The Tryon Downtown Development Association’s inaugural Tryon Rhythm & Wine Festival, presented by New View Realty will take place on Saturday, May 6 from 3-7 p.m. at the Tryon Depot Plaza.

Parker-Binns Vineyard and Winery

Parker-Binns Vineyard and Winery has been the long time development of Karen and Bob Binns. After spending 20 years between Fort Lauderdale, Fla. and the Jersey Shore in food and beverage and another 20 years operating a tree farm and nursery in south Florida, they began searching for the next opportunity to tackle as an active retirement of sorts. In 2007, they sought to be part of the historical east coast wine industry, and the search for unique property in the Tryon foothills of western North Carolina presented the perfect template for what was to become a thriving vineyard.

They have created a slice of heaven on earth at Parker-Binns Vineyard in Mill Spring. They currently cultivate seven varietals over 11 acres of their 40-acre farm.

Their daughter Kelly has joined the team on this adventure, bringing her enthusiasm to the marketing and management of the event venue, The Barn at Parker-Binns.

Lavender Bistro

Lavender Bistro offers new american cuisine with a French twist in an inviting and convenient location in the middle of downtown Tryon. The Bistro has been owned by Kevin Sturm and his son Ross since January 2016. Chef Ross is the creative mind and talent behind a seasonally changing menu and nightly specials.

Lavender Bistro will be offering festival goers choices designed to accompany their wine tasting including lamb sliders, caprese sandwich with fresh tomatoes and basil, as well as imported French sodas. The Bistro is located at 82 North Trade Street in Tryon.

Artists from Tryon Arts and Crafts vendors include:

Libertas Wood Art (Nathan Smith), Lynn’s Lagniappe, JBJ Designs Artisan Jewelry, Joe Hiltabidel Photography and Julie McIntyre glass beads.

Artwork by Jennifer Mills will be on auction, as well as canvas paintings available for purchase at the event. Festival t-shirts and tote bags with the jazzy Morris painting will be sold on site.

Additional vendors include:

Inglenook Soaps, Blaine Owens Photography, The Mill Spring Farm Store, A Taste of Olives and Grapes, Lavender Bistro, Buck’s Pizza, Carolina Confections, DuJour Done Daily and more. Wine will be offered from Mountain Brook Vineyards, Russian Chapel Hills Vineyard, Parker Binns Vineyard, Point Lookout Vineyard, and a variety of national and international wines to taste a full array of options.

Beer will be available from Winding Creek Brewing as well as BottleTree, Sierra Nevada, Blind Squirrel, Foothills Brewing and more.

There will be a variety of wines and beers to sample at this event, along with music by Blair Crimmins and The Hookers and the Snopes Family Band.​

Tickets for the Tryon Rhythm & Wine Festival may be purchased online at tryonrhythmwine.com or at The Tryon Bottle (formerly La Bouteille). Beer, wine and cider will be available for purchase at the Tryon Bottle after the event as our local retail partner. This is a 21 and older event and no dogs allowed in the festival boundaries. With purchase of a ticket, you will receive a tasting glass, opportunity to sample wine and beer with the ability to purchase a full pour and sangria tasting. This event is produced by the Tryon Downtown Development Association and funds raised will benefit downtown improvement projects.

– article submitted by Jamie Carpenter