Raise a glass, and a fork, to tantalizing flavors at the annual Cider, Wine & Dine Weekend, April 30-May 3 in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Hendersonville, North Carolina.

The spotlight is local as 11 venues host 40-plus events, including pairing dinners, barrel tastings, new releases, barbecue dinners, estate tours, live music and a wine and cider brunch.

New this year is Thursday evening’s “A Taste of Hendersonville” wine dinner. Hosted by Our State magazine at The Horse Shoe Farm, it jump-starts the weekend with local cuisine paired with a selection of wines from Hendersonville’s Crest of the Blue Ridge wine region.

“We like to think of Cider, Wine and Dine Weekend as a great kickoff to North Carolina Wine Month each May,” says Visit Hendersonville executive director Michelle Owens. “More than a day trip, it’s an extended weekend for exploring some of the state’s best vineyards and cideries.”

After Thursday evening’s wine dinner, highlights of Cider, Wine & Dine include:

Friday, May 1

• Spring wine dinner with James Beard-nominated chef at Marked Tree Vineyard
• Live music and release of Sipping Sunset, the best-selling wine at Sawyer Springs Vineyard
• Cider, Wine & Dine Dance Party with Sound Invasion at Saint Paul Mountain Vineyards

Saturday, May 2

• Guided farm and orchard hike at Appalachian Ridge Artisan Cidery
• Unveiling of tasting flights featuring the latest wines at Souther Williams Vineyard
• Music in the vines by Grammy-winning flat picker Trey Hensley at Marked Tree Vineyard

Sunday, May 3

• Wine and cider brunch at Season’s at Highland Lake Inn
• Surprise wine release on the patio at Stone Ashe Vineyards
• WNC Cheese Trail’s spring pop-up market at Marked Tree Vineyard

Attendees can also choose from activities occurring daily Friday through Sunday.

Those include: Cider, Wine & Dine Bluegrass & BBQ at Point Lookout Vineyards; Barrel Room Food & Wine Experience at Marked Tree Vineyard; chocolate and wine pairings at Stone Ashe Vineyards; and private table tastings in the vines at Saint Paul Mountain Vineyards.

“An often-overlooked aspect of the weekend is live music at the wineries and cideries,” says Owens. “This adds another local flavor. Not only great food and drink, but great music, too.”

For a complete list of free and ticketed events, along with lodging options and packages, go to: https://visithendersonvillenc.org/cider-wine-dine-weekend.