You couldn't swing a hock of Iberian ham in the U.S. Cellular Center on Saturday without hitting a table teeming with tastes of wine, food or craft beer. Armed with a wine glass in one hand and a tote in the other, Festival goers could choose their own foodie adventure, going either left or right around the concourse before heading down to the lower level for even more sweet and savory morsels. And choosing was a must... Even with the right amount of discipline and elbow throwing, it's not possible to hit up every table upstairs, downstairs and still fit in all of the amazing cooking demos and Chefs Challenge. 

As a fly on the Festival wall, we found people were:

"Buzzing" about: 

• Newcomers Hi-Wire Brewing and Burial Beer Co.
• Blackbird's coconut cake and mint julep pairing 
• Troy & Sons' margarita
• Oskar Blues' beer can bling
• The plentiful pours of wine from both distributors and vineyards.
• The super handy Wine Yokes

Waiting in line for:

• Chef Adam Hayes' four courses in four hours
• Curate's Iberico Bellota jamon and Sangira cubes
• Hickory Nut Gap's meats
• DOUGH's VIP spread
• Biltmore's everything
• EDISON's fried duck.

Tweeting about: 

@amybrightshj "I have my wineglass, and I have my friends. Where are you?" Overheard @AVLWineFoodFest

@CapricornDist Loved the browned corn w/shrimp demo yesterday. Corn on the cob was delicious! Compliments to the chef. @tupelohoneycafe

@CravingSomethin Winner for the most unique product I found at the @avlwinefoodfest - cocobacon from @coconutorganics!

@WMMTCooks Thanks, @AVLWineFoodFest for a great day! Not sure I can ever eat or drink again, but it was totally worth it.

@Hoogs50Best Lusty Monk mustard, found at #asheville Food&Wine fest! Best. Mustard. Ever.

@Foodtopia Watching a demonstration by @laureysyum on how to create healthy smoothies using honey at the @avlwinefoodfest.

@TracyHyorth The fried duck from Grove Park Inn new baby Edison's is a hit. & placed next to Troy's Distillery ... well it works.

@jcf2explore Blueberry lavender jam heaven from @SalliesGreatest at the @avlwinefoodfest.

Check out more amazing pics by Micah Mackenzie in our Grand Tasting photo gallery.

Thanks so much to all of the participants for making our 5th year such a huge success, from the vendors and music to our volunteers and attendees!

What were your Festival favorites?