n<p>Owners say their operations offer dream jobs\u2014complete with all of the long hours and hard work that any business entails. \u201cOur dream job is not the brewery itself, but sharing a craft and providing a family-friendly atmosphere,\u201d says Merri Fretwell, who with her husband Marc, owns Hickory Nut Gorge Brewery, with locations in Chimney Rock and Mars Hill.<\/p>\n<p>Originally from Chesterfield, England, Marc learned the brewing process from his father. Marc thrives, says Merri, on introducing British food and beers to the brewery\u2019s visitors. He was an engineer in the power industry before taking on brewing as a business, and Merri brings a doctorate in Education to her work as a speech pathologist and special education teacher. The couple lives in Lake Lure with their son Tristan.<\/p>\n<p>The Fretwells enjoy relaxing at the brewery, mingling with customers and planning out the next craft brew. Along with inviting locations, \u201cOur English-style craft beer and British food make us unique,\u201d Merri says. The Chimney Rock location sits alongside the Rocky Broad River, and the Mars Hill brewery is located in a remodeled 1940s movie theatre that hosts Trivia Night on Thursdays and shows movies on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings. To find out about upcoming screenings, call 828.680.1284 or join the Fretwell\u2019s private Facebook group (<a href=\"http:\/\/Facebook.com\/groups\/934010123921849\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Facebook.com\/groups\/934010123921849<\/a>).<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_51107\" style=\"width: 460px\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-51107\" class=\"wp-image-51107\" src=\"https:\/\/thelaurelofasheville.com\/updatestage\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Tasting-Trail-Marked-Tree-Vineyard-outside-seating.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"450\" height=\"241\" srcset=\"https:\/\/thelaurelofasheville.com\/updatestage\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Tasting-Trail-Marked-Tree-Vineyard-outside-seating.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/thelaurelofasheville.com\/updatestage\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Tasting-Trail-Marked-Tree-Vineyard-outside-seating-300x161.jpg 300w, https:\/\/thelaurelofasheville.com\/updatestage\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Tasting-Trail-Marked-Tree-Vineyard-outside-seating-1024x550.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/thelaurelofasheville.com\/updatestage\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Tasting-Trail-Marked-Tree-Vineyard-outside-seating-768x412.jpg 768w, https:\/\/thelaurelofasheville.com\/updatestage\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Tasting-Trail-Marked-Tree-Vineyard-outside-seating-810x435.jpg 810w, https:\/\/thelaurelofasheville.com\/updatestage\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Tasting-Trail-Marked-Tree-Vineyard-outside-seating-1140x612.jpg 1140w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 450px) 100vw, 450px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-51107\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Marked Tree Vineyard<\/p><\/div>\n<p>Lance Hiatt and Tim Parks, with backgrounds in architecture and luxury retail, devoted seven years to finding the right farm and another five years preparing to open Marked Tree Vineyard, in Flat Rock, only to find their opening date coinciding with early pandemic days in May 2020. \u201cThe path takes time and flexibility,\u201d Parks says. \u201cYou have to have patience and be able to spend the time required (three years for the vines to produce grapes). Farming and winemaking don\u2019t happen overnight.\u201d To prepare themselves for running the business, Hiatt attended Surry Community College\u2019s Viticulture and Enology program, and both attended wine conferences and workshops and, \u201cof course,\u201d says Parks, \u201cbought and read the book Wine for Dummies!\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Besides the viticultural aspect of running a vineyard, there is the hospitality factor as well. While Hiatt enjoys growing the grapes and producing the wine, Parks likes meeting the guests and talking about what they are doing at Marked Tree.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cEach year is a different vintage and the experiences along the way create quite a story that the team shares with the guests,\u201d says Parks.<\/p>\n<p>Marked Tree Vineyard boasts a location on the Eastern Continental Divide at an elevation of 2300 feet. \u201cWe selected varietals that would ripen each season with our warm days and cool nights,\u201d Parks says. \u201cWe also selected varietals that would survive the Blue Ridge winters. This is the essence of terroir. Marked Tree produces wine in a dry European style.