The Cape Fear Botanical Gardens at 536 North Eastern Blvd. are an oasis of nature in Fayetteville, providing 80 acres of native trees, flowers and plant life of all shapes, sizes, colors and types. All year-round, it provides a place for patrons of all ages to learn, to recharge, to connect with their community and their environment.  On June 27, the Gardens will provide another opportunity for learning and connection as they host the inaugural Wine and Beer Festival.

In 2025, CFBG hosted the first-ever Bourbon Festival.  The success of that festival inspired organizers to host a similar but unique festival in 2026, one that focuses on locally sourced and produced wine, beer and mead. Megan Panetti, the event’s primary organizer, has experience planning a similar festival at a winery in Arizona.  

Panetti explains, “After I was hired on [at Cape Fear Botanical Gardens], it was perfect timing to make it happen!”

The festival’s primary attraction will be beer, wine, and mead made in North Carolina.  Fans of locally-made wine and beer will recognize some of the companies at the festival.  Samples of wine will be provided by Locklear Vineyard and Winery, Cypress Bend Vineyards, Country Squire Winery, and Hinnant Family Vineyards.  Static Line Brewing Company, Heckler Brewing Company, and Bounty Farmhouse Kitchen and Tap will be providing samples of beer.  Rounding out the options for beverages will be samples of mead provided by Good Times Mead, Starrlight Mead, and Honeygirl Meadery.

Tickets for the festival will include 5 sample tickets to be used however each patron sees fit.  It is a great opportunity to try a variety of types of beverages.  There will be 2 different glass options-a stemless wine glass or a pint beer glass-available on a first-come, first-served basis.  Patrons will also be able to purchase full pours of any selection as well as to-go options.

The festival will not be all about the drinks, though.  Food purchases will be available from a variety of local food trucks: Graze Craze, Once Upon a Bite, Bella Nonna and Lucia’s Coffee and Treats.  Live music will be provided by Emily Musolino and Whiskey Pines, both North Carolina-based musicians.  There will also be an adult book fair in collaboration with Bound and Vine Bookstore and Wine Bar, located on Person Street in Downtown Fayetteville.  

The event will go on, rain or shine.  In the event of rain, the festival will move into the Botanical Garden’s spacious indoor hall, including the Huff Orangery.

While the festival is limited to patrons ages 21 and above (IDs are required), there will be a Designated Driver ticket available for those who want to enjoy the festivities but not the alcohol.  The discounted ticket includes a mocktail, provided by Once Upon a Bite food truck.

This inaugural Wine and Beer Festival is a celebration of much of what makes our region so vibrant and rich: drinks, food, and culture crafted with care; small businesses; gardens filled with beautiful and fascinating green spaces; and people who bring it all together.  What better way to spend a summer evening than enjoying all our little corner of the country has to offer?  

Join your friends and neighbors at the Cape Fear Botanical Gardens’ inaugural Wine and Beer Festival on Saturday, June 27, beginning at 4 p.m.  Tickets are available at capefearbg.org.