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Alcohol enforcement agents cite brewery and Summit over sponsorship agreement following complaint; Report says Lost Province was ‘upset’ about lack of keg space
Booneshine Brewing Co. agreed to pay $1,200 to settle accusations by alcohol regulators that it paid Summit for a sponsorship and also would have its beer served there. (Mountain Ledger file photo)
Well-known Boone brewery Booneshine Brewing Co. has agreed to settle charges with the N.C. ABC Commission that it improperly paid a pickleball complex to have its beers on tap there.
According to public records obtained by The Mountain Ledger, state alcohol regulators say Booneshine paid pickleball complex Summit in exchange for Summit agreeing to keep Booneshine beer on draft for three years. Under North Carolina alcohol rules, a brewery can’t pay a bar or other alcohol retailer to carry its products.
The two businesses are neighbors on Industrial Park Drive.
The case stemmed from a $2,500 check Booneshine gave Summit as part of a broader sponsorship arrangement. Booneshine owner Tim Herdklotz later told investigators the payment was not intended simply to get Booneshine beer into Summit and said there may have been a misunderstanding. Regulators concluded that the arrangement nevertheless violated state alcohol rules.
Booneshine agreed in August to settle the case with the N.C. ABC Commission, which approved the $1,200 settlement penalty last week. The settlement says Booneshine had no previous ABC violations.
Here’s how the case unfolded, according to N.C. ABC Commission documents:
N.C. Alcohol Law Enforcement received a complaint Feb. 24 alleging that Booneshine had given money to Summit to help with its buildout in exchange for having Booneshine beer on the taps in a new bar area for three years.
Agents went to Summit on March 6 and spoke with co-owner Crystal Smith. She told them Summit offered sponsorship packages to businesses at different levels — including gold, platinum and diamond — and that Booneshine had sponsored a sign for a pickleball court.
Smith described Booneshine’s arrangement as a diamond sponsorship worth roughly $7,000 over three years. There was no written contract, she said, just a “handshake” agreement.
But the investigators were particularly interested in what was happening at the bar. Summit opened in 2023, and in May of this year held a ribbon-cutting for a 40,000-square-foot expansion that includes a pub.
Smith told agents that Modelo and Guinness products would be on tap and that a representative of Lost Province Brewing Co. in Boone had been told Summit was holding keg space only for Booneshine. Lost Province’s representative was upset that the brewery could not get space at Summit, according to Smith. Summit would still have other taps and canned beer from other breweries by its original pickleball courts.
Agents told Smith that taking money from a brewery while reserving keg space exclusively for its beer violates state alcohol rules.
North Carolina’s rules are part of the state’s tightly controlled system for alcohol sales, whose roots date to 1937, when the state created its ABC system following the end of Prohibition.
The report from ALE does not disclose who made the complaint about the Booneshine and Summit arrangement. Lost Province is the only other business mentioned in the report.
Investigators then went to Booneshine and spoke with Herdklotz. He said the payment was never intended simply to get Booneshine products into Summit and suggested there had been a misunderstanding. The report says he asked investigators “how he could support local businesses without it being an issue.”
An agent explained that breweries generally cannot give money or other things of value to alcohol retailers or enter arrangements requiring retailers to buy their products.
ALE ultimately cited both Booneshine and Summit for violations involving exclusive outlets, inducements, commercial bribery and prohibited trade practices.
THINGS TO DO
Bourbon fundraiser, antiques fair, Dolly Film Fest, 5K in Blowing Rock, winery grape stomp
THURSDAY
“Bourbon Under the Blue Ridge”, 5-10 p.m., at Chetola Resort, 185 Chetola Lake Drive, Blowing Rock. The Women’s Fund of the Blue Ridge holds its signature fall fundraiser with premium bourbons, food and an auction benefiting programs for women and girls in Ashe, Avery and Watauga counties. Cocktail attire. $225.
“Cocktails with the Curator: Field Studies”, 6-7 p.m., at the Blowing Rock Art & History Museum, 159 Ginny Stevens Lane, Blowing Rock. A curator-led look at the museum’s “Field Studies” exhibition, mixing a gallery tour and conversation with a cocktail-party atmosphere. General admission $8, members free.
FRIDAY
“West Jefferson Olde Time Antiques Fair”, 1 p.m. until dark Friday and 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, in downtown West Jefferson. The two-day street fair fills downtown with antique and collectible vendors, along with food and entertainment. Admission and parking are free.
