Southport Magazine

What: Grapes and Hops Month
When: Through October
Where: Bald Head Island, various locations
Info: www.baldheadisland.com

The leaves are falling, the air gets cooler—and probably one of the other most exciting parts about the fall season is the Grapes and Hops Month on Bald Head Island. Celebrating food, beer, and wine throughout October, there are many different events (that are all brand new!) for guests to enjoy across the island.

There are some outlets participating for the first time this year, like Delphina, a new Latin restaurant in the harbor. Delphina is located in the Bald Head Island Marina, where River Pilot used to be. The cantina serves authentic and original Mexican cuisine with a Cuban and Spanish flair. The menu is derived from chef Carlos Rojas’ favorite family recipes. They will be offering authentic Mexican dinner specials with suggested wine pairings on October 4th, 18th, and 25th.

The Oktoboroast at the Bald Head Island Club is the most anticipated event. Half Oktoberfest and half oyster roast, this event will have many beer, oyster, and German specialties. “Fall is the best time to eat North Carolina oysters while enjoying the beautiful weather,” Lauren Frye, Bald Head Island Limited Marketing Specialist, notes.

Weekend Wine Tastings at the Maritime Market (8 Maritime Way) also will take place throughout October. For details on their tasting events, call (910) 457-7450 or visit www.maritimemarketbhi.com.

The festival was enjoyed in 2012, its first year, and is anticipated to be a great deal of fun this coming October. With the various selections of craft beers, wines, delicious food, and entertainment at many different venues, there are an array of many activities to be celebrated for all. “We want to showcase the growing dining scene on the island, celebrate NC wine and beer,” Frye expresses.

The festival is slightly scaled back from last year, but events will continue to be added on their website as October approaches. Below is a sampling of events. You can see full details at http://www.baldheadisland.com/events/grapes-hops-month.

Authentic Mexican Cuisine and Wine Pairings
Fridays, October 4th, 18th and 25th
Delphina Cantina, 10 Marina Wynd
(910) 457-1222
www.delphinacantina.webs.com
Dine at Delphina on these dates and enjoy authentic Mexican specials like Paella Valenciana (10/4), Mixiote de Borrego (10/18) and Loom al Horno (10/25). Suggested wine pairings will be available for each dish.

Oktoboroast
Saturday, October 12th • 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Bald Head Island Club, Salt Meadow Trail
(910) 457-7300 • www.bhiclub.net
Though dirndls and lederhosen won’t be a requirement, this event will be a combination of Oktoberfest and a traditional coastal oyster roast. The affair will feature regional beer specials, oysters, and German specialties. A German-themed band will also play at the festivities. $32 per guest plus tax and service charge.

Fall Red Wine Tasting
Saturday, October 19th
Call for time
Shoals Club, 100 Station House Way
(910) 454-4888 • www.shoalsclub.com
Join the Shoals Club for featured autumn-inspired hors d’oeuvres and a number of red varietals. Wine representatives and experts will be on hand to lead the tasting. Call for time.

Oktoberfest Party
Friday, October 25th • 6 p.m.
Shoals Club, 100 Station House Way
(910) 454-4888 • www.shoalsclub.com
Authentic German Oktoberfest fare will meld with live entertainment and a selection of German beers. During the same time, a Halloween-themed party for the kids will take place in the event pavilion of the Shoals Club. Open to full and temporary members.