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>They recently planted three more acres at the vineyard and invite visitors to see the new vines in their beginning state. Upcoming plans include hosting the Hendersonville Symphony Orchestra in celebration of its 50th anniversary on September 11. Hiatt and Parks welcome volunteers during harvest time in September. Email <a href=\"m&#x61;&#x69;l&#116;&#x6f;:&#106;&#x61;&#x73;o&#x6e;&#x40;m&#97;&#x72;k&#101;&#x64;&#x74;r&#x65;&#x65;v&#105;&#x6e;e&#121;&#x61;&#x72;d&#x2e;&#x63;o&#109;\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">jason&#64;&#109;&#x61;&#x72;&#x6b;&#x65;&#x64;&#x74;&#x72;eevin&#101;&#121;&#97;&#x72;&#x64;&#x2e;&#x63;&#x6f;&#x6d;<\/a> if interested.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_51108\" style=\"width: 460px\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-51108\" class=\"wp-image-51108\" src=\"https:\/\/thelaurelofasheville.com\/updatestage\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Tasting-Trail-Parker-Binns-Vineyard-3.-Photo-by-Ryan-Watts-Photography.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"450\" height=\"272\" srcset=\"https:\/\/thelaurelofasheville.com\/updatestage\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Tasting-Trail-Parker-Binns-Vineyard-3.-Photo-by-Ryan-Watts-Photography.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/thelaurelofasheville.com\/updatestage\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Tasting-Trail-Parker-Binns-Vineyard-3.-Photo-by-Ryan-Watts-Photography-300x182.jpg 300w, https:\/\/thelaurelofasheville.com\/updatestage\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Tasting-Trail-Parker-Binns-Vineyard-3.-Photo-by-Ryan-Watts-Photography-1024x620.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/thelaurelofasheville.com\/updatestage\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Tasting-Trail-Parker-Binns-Vineyard-3.-Photo-by-Ryan-Watts-Photography-768x465.jpg 768w, https:\/\/thelaurelofasheville.com\/updatestage\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Tasting-Trail-Parker-Binns-Vineyard-3.-Photo-by-Ryan-Watts-Photography-810x490.jpg 810w, https:\/\/thelaurelofasheville.com\/updatestage\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Tasting-Trail-Parker-Binns-Vineyard-3.-Photo-by-Ryan-Watts-Photography-1140x690.jpg 1140w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 450px) 100vw, 450px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-51108\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Parker-Binns Vineyard. Photo by Ryan Watts Photography<\/p><\/div>\n<p>Bob and Karen Binns, of Parker-Binns Vineyard, in Mill Spring, attended classes, seminars and did independent research as well when they knew they wanted to go into the business, but they also spent time with nearby seasoned winemakers Frank, Lita and Sofia Lilly. \u201cWe essentially volunteered our time in exchange for some firsthand knowledge of making wine in WNC,\u201d says Bob. \u201cIt proved valuable as it gave us some confidence moving forward in producing wines from the wine grapes we had planted in 2008.\u201d They previously owned a tree and plant nursery in south Florida.<\/p>\n<p>The Binns relish the vibe at Parker-Binns Vineyard as an appealing aspect of the business, harmoniously connecting wine lovers. \u201cWe watch strangers become best friends, first dates become marriages and even introverts showing their extroverted side,\u201d they say. \u201cThe people are the party and the wine is the fuel.\u201d In addition to wines made from the 11 varieties of wine grapes grown, Parker-Binns also produces its own hard ciders, with cider base sourced from Henderson County apples, and Kangria, a sangria in a can, its fruit grown onsite. The vineyard also offers Burger Barn, serving local, grass-fed beef as well as charcuterie boards, house-made cheese, crackers and other light bites, and house-made artisan pizza slices.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_51109\" style=\"width: 460px\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-51109\" class=\"wp-image-51109\" src=\"https:\/\/thelaurelofasheville.com\/updatestage\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Tasting-Trail-Stone-Ashe-Vineyards-panoramic-view-e1656327221862.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"450\" height=\"219\" srcset=\"https:\/\/thelaurelofasheville.com\/updatestage\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Tasting-Trail-Stone-Ashe-Vineyards-panoramic-view-e1656327221862.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/thelaurelofasheville.com\/updatestage\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Tasting-Trail-Stone-Ashe-Vineyards-panoramic-view-e1656327221862-300x146.jpg 300w, https:\/\/thelaurelofasheville.com\/updatestage\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Tasting-Trail-Stone-Ashe-Vineyards-panoramic-view-e1656327221862-1024x499.