Leaders debate whether to allow wine tastings

TRYON — The tailgate market begins in Tryon next week in a new location, and the town and market officials are still debating whether or not to allow local wineries to serve samples to guests.

The tailgate market in Tryon will change locations this year, and will go back to the Tryon Depot Plaza. Last year, the farmers market was held at Harmon Field.

Previously, the market in Tryon has been held at the Shops of Tryon parking lot, on McCown Street, the depot plaza and at the town parking lot on Palmer Street.

Tryon officials voted to disapprove of any alcohol being available at the farmers market last year, but Patrick McLendon, with Growing Rural Opportunities, said there is a state law that makes it possible to have wine tastings there.

Tryon commissioners discussed the farmers market last week with McLendon and Erika McMillian, also with GRO.

McMillian said one thing this year they would like to include is local wineries in the farmers market.

“I think it could benefit the town in a greater economic impact,” McMillian said.

McMillian also said wineries are a huge part of what makes Polk County great, and plans are to incorporate coupons at the market so people could go to the Tryon Bottle to purchase the wine after they have samples.

Commissioner Crys Armbrust asked if vendors outside of Polk County understand they have the option to be a part of the Tryon Tailgate Market. Armbrust said there are wonderful providers just 6 miles from Tryon and, for at least four years, they have not been able to participate.

Commissioner Bill Crowell said what happens in Tryon is some vendors may not have enough produce for multiple markets, so they skip Tryon and wait for the Columbus market on Saturday. Crowell said Tryon does not have enough vendors.

McMillian said the fee to participate was reduced to nothing, and they are moving the market back to downtown to get more foot traffic. She also said she is actively seeking vendors.

Commissioners also said they feel McCown Street is more visible and has more parking.

Mayor Pro-Tem Bill Ingham said he feels like the town voted “no” on wine at the market last year.

McLendon said the town did deny alcohol at the market last year, but wineries are covered by state law.

McLendon said he thinks the town took it as the market wanting to throw a “kegger,” but that is not the case at all. The plan is for wineries to offer samples.

Ingham asked if Columbus is going to allow wineries at their farmers market, with McLendon saying he has not yet talked with the town.

“It’s a great draw to get customers in the door,” McLendon said.

McLendon said all they want to do is offer tastings to showcase local wineries. They will not serve pours or sell wine there.

Commissioner Bill Crowell said he sees no difference in tasting wine than tasting an apple.

“It’s just a taste,” Crowell said.

McLendon and town officials plan to discuss the state law, and whether or not wine tastings will be allowed.

Tryon’s Tailgate Market will be from 4:30-6:30 p.m. on Thursday at the Depot Plaza, from May 3 to Nov. 1.

Columbus Tailgate Market began April 7 and will run through Nov. 17, from 8 a.m. to noon on Saturdays at the Polk County Courthouse.

The Saluda Tailgate Market will begin Friday, May 4, and will run through October. Saluda’s Tailgate Market is from 4:30-6:30 p.m. Fridays, off of West Main Street in the city’s parking lot.