Category: Food & Drink

  • Oktoberfest in the Valley: Raise a Stein and Celebrate!

    Oktoberfest in the Valley: Raise a Stein and Celebrate!

    September 18 – October 3

    Fall is here, and across the Valley, it’s time to celebrate Oktoberfest. From German beer and bratwurst to polka music, live bands, games, and plenty of Gemütlichkeit, local breweries, restaurants, and gathering spots are bringing the spirit of Bavaria to our mountain communities.

    Whether you’re looking for an authentic German beer, a plate of bratwurst and pretzels, live music, or simply a good reason to gather with friends, there are plenty of ways to celebrate Oktoberfest throughout the Valley.

    Oktoberfest at Berliner Kindl

    September 18 – October 3

    Berliner Kindl is bringing Oktoberfest to the Valley with German food, imported beer, and live polka music.

    Dance and sing along with the Mountain Top Polka Band Fridays and Saturdays from 5–7 PM during Oktoberfest.

    The beer selection has been expanded with the best imported German beers, including a carefully curated selection of imported bottles and cans that are also available to take home.

    Enjoy delicious German food from the regular menu, along with special Oktoberfest additions.

    And, of course, there’s Gemütlichkeit — that warm and friendly feeling that comes from gathering with a welcoming community.

    Berliner Kindl is open Tuesday through Saturday, 11 AM–8 PM.

    Lookout Brewing Oktoberfest Celebration

    Saturday, September 19

    Lookout Brewing is celebrating Oktoberfest with an afternoon of beer, music, food, and games.

    The festivities will include live music from Das Oompapa’s Band from 4–7 PM, along with the release of their Festbier, including the Schatz Lager can release.

    Food specials, games, custom Lookout steins, and festive dress will all be part of the celebration.

    Come ready to raise a stein and celebrate.

    The Grange Oktoberfest

    Saturday, September 19

    Foothills Grange will kick off Oktoberfest in the Valley on Saturday, September 19, alongside the official celebrations happening in Munich.

    The beer is brewing, the butchers are getting bratty, and the fun is underway. It’s another chance to gather with friends, enjoy the season, and get into the Oktoberfest spirit right here in the Valley.

    Stay tuned for more details from The Grange.

    Oktoberfest at AMB Old Fort Outpost & Kitchen

    Saturday, September 26 | 11 AM–10 PM

    Head to Old Fort for the first-ever Oktoberfest at AMB Old Fort Outpost & Kitchen.

    Join them for a full day of German-inspired food, craft beer, live music, and plenty of reasons to raise a stein.

    The event features free entry, and the first 100 guests will receive a free Oktoberfest pint.

    There will be live music throughout the day, a special Oktoberfest food menu, special drink and cocktail specials, and a special release of Von Watzdorf Oktoberfest Märzen Lager flowing all day.

    It’s a full day of food, beer, music, and Oktoberfest fun in Old Fort.

    Watershed Oktoberfest

    Saturday, September 26

    Also in Old Fort, Watershed is celebrating Oktoberfest with a day centered around the beer — just as it should be.

    As the home of Butcher Babe Brewing Co., Watershed is putting its beer front and center while giving guests a chance to experience the creativity, tradition, and mountain spirit behind the brewery. And because Watershed is a place built with families in mind, there will be something for everyone, including a friendly futbol tournament, yard games, and live music.

    Watershed will host a free, all-ages soccer tournament on Saturday, September 26, starting at 11 AM. No experience is necessary and there’s no pressure — just good competition and a great excuse to get your crew together.

    Later in the day, enjoy live music from All Crawfish Go To Heaven from 6–8 PM, featuring foot-stomping bluesy drones, heartfelt vocals, and crunchy archtop guitar in the mountains of Western North Carolina.

    Prost to Oktoberfest in the Valley!

    From traditional German beer and food to polka bands, soccer, yard games, live music, and locally brewed Festbier, Oktoberfest in the Valley is about more than what’s in your stein — it’s about getting together.

    So grab your friends, pull on your favorite festive outfit, find a pretzel, and raise a glass to fall in the mountains.

    Prost!

  • Discover North Carolina Wine in the Heart of Old Fort

    Discover North Carolina Wine in the Heart of Old Fort

    Euda Wine: A Fresh Take on Appalachian Winemaking in Downtown Old Fort

    As downtown Old Fort continues to grow as a destination for outdoor adventure, local culture, and small-town hospitality, Euda Wine offers visitors a unique opportunity to experience Appalachian winemaking in a welcoming and approachable setting.

    Located on Commerce Street in downtown Old Fort, Euda Wine is a boutique winery and tasting room focused on crafting wines from North Carolina-grown grapes. The result is a distinctly regional wine experience that celebrates the agricultural heritage of the state while introducing visitors to the diversity of wines being produced across North Carolina.

    Founded by husband-and-wife team Michael and Abi McGeary, Euda Wine combines international winemaking expertise with a passion for community. Michael’s experience spans vineyards and wineries across multiple continents, while the couple’s vision for Euda centers on creating a place where people can gather, connect, and enjoy exceptional wines in a relaxed environment.

    A Different Kind of Tasting Room

    Visitors will quickly discover that Euda Wine is designed to be approachable. Whether you’re a longtime wine enthusiast or simply looking for a place to unwind after a day of exploring, the tasting room offers a comfortable atmosphere where everyone is welcome.

    Guests can enjoy wine flights, glasses, and bottles featuring a rotating selection of wines made from North Carolina fruit. The lineup often includes sparkling wines, refreshing whites, rosés, and reds, providing something for a wide range of tastes and preferences.

    In addition to wine, Euda offers cider, beer, and non-alcoholic options, making it an easy stop for groups and families looking for a relaxing place to gather.

    The Perfect Stop After a Day Outdoors

    Old Fort has become one of Western North Carolina’s premier outdoor recreation destinations, with easy access to mountain biking trails, hiking adventures, waterfalls, and Pisgah National Forest. Euda Wine provides a natural complement to those experiences.

    After exploring Catawba Falls, riding the Gateway Trails, hiking Kitsuma Peak, or spending the day in Pisgah, visitors can settle into the tasting room and enjoy a slower pace while sampling wines that reflect the region’s growing agricultural and culinary scene.

    Part of Downtown Old Fort’s Revival

    Euda Wine is among the businesses helping shape the next chapter of downtown Old Fort. Alongside locally owned restaurants, shops, breweries, and outdoor recreation businesses, the winery contributes to the vibrant atmosphere that continues to attract visitors from across Western North Carolina and beyond.

    The tasting room regularly hosts community events, educational wine experiences, and special gatherings, further strengthening its role as a gathering place for both residents and visitors.

    Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway, exploring the Blue Ridge Mountains, or simply looking for a unique experience in McDowell County, Euda Wine offers a memorable taste of what makes Old Fort special.

    Location: 164 Commerce Street, Suite 10, Old Fort, NC 28762

    What You’ll Find:

    • North Carolina-grown wines
    • Wine flights and tastings
    • Sparkling, white, rosé, and red wines
    • Cider, beer, and non-alcoholic beverages
    • Community events and wine education experiences
    • A welcoming downtown atmosphere

    When visiting Old Fort, be sure to add Euda Wine to your itinerary and discover how Appalachian hospitality and North Carolina winemaking come together in the heart of downtown.