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/thelaurelofasheville.com\/updatestage\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Tasting-Trail-Stone-Ashe-Vineyards-panoramic-view-e1656327221862-768x374.jpg 768w, https:\/\/thelaurelofasheville.com\/updatestage\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Tasting-Trail-Stone-Ashe-Vineyards-panoramic-view-e1656327221862-810x395.jpg 810w, https:\/\/thelaurelofasheville.com\/updatestage\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Tasting-Trail-Stone-Ashe-Vineyards-panoramic-view-e1656327221862-1140x556.jpg 1140w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 450px) 100vw, 450px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-51109\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Stone Ashe Vineyards<\/p><\/div>\n<p>At Stone Ashe Vineyard, in Hendersonville, Craig and Tina Little have turned their enjoyment of food and wine with friends into their second careers, after retiring from dentistry. \u201cWith a shared vision in 2010, we started to imagine an estate vineyard similar to those of the great growing regions of France,\u201d Tina says. To prepare themselves for the endeavor, they took classes from several universities, and Craig earned certificates in viticulture and enology.<\/p>\n<p>They sourced grapevines from various regions in France with similar environmental and climatic conditions as their mountain property. \u201cWe are one of the few vineyards on the East Coast that have steep slope vineyards along with our high altitudes to promote the slow ripening process needed to produce world-class wines,\u201d says Tina. \u201cOur grounds, vineyard, barn, tasting facilities and brand logo pay tribute to the land. We are continually advocating for environmental responsibility both in our viticultural practices and our approach to winemaking.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Stone Ashe\u2019s small boutique winery encourages a laid-back experience as well as providing the Littles with opportunities to educate visitors about grape growing and winemaking.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_51112\" style=\"width: 460px\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-51112\" class=\"wp-image-51112\" src=\"https:\/\/thelaurelofasheville.com\/updatestage\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Tasting-Trail-Mtn-Brook2.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"450\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/thelaurelofasheville.com\/updatestage\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Tasting-Trail-Mtn-Brook2.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/thelaurelofasheville.com\/updatestage\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Tasting-Trail-Mtn-Brook2-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/thelaurelofasheville.com\/updatestage\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Tasting-Trail-Mtn-Brook2-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/thelaurelofasheville.com\/updatestage\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Tasting-Trail-Mtn-Brook2-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/thelaurelofasheville.com\/updatestage\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Tasting-Trail-Mtn-Brook2-810x540.jpg 810w, https:\/\/thelaurelofasheville.com\/updatestage\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Tasting-Trail-Mtn-Brook2-1140x760.jpg 1140w, https:\/\/thelaurelofasheville.com\/updatestage\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Tasting-Trail-Mtn-Brook2-272x182.jpg 272w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 450px) 100vw, 450px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-51112\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Mountain Brook Vineyards<\/p><\/div>\n<p>Vickie and Jonathan Redgrave worked as lawyers in Virginia before moving full-time to NC in 2017. They began looking for land to develop when, in 2018, they learned that Mountain Brook Vineyards, in Tryon, was for sale. \u201cThere is an enormous learning curve to understanding the business of wine, especially when you combine the farming, winemaking and retail operations under one umbrella,\u201d say the couple. \u201cWe are still on a steep learning curve, but have tremendous employees who bring years of their own experience which is very helpful. The good news is that we love being able to learn new things every day.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>They seek to offer a \u201ctrilogy of excellence\u201d: service, wine and property. \u201cThe service model we adopted is table service, which is a challenge given the size of the operation,\u201d the couple says. \u201cBut it allows us to provide a more personalized service that enables us to connect better and provide a more tailored experience to each guest.\u201d Pushing the quality of the wine to highest standards and offering outdoor tasting areas that provide a front-row seat to the pristine grounds furthers the excellence\u2014\u201cwithout being snooty\u201d\u2014for which they strive. \u201cWe welcome families and dogs, and we welcome those who have never tasted wine as well as aficionados alike,\u201d say the Redgraves.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_51106\" style=\"width: 460px\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-51106\" class=\"wp-image-51106\" src=\"https:\/\/thelaurelofasheville.com\/updatestage\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Tasting-Trail-Game-room-at-Keepers-Cut-Meadery.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"450\" height=\"338\" srcset=\"https:\/\/thelaurelofasheville.com\/updatestage\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Tasting-Trail-Game-room-at-Keepers-Cut-Meadery.