Category Archives: Wine

‘Farm Fresh Georgia’ joins the family

I’m very excited to announce the arrival of “Farm Fresh Georgia,” another sister book, after Tennessee. This one has a North Carolina component — it was researched and written by Charlotte journalist and travel writer Jodi Helmer. Jodi is as … Continue reading

Posted in Books, Family travel, Farmers, Farmers' markets, History, Livestock, Lodging, Recipes, Road travel, U-pick farms, Wine | Leave a comment

Flurry of farm-fresh fall festivities

Wow, there’s so much going on that I feel compelled to do a round-up. Typical fall in the Carolinas! The 8th annual and always entertaining Eastern Triangle Farm Tour is happening Sept. 21-22. Six new farms are included among the 27 … Continue reading

Posted in Beer, Charlotte area, Durham County, Family travel, Farmers' markets, Food, Franklin County, Johnston County, Lincoln County, Mecklenburg County, Road travel, Stokes County, Wake County, Wine | Leave a comment

Dig deeper with Taste Carolina food-farm events

I got to hang out with some of my favorite food purveyors last night — Farmhand Foods, which distributes local, pasture-raised meats, and April McGreger of Farmer’s Daughter Brand, sweet-and-savory queen of all that is preserved or fermented. And I … Continue reading

Posted in Cooking, Durham County, Environmental, Farmers, Food, Livestock, Orange County, Recipes, Wine | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Food fest recap: all yummy all the time

I was treated to some glorious dining and noshing events at TerraVITA in Chapel Hill last weekend. and now it‘s back to watching the waistline. I’ve witnessed this fine food and beverage festival, founded and run by the gracious and … Continue reading

Posted in Beer, Dining, Orange County, Wine | Tagged , | 2 Comments

TerraVITA triples the fun (get your tix now)

Wow, in only its third year, TerraVITA has become a leading Southern food and wine event, with a focus on farm-sourcing, artisanal producers. This year’s event has expanded over several days, with activities running Nov. 1 to Nov. 3 in … Continue reading

Posted in Beer, Dining, Farmers' markets, Films, Food, Orange County, Wine | Tagged , | 1 Comment

Farm Fresh NC on UNC-TV’s ‘Bookwatch’

D.G. Martin interviewed me in the summer for his author-focused show, “Bookwatch,” on UNC-TV. We had a wide-ranging talk about agritourism, farm-to-table restaurants, farmers markets, etc. It was a fun show, and I’m grateful for the opportunity! It first aired Sept. … Continue reading

Posted in Books, Charlotte area, Coastal Region-Sandhills, Dining, Farmers' markets, Food, Mountains, Triad, Triangle, Wine | Leave a comment

Find dining in Asheville

Wrote this little ditty below for a Boston Globe summer-fun roundup, so makes sense to share with my NC readers. With farm-to-table dining practically de rigueur, farmers are starting to share the menu with foragers. In what is billed as a … Continue reading

Posted in Buncombe County, Dining, Food, Wine | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Asheville’s Tupelo Honey Cafe puts out cookbook

Tupelo Honey Café is one of those landmark dining spots that actually deserves its popularity. Tourists and locals alike go to the Asheville restaurant for Southern comfort food with a modern twist. It’s a high-volume place (and a second location … Continue reading

Posted in Beer, Books, Buncombe County, Cooking, Dining, Food, Recipes, Wine | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Rockingham Radio on NC wineries

Listen to Diane chat with “Let’s Talk” radio host Mike Moore on Rockingham County Radio about NC wineries and grape growing.  This 10-minute segment aired on Feb. 3.  Diane reports on farm-fresh happenings across the state monthly as part of Mike’s “North Carolina … Continue reading

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100 wineries, Raffaldini’s birthday, Surry success

While many NC wineries take a break in January, it’s been a busy month for local-wine news. The biggest announcement came from the state: North Carolina is now home to 100 wineries (and even more vineyards)! The 100th is Cauble … Continue reading

Posted in Rowan County, Surry County, Wilkes County, Wine, Yadkin County | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Seed swap and potluck on Jan. 23 in Yadkin County

Slow Food Piedmont is holding a seed swap and potluck at the gorgeous Sanders Ridge Restaurant and Winery in Boonville on Jan. 23 from 4 to 6. Check Slow Food Piedmont’s website for more details. Sanders Ridge will also give a tasting of … Continue reading

Posted in Food, Wine, Yadkin County | Tagged , , | Leave a comment