The second annual Northwestern N.C. Wine Conference has been scheduled for Monday, July 17, at the Broyhill Inn and Conference Center at Appalachian State University in Boone. The event, presented by the Appalachian State Enology Group, was created to encourage growth in the state’s wine industry through a variety of business seminars and events that help to connect wine producers with those in the position to aid in distribution. Seminars will cover Internet marketing and tips for restaurants to build a food and wine “experience,” and there will also be vendor shows and a multitude of opportunities for networking. Registration is $60 per person, and includes a continental breakfast, a coffee break and lunch. To register or view the list of events, visit www.wiselab.appstate.edu. Call (828) 262-2921 for other registration information.
Asheville is blessed with an outstanding assortment of locally brewed beer. A good — and safe — way to visit local taprooms and sample the goods is to hop aboard the new Asheville Brews Cruise, a bus service that carries its clients to selected breweries for the VIP treatment. The cruise begins and ends at the Asheville Pizza and Brewing Company, with visits to both the French Broad and Highland brewing companies in between. Each stop includes a sampling of the company’s brews and tour of the operations. Snacks and water during down-time are included in the cost, which is $37 a person, or $70 per couple, with special Asheville-local rates. Visit www.brewscruise.com for more information.
The World Coffee Cafe is now open at 18 Battery Park Ave. in downtown Asheville’s Flat Iron Building. (The previous tenant of the space, Old Europe, has moved to the corner of Lexington Avenue and Walnut Street, and plans to open there later this summer.) World Coffee Cafe serves a variety of organic, kosher and fair-trade specialty coffees imported from around the world, as well as light lunch fare and pastries. There is sidewalk and indoor seating, and a private party room with a fireplace. Call 258-1058 for more information.
Asheville’s Wine Guy is helping with two noteworthy events this month. On Wednesday, the July 12, Amici on Hendersonville Road will host a five-course dinner paired with boutique California wines selected by the Wine Guy. The event begins at 7 p.m., and cost is $70, all-inclusive. Call 277-1010 for reservations and more information.
— Mackensy Lunsford