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/thelaurelofasheville.com\/updatestage\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Tasting-Trail-Game-room-at-Keepers-Cut-Meadery-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/thelaurelofasheville.com\/updatestage\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Tasting-Trail-Game-room-at-Keepers-Cut-Meadery-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/thelaurelofasheville.com\/updatestage\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Tasting-Trail-Game-room-at-Keepers-Cut-Meadery-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/thelaurelofasheville.com\/updatestage\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Tasting-Trail-Game-room-at-Keepers-Cut-Meadery-810x608.jpg 810w, https:\/\/thelaurelofasheville.com\/updatestage\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Tasting-Trail-Game-room-at-Keepers-Cut-Meadery-1140x855.jpg 1140w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 450px) 100vw, 450px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-51106\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Keeper&#8217;s Cut Meadery game room<\/p><\/div>\n<p>Charles Myers and Kathryn Curran say that Keeper\u2019s Cut Meadery, in Marion, which they own along with Kurt Myers, is the result of beekeeping, \u201ca hobby we let get out of hand,\u201d adds Curran. Before opening Keeper\u2019s Cut, she worked as a manager in the manufacturing industry and Charles was a chiropractic physician. Kurt is a warrant officer in the US Navy.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe love to share our story and educate our customers on the history of mead,\u201d says Curran, \u201cand our customers love the interaction and learning how we make our products.\u201d Though it\u2019s hard work requiring dedication and sacrifice, she says that the meadery is a dream for the owners who enjoy every minute.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cMead is the oldest alcohol beverage, dating back thousands of years, and is experiencing a resurgence in popularity,\u201d Curran says. \u201cWe offer still wines and session meads which are carbonated and on tap.\u201d Food offerings include a charcuterie of salami, cheese, fruit, nuts, olives, roasted tomatoes, pickles and crackers, and a cheese tray, with plans to offer a selection of tapas in the coming months.<\/p>\n<p>Their plans include opening a second location in the near future. They recently expanded to online sales as well and are able to ship to other states.<\/p>\n<p>Upcoming events include a comedy night with Brian T. Shirley on Saturday, July 23.<\/p>\n<p><em>To learn more, visit <a href=\"http:\/\/HickoryNutBrewery.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">HickoryNutBrewery.com<\/a>, <a href=\"http:\/\/KeepersCut.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">KeepersCut.com<\/a>, <a href=\"http:\/\/MarkedTreeVineyard.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">MarkedTreeVineyard.com<\/a>, <a href=\"http:\/\/MountainBrookVineyards.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">MountainBrookVineyards.com<\/a>, <a href=\"http:\/\/ParkerBinnsVineyard.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">ParkerBinnsVineyard.com<\/a> and <a href=\"http:\/\/StoneAsheVineyards.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">StoneAsheVineyards.com<\/a>, and find the latest events and updates posted on their social media sites.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The rolling farmland, stunning mountain views and vibrant towns of Western North Carolina offer unparalleled beauty and opportunities for adventure. Add to that mix a selection of welcoming vineyards, breweries and meaderies along the byways, and you\u2019ve found a pleasurable way to while away an afternoon with friends and loved ones.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":14,"featured_media":51109,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[61,57],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-51104","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-breweries","category-lifestyle"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v28.5 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Travel a Trail of Good Taste This Summer - The Laurel of Asheville<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"The rolling farmland, stunning mountain views and vibrant towns of Western North Carolina offer unparalleled beauty and opportunities for adventure. Add to that mix a selection of welcoming vineyards, breweries and meaderies along the byways, and you\u2019ve found a pleasurable way to while away an afternoon with friends and loved ones.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/thelaurelofasheville.com\/updatestage\/lifestyle\/travel-a-trail-of-good-taste-this-summer\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Travel a Trail of Good Taste This Summer - The Laurel of Asheville\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"The rolling farmland, stunning mountain views and vibrant towns of Western North Carolina offer unparalleled beauty and opportunities for adventure. Add to that mix a selection of welcoming vineyards, breweries and meaderies along the byways, and you\u2019ve found a pleasurable way to while away an afternoon with friends and loved ones.