“Dolly Film Fest: Joyful Noise”, 6 p.m., at the Appalachian Theatre of the High Country, 559 W. King St., Boone. The theater’s Dolly Film Fest continues with a screening of the 2012 musical comedy “Joyful Noise,” starring Dolly Parton and Queen Latifah. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. $6.
“Grandfather by Night: Naturalist Program”, 7-9 p.m., at Grandfather Mountain, 2050 Blowing Rock Highway, Linville. Get access to Grandfather after the regular crowds leave, starting at the Mile High Swinging Bridge around sunset and exploring the mountain’s plants and twilight wildlife with park naturalists. Attendance is limited to 24 people and advance registration is required. $50 general admission; $42 for Bridge Club members, plus tax.
FRIDAY-SUNDAY
“Autumn at Oz”, Friday-Sunday, at Land of Oz, Beech Mountain. The once-a-year festival opens the old Land of Oz theme park, with visitors following Dorothy’s journey along a three-quarter-mile Yellow Brick Road, meeting the Scarecrow, Tin Man, Cowardly Lion, Wicked Witch and other characters along the way. This is the second of three September weekends for the festival. General admission is $70, plus taxes and fees; Over the Rainbow observation-deck access is another $8.
“The Hound of the Baskervilles”, 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday, at Ensemble Stage’s Hahn Theatre at the Historic Banner Elk School, 185 Azalea Circle, Banner Elk. Ensemble Stage presents the Sherlock Holmes mystery. Tickets are $28-$30.
SATURDAY
“Blue Ridge Conservancy 5K”, 8 a.m., starting at Robbins Pool Pavilion, 173 Lakeside Drive, Blowing Rock. The conservation group marks the 26th anniversary of its 5K, with a route through Mayview and Wonderland Trail Road. A one-mile kids fun run follows at 9 a.m. The 5K is $30 in advance or $40 race day; kids run $20 in advance or $25 race day.
“Militia Muster”, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., at Hickory Ridge History Museum, 591 Horn in the West Drive, Boone. Step into the Revolutionary era with militia drills, camp life and a mock recruitment as interpreters demonstrate how local militia members prepared for war. $10 adults; $7 for children ages 5-12.
“Plein Air Show & Sale”, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., at the Blowing Rock Art & History Museum, 159 Ginny Stevens Lane, Blowing Rock. The finale of Blowing Rock’s four-day Plein Air Festival features freshly completed paintings of the High Country by 60 participating artists, with the works entered in a judged competition and offered for sale.
“Grape Stomp”, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., at Linville Falls Winery, 9557 Linville Falls Highway, Newland. The winery holds a grape-stomping day accompanied by two rounds of live music: Bobby Frith from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. and Bluegrass Blend from 2-5 p.m.
“A Night at the Museum”, 4-6 p.m., at the Museum of Ashe County History, 301 E. Main St., Jefferson. The museum holds only its second “Night at the Museum,” with a special guided trip through the exhibits and historical figures from Ashe County’s past brought to life. Free; donations appreciated.
“The Beast of Cottonwood Canyon” premiere, 5 p.m., at the Parkway Theater, 10 E. Main St., West Jefferson. An especially local option: Ashe County writer-director Clint Johnson premieres his 47-minute western/monster film featuring seven Ashe County cast members. Admission is free, with concession purchases supporting the theater.
“App State vs. Charlotte”, 6 p.m., at Kidd Brewer Stadium, Boone. The Mountaineers host the Charlotte 49ers for “Black Saturday Under the Lights.” Tickets were listed starting at $75.
SUNDAY
“Artisan Market at the Red Barn”, noon-5 p.m., at Linville Falls Winery, 9557 Linville Falls Highway, Newland. Browse work from local artisans at the winery’s Red Barn while spending the afternoon at the vineyard.
“Kool Nights and Hot Rods Cruise In”, 1-4 p.m., downtown West Jefferson. Classic cars and vintage rides take over downtown for an old-fashioned Sunday afternoon cruise-in. Free.
“Docent Focus Tour”, 2-3 p.m., at the Blowing Rock Art & History Museum, 159 Ginny Stevens Lane, Blowing Rock. A BRAHM docent leads an hour-long deep dive into a single exhibition, covering the artists, creation of the works and stories behind the show. Space is limited.
