In a sign of North Carolina and South Carolinas growing viticulture industry, nine vineyards from western North Carolina and upstate South Carolina will appear at the FENCE Wine and Art Festival, presented by August Construction at Derbyshire on October 10.

Among the vintners who will be offering tastings will be a local favorite, Green Creek Winery, as well as the following winemakers:

WoodMill Winery – Vale, N.C.;

Lake James Cellars – Glen Alpine, N.C.;

Fox Hill Mead – Marshall, N.C.;

Waldensian Style Wines & Cider – Connelly Springs, N.C.;

Victoria Valley Vineyards – Cleveland, S.C.;

RaggApple Lassie Vineyards – Boonville, N.C.;

Baker Buffalo Creek Vineyard – Gastonia, N.C.;

CityScape Winery – Pelzer, S.C.

The Wine and Art Festival is a fundraiser in support of FENCEs nature education and outdoor recreation programs. The event will offer not only wine tasting but will celebrate as well the regions arts and crafts heritage with displays and exhibits by upstate and foothills area artists and craftsmen.

Rounding out the afternoon at Derbyshire, an equestrian community in Green Creek designed in the tradition of the English countryside, will be a local eateries offering selections from their regional menus.

Tryon and the foothills have long been known for a rich artistic tradition, as well as for its many active vineyards during the early part of the twentieth century. Now, the areas viticulture has been renewed, and this gathering honors both legacies.

Wells Fargo, Golf Cart Service, WNC Magazine, First Citizens Bank, and Costco are the sponsors for the event.

For more information about the FENCE Wine and Art Festival call 828-859-9021 or visit www.FENCEwinefestival.org.