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/thelaurelofasheville.com\/updatestage\/lifestyle\/travel-a-trail-of-good-taste-this-summer\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"The Laurel of Asheville\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/thelaurelofasheville\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2022-06-28T23:00:46+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2022-06-28T23:07:35+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/thelaurelofasheville.com\/updatestage\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Tasting-Trail-Stone-Ashe-Vineyards-panoramic-view-e1656327221862.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1200\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"585\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Amy Pryor\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@AshevilleLaurel\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@AshevilleLaurel\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Amy Pryor\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"8 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/thelaurelofasheville.com\\\/updatestage\\\/lifestyle\\\/travel-a-trail-of-good-taste-this-summer\\\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/thelaurelofasheville.com\\\/updatestage\\\/lifestyle\\\/travel-a-trail-of-good-taste-this-summer\\\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Amy Pryor\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/thelaurelofasheville.com\\\/updatestage\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/13d76582350fe4093b37d2b69174af00\"},\"headline\":\"Travel a Trail of Good Taste This Summer\",\"datePublished\":\"2022-06-28T23:00:46+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2022-06-28T23:07:35+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/thelaurelofasheville.com\\\/updatestage\\\/lifestyle\\\/travel-a-trail-of-good-taste-this-summer\\\/\"},\"wordCount\":1557,\"commentCount\":0,\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/thelaurelofasheville.com\\\/updatestage\\\/lifestyle\\\/travel-a-trail-of-good-taste-this-summer\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/thelaurelofasheville.com\\\/updatestage\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/06\\\/Tasting-Trail-Stone-Ashe-Vineyards-panoramic-view-e1656327221862.jpg\",\"articleSection\":[\"Breweries, Wine, and Cheese\",\"Lifestyle\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"CommentAction\",\"name\":\"Comment\",\"target\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/thelaurelofasheville.com\\\/updatestage\\\/lifestyle\\\/travel-a-trail-of-good-taste-this-summer\\\/#respond\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/thelaurelofasheville.com\\\/updatestage\\\/lifestyle\\\/travel-a-trail-of-good-taste-this-summer\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/thelaurelofasheville.com\\\/updatestage\\\/lifestyle\\\/travel-a-trail-of-good-taste-this-summer\\\/\",\"name\":\"Travel a Trail of Good Taste This Summer - The Laurel of Asheville\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/thelaurelofasheville.com\\\/updatestage\\\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/thelaurelofasheville.com\\\/updatestage\\\/lifestyle\\\/travel-a-trail-of-good-taste-this-summer\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/thelaurelofasheville.com\\\/updatestage\\\/lifestyle\\\/travel-a-trail-of-good-taste-this-summer\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/thelaurelofasheville.com\\\/updatestage\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/06\\\/Tasting-Trail-Stone-Ashe-Vineyards-panoramic-view-e1656327221862.jpg\",\"datePublished\":\"2022-06-28T23:00:46+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2022-06-28T23:07:35+00:00\",\"author\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/thelaurelofasheville.com\\\/updatestage\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/13d76582350fe4093b37d2b69174af00\"},\"description\":\"The rolling farmland, stunning mountain views and vibrant towns of Western North Carolina offer unparalleled beauty and opportunities for adventure. Add to that mix a selection of welcoming vineyards, breweries and meaderies along the byways, and you\u2019ve found a pleasurable way to while away an afternoon with friends and loved ones.