Steins & Wine Gets New Date

Staff Report

HAYESVILLE, N.C. — Historic Hayesville Inc. will host the 13th annual Steins & Wine Around the Square from 4 to 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct.2 on the historic downtown square.

The outdoor tasting event features area wines, beers and food around the courthouse square. North Carolina law requires anyone consuming alcohol to be 21 and present a valid ID. Wristbands are typically issued at the gate.

Organizers direct visitors to historichayesvilleinc.com for ticket details, vendor information and weather updates.

The event began as a “Wine Around the Square” idea from the Town 100 Committee during Hayesville’s 2013 centennial. Local ordinances had to be changed before alcohol could be served downtown. Organizers say it was the first event of its kind in the area and later expanded to include craft beer, becoming Steins & Wine Around the Square.

Historic Hayesville Inc., a nonprofit tied to downtown revitalization, uses the fundraiser to support local projects. In previous years proceeds have gone toward downtown improvements. After Hurricane Helene, organizers directed some proceeds toward Western North Carolina recovery.

Mountain-area wineries and breweries typically set up around the square alongside other vendors offering food and merchandise. Guests can sample pours, buy glasses or bottles and linger on the square. Participating craft breweries have increasingly been part of the broader Western North Carolina brewing community.