The Tryon Downtown Development Association’s inaugural Tryon Rhythm & Wine Festival will take place on Saturday, May 6 from 3-7 p.m. at the Tryon Depot Plaza. With a vibrant wine culture in Polk County and western North Carolina, it is an obvious place to celebrate.

No product has a closer relationship to its raw material than wine does to its vineyard, and at Russian Chapel Hills Winery, they are developing a heritage of fine viticulture.

Russian Chapel Hills began as Green Creek Vineyards in 2004 as collaboration between two brothers, Marvin and Alvin Pack. In 2004, Marvin founded Green Creek Vineyards in western North Carolina’s burgeoning wine-growing district, while his brother Alvin established Green Creek Winery on neighboring land. In 2009, Marvin sold Green Creek Vineyards to a local neighbor—retired businessman and long-time wine aficionado Andrey Medvedev.

Under Andrey’s management, Green Creek Vineyards has taken steps to firmly establish itself in the viticulture industry of Western North Carolina. In 2010, four additional acres of grapes were planted on a parcel five miles from the original parcel, and in 2011 Green Creek Vineyards LLC was established as a commercial vineyard in Polk County.

In 2014, they built and consecrated St. Anna Chapel on the property and changed their name to Russian Chapel Hills with the new addition.

“We are excited to feature the great local wines in Polk County, western North Carolina and beyond” said Wanda May, president of the Tryon Downtown Development Association. “The viticulture in the area is a huge economic driver, and something we want to continue to grow in Tryon.”

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

Tryon Rhythm & Wine Fest tickets can be purchased online at tryonrhythmwinefest.com. If you prefer to purchase in person, you can find tickets at The Tryon Bottle in downtown Tryon. Tickets include a tasting glass and wine/beer samples, with the opportunity to purchase a full pour.

This event is produced by the Tryon Downtown Development Association, and proceeds will benefit downtown improvement projects. This is a rain or shine event, and a 21 and over event. No children allowed. ID must be presented at the gate. No pets or guns will be permitted at the event.

– article submitted by Jamie Carpenter