The Bar & Lounge

Join us this October as we embark on a journey through the picturesque Loire Valley, renowned for its fine wines. From the refreshing crispness of Sancerre's whites to the luxurious depths of Chinon's reds, Come and sip and savor the essence of the Loire Valley's terroir. Our Wine Director, Hannah Barton, and Lead Sommelier, Luke Burrows, are looking forward to introducing you to the timeless treasures of this classic wine region.

These tastings will be held on Wednesday nights October  and October ^th starting at 6pm and lasting an hour. A few small bites will be paired with the wines. Tickets are now available for $75 plus tax and gratuity, prepayment at the time of booking is required. Tickets are transferrable but non-refundable, and can be purchased through our reservations department at 919-447-4050 or by clicking here.

Join us this October as we embark on a journey through the picturesque Loire Valley, renowned for its fine wines. From the refreshing crispness of Sancerre's whites to the luxurious depths of Chinon's reds, Come and sip and savor the essence of the Loire Valley's terroir. Our Wine Director, Hannah Barton, and Lead Sommelier, Luke Burrows, are looking forward to introducing you to the timeless treasures of this classic wine region.

These tastings will be held on Tuesday nights October 10^th and October 24^th starting at 6pm and lasting an hour. A few small bites will be paired with the wines. Tickets are now available for $75 plus tax and gratuity, prepayment at the time of booking is required. Tickets are transferrable but non-refundable, and can be purchased through our reservations department at 919-447-4050 or by clicking here.

The Umstead is set to host an unforgettable evening of culinary delight and fashion synergy with beloved fashion brand Raleigh Denim as it hosts this year’s Ment'or Foundation fundraiser on Friday, November 3. This exclusive event will take place in The Umstead's elegant ballroom and is limited to 48 guests.

The Raleigh Denim x Herons Ment'or Fundraiser highlights the importance of mentorship by featuring Raleigh Denim’s and Herons' mentor/mentee relationships. The evening's program will showcase a chef’s tasting menu designed by the Herons culinary team, and featuring courses created by Executive Chef Steven Greene's mentees. Greene is a multi-nominated James Beard Awards Semi-Finalist and has propelled Herons to receiving a coveted Five Star rating from Forbes Travel Guide since 2011.

Adding to the festivity and sophistication of the evening, guests will have the privilege of enjoying wines from the renowned Sonoma County winery Pax Wines, along with selections from Pax’s mentee winemakers. With a menu price of $295 per person (including pairings), attendees can expect an evening that appeals to both the eye and taste buds for a great cause. Guests are invited to wear their favorite denim, bringing their personal touch and glamor to the experience. A keepsake menu, handwritten on denim, will be a treasured memento of the evening.

The evening’s beneficiary, The Ment’or Foundation, is a nonprofit organization that supports and inspires young culinary talent through grants, educational opportunities, and mentorship programs, with the goal of preserving and elevating the culinary arts in America. Victor Lytvinenko, founder of Raleigh Denim, has a deep connection to the restaurant industry, having worked at Nobu during his early days as a designer in New York City. Odes to that influence are evident as he offers an “omakase” of custom-made garments at the Raleigh Denim Workshop.

There will be an auction component for those who can’t attend but want to participate, featuring  lots that include a luxurious stay at The Umstead Presidential Suite; a spa day by the pool; Raleigh Denim aprons with Chef’s favorite cooking tools; a private home-cooked dinner by Chefs Steven and Spencer Thomson for up to 8 guests; One Oak Farm tour and picnic; and more.

*Please reach out to our reservations team to book at 919-447-4050, or book online.*

Another evening of perfectly paired food and wine awaits! Special guest Francesca Vajra visits us from Italy to share her family's gorgeous wines, ranging from an aromatic and zippy Riesling, to an etheral Barolo. Join us on Novemeber 8^th in the Herons Private Dining Room for an incredible 5-course tasting menu from Executive Chef Steven Greene to match these exciting wines from one of Italy's top regions! G.D. Vajra is responsible for some of the best wines in the Piedmont, and is also a pioneer in the region for sustainable and organic farming in the region. The winery was opened by Aldo Vajra with his wife in 1972, and now his two sons and daughter, Francesca, are running the show. Come and be a part of this fun and intimate dining experience. 

On November 8^th at 6:30pm, join Francesca and Umstead Wine Director, Hannah Barton, as they take you on a tour of these amazing wines from the Italian Piedmont. Tickets are now available for $295 plus tax and service charge through our reservations department which can be reached by calling 919-447-4050, or you may click here to book online for parties of four or less.

Enjoy a Thanksgiving meal that blends tradition and indulgence, curated by our celebrated Executive Chef, Steven Greene – a four-time James Beard Award Semifinalist.   Chef Greene brings his signature focus on seasonal cooking to the table, inspired by the fall bounty harvested from our very own sustainable farm, One Oak Farm.

Thanksgiving at The Umstead will be a four-course culinary experience that is both innovative and delectable.   Guests will have their choice of entrée accompanied by a selection of family-style side dishes highlighting the flavors and aromas of autumn.

We will be hosting this year's Thanksgiving meal in Herons from noon until 5:30pm. Pricing is $125 per person and $35 per child (ages 2 to 10), plus tax and service charge. Prepayment is required at the time of booking. Please contact our reservations department at 919-447-4050 to reserve your seats.

Join us this winter for our annual Tea with Santa series. Let your children ages 10 and under delight in this magical event as they enjoy a special visit with Santa and let him know what is on their wish list this holiday season.  Santa will share photos of his favorite memories as he tells stories of his helpful elves and reindeer.  Tea with Santa includes photography, a small gift, and hot chocolate service with savory and sweet morsels.

Reservations open on September 6th at 8am Please call 919-447-4050 to reserve your space. Tickets are $95 per person plus tax and service fee with 12 seatings available on Saturdays and Sundays between November 25th and December 17th. Parties of up to 8 people can be accommodated based on availability, we are unable to service parties of 9 or more. As this is one of our most popular events, we ask for your patience as hold times should be expected; hanging up will result in the loss of your place in the queue. Should you be unable to attend in the event of inclement weather, additional make up dates will not be available.  Please speak with a member of our reservations team for additional options.

*Please be aware to ensure the best possible experience for all of our guests, the Santa experience and gift is reserved for children aged 10 and under.*