\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/thelaurelofasheville.com\\\/updatestage\\\/lifestyle\\\/travel-a-trail-of-good-taste-this-summer\\\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/thelaurelofasheville.com\\\/updatestage\\\/lifestyle\\\/travel-a-trail-of-good-taste-this-summer\\\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/thelaurelofasheville.com\\\/updatestage\\\/lifestyle\\\/travel-a-trail-of-good-taste-this-summer\\\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/thelaurelofasheville.com\\\/updatestage\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/06\\\/Tasting-Trail-Stone-Ashe-Vineyards-panoramic-view-e1656327221862.jpg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/thelaurelofasheville.com\\\/updatestage\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/06\\\/Tasting-Trail-Stone-Ashe-Vineyards-panoramic-view-e1656327221862.jpg\",\"width\":1200,\"height\":585,\"caption\":\"Stone Ashe Vineyards\"},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/thelaurelofasheville.com\\\/updatestage\\\/lifestyle\\\/travel-a-trail-of-good-taste-this-summer\\\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\\\/\\\/thelaurelofasheville.com\\\/updatestage\\\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"Travel a Trail of Good Taste This Summer\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/thelaurelofasheville.com\\\/updatestage\\\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/thelaurelofasheville.com\\\/updatestage\\\/\",\"name\":\"The Laurel of Asheville\",\"description\":\"The Arts and Culture of Communities Across the Mountains\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\\\/\\\/thelaurelofasheville.com\\\/updatestage\\\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/thelaurelofasheville.com\\\/updatestage\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/13d76582350fe4093b37d2b69174af00\",\"name\":\"Amy Pryor\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/secure.gravatar.com\\\/avatar\\\/4afbb9c963c7a0e8f027aafb31772d626615a03db2472868007f1e429a48cc2f?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/secure.gravatar.com\\\/avatar\\\/4afbb9c963c7a0e8f027aafb31772d626615a03db2472868007f1e429a48cc2f?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/secure.gravatar.com\\\/avatar\\\/4afbb9c963c7a0e8f027aafb31772d626615a03db2472868007f1e429a48cc2f?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"caption\":\"Amy Pryor\"}}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"Travel a Trail of Good Taste This Summer - The Laurel of Asheville","description":"The rolling farmland, stunning mountain views and vibrant towns of Western North Carolina offer unparalleled beauty and opportunities for adventure. Add to that mix a selection of welcoming vineyards, breweries and meaderies along the byways, and you\u2019ve found a pleasurable way to while away an afternoon with friends and loved ones.","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/thelaurelofasheville.com\/updatestage\/lifestyle\/travel-a-trail-of-good-taste-this-summer\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"Travel a Trail of Good Taste This Summer - The Laurel of Asheville","og_description":"The rolling farmland, stunning mountain views and vibrant towns of Western North Carolina offer unparalleled beauty and opportunities for adventure. Add to that mix a selection of welcoming vineyards, breweries and meaderies along the byways, and you\u2019ve found a pleasurable way to while away an afternoon with friends and loved ones.","og_url":"https:\/\/thelaurelofasheville.com\/updatestage\/lifestyle\/travel-a-trail-of-good-taste-this-summer\/","og_site_name":"The Laurel of Asheville","article_publisher":"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/thelaurelofasheville","article_published_time":"2022-06-28T23:00:46+00:00","article_modified_time":"2022-06-28T23:07:35+00:00","og_image":[{"width":1200,"height":585,"url":"https:\/\/thelaurelofasheville.com\/updatestage\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Tasting-Trail-Stone-Ashe-Vineyards-panoramic-view-e1656327221862.jpg","type":"image\/jpeg"}],"author":"Amy Pryor","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_creator":"@AshevilleLaurel","twitter_site":"@AshevilleLaurel","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"Amy Pryor","Est. reading time":"8 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/thelaurelofasheville.com\/updatestage\/lifestyle\/travel-a-trail-of-good-taste-this-summer\/#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/thelaurelofasheville.com\/updatestage\/lifestyle\/travel-a-trail-of-good-taste-this-summer\/"},"author":{"name":"Amy Pryor","@id":"https:\/\/thelaurelofasheville.com\/updatestage\/#\/schema\/person\/13d76582350fe4093b37d2b69174af00"},"headline":"Travel a Trail of Good Taste This Summer","datePublished":"2022-06-28T23:00:46+00:00","dateModified":"2022-06-28T23:07:35+00:00","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/thelaurelofasheville.com\/updatestage\/lifestyle\/travel-a-trail-of-good-taste-this-summer\/"},"wordCount":1557,"commentCount":0,"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/thelaurelofasheville.com\/updatestage\/lifestyle\/travel-a-trail-of-good-taste-this-summer\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/thelaurelofasheville.com\/updatestage\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Tasting-Trail-Stone-Ashe-Vineyards-panoramic-view-e1656327221862.jpg","articleSection":["Breweries, Wine, and Cheese","Lifestyle"],"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"CommentAction","name":"Comment","target":["https:\/\/thelaurelofasheville.com\/updatestage\/lifestyle\/travel-a-trail-of-good-taste-this-summer\/#respond"]}]},{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/thelaurelofasheville.com\/updatestage\/lifestyle\/travel-a-trail-of-good-taste-this-summer\/","url":"https:\/\/thelaurelofasheville.com\/updatestage\/lifestyle\/travel-a-trail-of-good-taste-this-summer\/","name":"Travel