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🎵 Live music this weekend
THURSDAY
“Bronwyn”, 7:30 p.m., at the Appalachian Theatre of the High Country, 559 W. King St., Boone. Grammy-winning fiddler and bandleader Bronwyn Keith-Hynes performs as part of the Mast Americana Music Series. Doors open at 7 p.m. $25 for adults; $15 for children/students.
FRIDAY
“Music on the Lawn: Shelby Rae Moore Band”, 5:30-8:30 p.m., at the Inn at Ragged Gardens, 203 Sunset Drive, Blowing Rock. Shelby Rae Moore and her band play blues, soul and Americana as part of the inn’s popular outdoor Music on the Lawn series. A cash bar and lawn menu are available; bring a lawn chair. Free.
“Shelby Rae Moore Band”, 9 p.m.-midnight, at Town Tavern, 1182 Main St., Blowing Rock. After playing Music on the Lawn earlier in the evening, the Shelby Rae Moore Band moves down Main Street for a late-night show at Town Tavern. Free.
“New River Overlook”, 6-9 p.m., at Lost Province Downtown Brewpub, 130 N. Depot St., Boone. Live music at the downtown brewery and restaurant from New River Overlook. Lost Province features North Carolina and Appalachian musicians every Friday and Saturday night.
“Clearwater”, 2-5 p.m., at Old Barn Winery, 2152 Beaver Creek School Road, West Jefferson. An afternoon of live music on the winery’s outdoor stage.
SATURDAY
“The Lucky Strikes”, noon-3 p.m., at Old Barn Winery, 2152 Beaver Creek School Road, West Jefferson. The band plays a dance-friendly mix of Motown, beach music, yacht rock and classic rock.
“Music in the Vineyard: Soul Benefactor”, 2-5 p.m., at Grandfather Vineyard & Winery, 225 Vineyard Lane, Banner Elk. Boone-area band Soul Benefactor plays horn-driven soul, funk and rock inspired by Memphis, Muscle Shoals and Motown. The Lazy Bear Eatery food truck will also be at the vineyard from noon-5 p.m.
“Deep Knot”, 7-10 p.m., at the Village of Banner Elk outdoor stage, 140 Azalea Circle, Banner Elk. Boone-based jam band Deep Knot plays danceable roots and blues as part of Banner Elk’s outdoor concert series. Free; weather permitting.
“Chris McGinnis”, 6-9 p.m., at Lost Province Downtown Brewpub, 130 N. Depot St., Boone. Morganton singer-songwriter Chris McGinnis performs songs built around narrative snapshots of everyday life.
“Preston Benfield Band”, 6-9 p.m., at Old Hampton Store, 77 Ruffin St., Linville. The High Country Americana and country band performs at the historic store and barbecue restaurant. Free.
REAL ESTATE WATCH
Inside a Blowing Rock estate listed at $16.75M
Asking price: $16.75M for 10,300 sq. ft. (Photos from High Country MLS)
A sprawling mountain estate near downtown Blowing Rock has been on the market for about six months, with an asking price of $16.75 million. The home at 733 Dogwood Lane sits in the Laurel Park community, overlooking Pisgah National Forest.
The basics: 10,317 square feet, 6 bedrooms, 6 full and 3 half-baths, on 4.48 acres. It was built in 2007.
The views: The property has long-range views of Grandfather Mountain, the Gorge and surrounding mountains.
Inside: Reclaimed heart-pine floors, three stone fireplaces and a kitchen with Wolf and Sub-Zero appliances.
Outside: Multiple porches and terraces, a three-car garage and a roughly 250-year-old white oak that the listing says is among the largest in North Carolina.
More land: The listing says as much as 78 additional acres are available separately.
LOCAL NEWS OF NOTE
Bridge removal, Valle Crucis man is international stone-skipping champ
Bridge removal: Crews have begun removing the 70-year-old N.C. 105 bridge over the Watauga River, with nighttime work and traffic controls at Broadstone Road, as part of a $48.7 million project expected to be completed in late 2027. (Watauga Online)
Stone-skipping champ: Valle Crucis metalsmith Liam Knight won the World Stone Skimming Championships in Scotland by using an unconventional throwing technique to counter strong winds, becoming the only competitor to send a stone all the way to the quarry’s back wall, about 207 feet. (Watauga Democrat)
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