Whiskey lovers, bourbon enthusiasts, and craft spirit fans from across the Southeast are getting ready for one of Western North Carolina’s most anticipated tasting events — the WNC Whiskey Festival 2026. Set for Saturday, May 30, 2026, this premier celebration of whiskey takes place from 12 PM to 5 PM at the Mission Health / A-B Tech Conference Center in Asheville, North Carolina.
The WNC Whiskey Festival brings together an incredible lineup of craft distillers, regional producers, and internationally recognized whiskey brands for an unforgettable day of tastings, education, music, and mountain hospitality. Guests will have the opportunity to sample a wide variety of bourbons, rye whiskeys, Scotch whiskies, and specialty spirits while meeting distillers and brand ambassadors from around the world.
Festival attendees can also enjoy live music, artisan vendors, curated tasting experiences, and educational seminars designed for both longtime whiskey collectors and newcomers to the whiskey scene. VIP ticket holders receive early entry at noon, while General Admission begins at 1 PM.
Featured distilleries and brands for 2026 include names like Ardbeg, Glenmorangie, Glen Scotia, Elijah Craig, Jim Beam, Maker’s Mark, Knob Creek, Suntory Whisky Toki, The Yamazaki, Heaven Hill Distillery, Bardstown Bourbon Company, and many more. The event has quickly become one of the region’s signature whiskey experiences.
The festival is hosted by the WNC Harvest & Heritage Foundation, with proceeds helping support the organization’s mission and community initiatives throughout Western North Carolina.
Tickets are on sale now and expected to sell quickly. For full event details, ticket information, and updates, visit WNC Whiskey Festival.