a Trail of Good Taste This Summer - The Laurel of Asheville","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/thelaurelofasheville.com\/updatestage\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/thelaurelofasheville.com\/updatestage\/lifestyle\/travel-a-trail-of-good-taste-this-summer\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/thelaurelofasheville.com\/updatestage\/lifestyle\/travel-a-trail-of-good-taste-this-summer\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/thelaurelofasheville.com\/updatestage\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Tasting-Trail-Stone-Ashe-Vineyards-panoramic-view-e1656327221862.jpg","datePublished":"2022-06-28T23:00:46+00:00","dateModified":"2022-06-28T23:07:35+00:00","author":{"@id":"https:\/\/thelaurelofasheville.com\/updatestage\/#\/schema\/person\/13d76582350fe4093b37d2b69174af00"},"description":"The rolling farmland, stunning mountain views and vibrant towns of Western North Carolina offer unparalleled beauty and opportunities for adventure. Add to that mix a selection of welcoming vineyards, breweries and meaderies along the byways, and you\u2019ve found a pleasurable way to while away an afternoon with friends and loved ones.","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/thelaurelofasheville.com\/updatestage\/lifestyle\/travel-a-trail-of-good-taste-this-summer\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/thelaurelofasheville.com\/updatestage\/lifestyle\/travel-a-trail-of-good-taste-this-summer\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/thelaurelofasheville.com\/updatestage\/lifestyle\/travel-a-trail-of-good-taste-this-summer\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/thelaurelofasheville.com\/updatestage\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Tasting-Trail-Stone-Ashe-Vineyards-panoramic-view-e1656327221862.jpg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/thelaurelofasheville.com\/updatestage\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Tasting-Trail-Stone-Ashe-Vineyards-panoramic-view-e1656327221862.jpg","width":1200,"height":585,"caption":"Stone Ashe Vineyards"},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/thelaurelofasheville.com\/updatestage\/lifestyle\/travel-a-trail-of-good-taste-this-summer\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/thelaurelofasheville.com\/updatestage\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Travel a Trail of Good Taste This Summer"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/thelaurelofasheville.com\/updatestage\/#website","url":"https:\/\/thelaurelofasheville.com\/updatestage\/","name":"The Laurel of Asheville","description":"The Arts and Culture of Communities Across the Mountains","potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/thelaurelofasheville.com\/updatestage\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/thelaurelofasheville.com\/updatestage\/#\/schema\/person\/13d76582350fe4093b37d2b69174af00","name":"Amy Pryor","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/4afbb9c963c7a0e8f027aafb31772d626615a03db2472868007f1e429a48cc2f?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/4afbb9c963c7a0e8f027aafb31772d626615a03db2472868007f1e429a48cc2f?s=96&d=mm&r=g","contentUrl":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/4afbb9c963c7a0e8f027aafb31772d626615a03db2472868007f1e429a48cc2f?s=96&d=mm&r=g","caption":"Amy Pryor"}}]}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/thelaurelofasheville.com\/updatestage\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/51104","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/thelaurelofasheville.com\/updatestage\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/thelaurelofasheville.com\/updatestage\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thelaurelofasheville.com\/updatestage\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/14"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thelaurelofasheville.com\/updatestage\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=51104"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/thelaurelofasheville.com\/updatestage\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/51104\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":51114,"href":"https:\/\/thelaurelofasheville.com\/updatestage\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/51104\/revisions\/51114"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thelaurelofasheville.com\/updatestage\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/51109"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/thelaurelofasheville.com\/updatestage\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=51104"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thelaurelofasheville.com\/updatestage\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=51104"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thelaurelofasheville.com\/updatestage\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=51104"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}