Wine was the beverage of choice for three days in Highlands and Cashiers last weekend as a new event, called Elevated Wines, brought together wine makers and wine drinkers.
Elevated Wines gave enthusiasts an opportunity to meet the people behind the brand names, while also showcasing some smaller boutique wineries.
“The response to the event was fantastic and we have gotten a lot of positive feedback,” Elevated Wines organizer Davis Picklesimer said. “Highlands and Cashiers has a ton of potential to become an East coast wine destination and this weekend was another step in that process.”
Elevated Wines featured events at multiple area businesses as well as the Village Green in Cashiers and the Center for Life Enrichment in Highlands. Each day showcased opportunities to learn about wines from the people who put their heart and soul into each pour.
David and Suzanne Tate, of Tate Cellars, in Napa, California, were on hand for Friday night’s wine dinner at Tug’s Proper. Five Tate Cellars wines, and five Barnett Vineyards wines were paired with a specially designed dinner menu. Guests were given a behind-the-scenes look at just what it takes to produce each unique wine.
“We are not a huge operation that goes out and buys grapes from a number of different growers and blends them all together to make a large amount of wine,” David Tate said. “We feature each grower’s grapes and we seek out grapes that are not only the best quality, but provide a one of a kind flavor profile.”
Tate explained the difference in grape varieties based on the elevation at which they are grown, and also by the amount of rain and sunlight that they are subjected to. While it may sound like a science class, Suzanne Tate was quick to point out that the end result is what makes the extra effort worth it each year.
“David loves to make wine and he understands all of the complexities that go into the process,” Suzanne Tate said. “I enjoy the business side, selling wine and trying to connect people with a product that they will enjoy and keep coming back for… We make a good team.”
Elevated Wines, an idea brought to life by Picklesimer, provided a platform for business owners to work together on a common wine-focused event. Along with Tug’s Proper, there were Elevated Wines events at Midpoint, 4118 Kitchen and Bar and the Highlands Wine Shoppe. Events in Highlands were sponsored by Pat Allen Realty, The Highlander Mountain House and the Highlands Chamber of Commerce.
“Being our first year putting on the event we weren’t really sure what to expect,” Picklesimer said. “But we are encouraged that Elevated Wines will continue to grow in the future. Eventually, I would love for that to lead to a wine auction to benefit area nonprofits, which is something we can work toward in coming years.”