Every autumn, the town of Highlands, North Carolina, shifts its focus from mountain trails and rushing streams to a vibrant blend of flavors and aromas at the Highlands Food and Wine Festival. This annual event isn't just a celebration of local cuisine and fine wines—it’s a practical invitation to engage with the region’s rich culinary traditions while embracing its rugged terrain. Held typically in late September or early October, the festival stretches across multiple venues in the heart of downtown Highlands, each pulse of activity anchored by the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains.

Walking through the fest’s venues, you feel the crisp mountain air daring you to taste everything from hand-crafted cheeses to expertly paired wines. Local chefs bring forestry and farm ingredients to the table, creating dishes that honor the landscape's raw offerings rather than mask them. Simultaneously, winemakers pour selections that echo the mountain’s fierce independence, with bold reds and delicate whites hinting at old-world influences and new-world innovation.

The festival’s compact layout encourages exploration on foot—expect some gentle hills along quaint streets lined with vendor tents, pop-up kitchens, and live music stages. This accessibility makes it suitable for visitors of all ages and fitness levels. But even so, wear sturdy footwear; uneven cobblestone and occasional steep sidewalks demand attention. Hydration packs are recommended, especially if you're pairing wines—your body will thank you after indulging.

Tickets typically cover wine tastings, presentations, and access to workshops that introduce both novices and foodies to practical pairings, cooking techniques, and sustainable food sourcing. The educational component is rooted in the idea that adventure in food—and wine—is as much about curiosity and skill as it is about enjoyment. Plenty of seating areas allow pauses to savor flavors and atmosphere, providing moments to observe local artisans fiercely protecting their craft.

Beyond the palate, the festival offers a chance to gaze uphill where forested hills frame Highlands with October’s amber and gold. The surrounding mountains carry the echoes of decades past, inviting visitors to appreciate not only the modern culinary scene but the area's longstanding relationship with the land. Many vendors use locally sourced, seasonal ingredients harvested from these slopes, making each bite a celebration of place.

Planning your trip? Arrive early to avoid crowds, and consider pairing your visit with hikes in nearby Nantahala National Forest to balance sun-soaked outdoor activity with the festival’s slower, indulgent pace. The Highlands Food and Wine Festival offers more than a weekend of eating and drinking—it’s a practical, immersive way to engage with the mountain spirit, each taste and sip grounded in the land’s fierce individuality.