Free Open House Tasting | Wednesday October 8 | 5-7pm
Our second Local-Roots tasting lands on Wednesday, October 8. The first one was exactly what we hoped for: relaxed, fun, and genuinely informative. Think of our big seasonal Open Houses as wide-angle previews; these Local-Roots tastings are the slower, deeper dive—more time to taste, talk, and ask questions in an easygoing setting.
This month, we’re featuring Jason Tippetts of Barrique Imports. Jason works with small, independent vignerons who farm responsibly and make wine with care and integrity. His portfolio features thoughtful selections, built around growers who let terroir do the talking and heavy lifting. It’s exactly the kind of local partnership we love—connecting the AWM shelves to independent, family estates across the globe.
We’ll have 12 of Jason’s wines open, each one new to Western North Carolina. Drop in anytime; these tastings are free to locals and email subscribers, and there’s no RSVP. Taste, compare notes, and talk shop with Jason about vino, vineyards, vignerons, and get the first scoop of what’s on the way.
Every wine will be available to purchase or preorder with special event pricing. If you want to see the AWM Local-Global ethos in action—local and regional people, thoughtful sourcing, and seriously delicious wine—this is it.
Supporting independent local and regional importers and suppliers isn’t just about sourcing great wine—it’s about investing in the people and the businesses who shape our community’s flavor, culture, and economy.
With that in mind, I’m excited to introduce Local Roots – Global Fruit Tastings, a focused addition to the AWM Open House Tasting calendar. This rotating series will shine the spotlight on one independent Asheville or regional North Carolina importer or supplier at a time.
At these tastings, you’ll meet some of the folks who bring us our favorite adult beverage. These vinous curators champion independent vignerons and cooperatives, navigate the sea of complex import logistics, and bring wonderful wines to Western North Carolina. By leaning into local, we strengthen our regional networks and support our local economy with every purchase. It’s the true essence of the AWM Local-Global ethos.
Modeled after our huge seasonal and holiday open houses, these are informal, come-as-you-are tastings. Free to locals and subscribers, with no signup required—just drop in and taste. Whether you’re a longtime AWM regular or just starting to explore the world of wine, this is a chance to taste locally curated wines, ask questions, and connect with the folks who help build WNC wine culture. No RSVP required—just come ready to sip, savor, and learn.