Wine lovers, this one is for you. Did you know that the United States produces more than 800 millions gallons of wine each year, ranking behind only France, Italy, and Spain in total production? While more than 80 percent of that wine is harvested in California’s Napa Valley, North Carolina is surprisingly home to some of the country’s best wineries. In fact, according to the Travel Channel, there is one North Carolina town that just might become the next Napa Valley. Read on to discover which town we’re talking about.
Within an hour’s drive of Asheville, you will find more than a dozen highly-rated wineries worthy of a visit. While the most well-known vineyard is, of course, Biltmore Estate, there are a variety of small, lesser-known vineyards in the area worthy of a visit. Here are some of our favorites:
Biltmore/Facebook
Burntshirt Vineyards measures in at more than 10,000 square feet and features a crush pad, a laboratory from which to test grapes, special equipment to de-stem the grapes, and a 1,700-square foot barrel room that mimics wine caves you’ll find in European chateaus.
Burntshirt Vineyards/Facebook 2695 Sugarloaf Rd., Hendersonville, NC 28792
Overmountain Vineyards, a boutique winery nestled on a 70-acre family-owned farm, grows 17 acres of French vinifera primarily focusing on classic red varietals and Petit Manseng, an aromatic white grape that originates from the southwest of France. You will also discover two acres of organically grown blueberries for future winemaking.
Overmountain Vineyards/Facebook 8799, 2012 Sandy Plains Rd., Tryon, NC 28782
A family-owned operation, Silver Fork Winery is home to breathtaking views of the South Mountains best enjoyed on their remarkable patio. Enjoy a meal from their farm to fork eatery or come for one of their stellar indoor or outdoor events held throughout the year.
Silver Fork Winery/Facebook 5000 Patton Rd., Morganton, NC 28655
The vines might not appreciate the scenery at Point Lookout Vineyards, but you sure will. With views that stretch on for nearly 30 miles and wines that will make your mouth water, this vineyard deserves a spot on your bucket list.
Point Lookout Vineyards/Facebook 408 Appleola Rd., Hendersonville, NC 28792
Located 17 miles northwest of Asheville, Addison Farms Vineyard is nestled in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains and plays host to a variety of events — especially weddings. Stop by for a tasting and tour of the gorgeous farm that features nearly 360-degree panoramic views due to its elevation.
Addison Farms Vineyard/Facebook 4005 New Leicester Hwy., Leicester, NC 28748
Located in the North Carolina foothills, Lake James Cellars is housed in a renovated textile mill that dates back to 1915. Their wines are magnificent, and they play host to a variety of cool events throughout the year.
Lake James Cellars Winery/Facebook 204 E Main St., Glen Alpine, NC 28628
Serving up wonderful wines since 2005, Green Creek Winery has become a destination in western North Carolina for wine lovers. Enjoy a bite to eat and the scenic views while you’re here.
Green Creek Winery & Vineyard/Facebook 413 Gilbert Rd., Columbus, NC 28722
Enjoy a relaxing afternoon at Mountain Brook Vineyards, where award-winning wines are paired with memorable hospitality and panoramic mountain views. Though this vineyard is small, measuring in at only 7 acres, it’s worth a visit.
Mountain Brook Vineyards/Facebook 731 Phillips Dairy Rd., Tryon, NC 28782
14 varieties of wine grapes are grown at the 10-acre Saint Paul Mountain Vineyards. At an elevation of 2,300 to 3,000 feet above sea level, the wines produced here are heavenly.
Saint Paul Mountain Vineyards/Facebook 588 Chestnut Gap Rd., Hendersonville, NC 28792
The award-winning Parker-Binns Vineyard is home to some of the region’s best wines and views. Their blackberry and pea ridge white wines are of particular interest to this writer.
Parker-Binns Vineyard and Winery/Facebook 7382 NC-108, Mill Spring, NC 28756
What is your favorite Asheville winery? Share your opinions and experiences in the comments below, and then click here to discover the incredible vineyard where you can sip wine with llamas!
Biltmore/Facebook
Burntshirt Vineyards/Facebook
2695 Sugarloaf Rd., Hendersonville, NC 28792
Overmountain Vineyards/Facebook
8799, 2012 Sandy Plains Rd., Tryon, NC 28782
Silver Fork Winery/Facebook
5000 Patton Rd., Morganton, NC 28655
Point Lookout Vineyards/Facebook
408 Appleola Rd., Hendersonville, NC 28792
Addison Farms Vineyard/Facebook
4005 New Leicester Hwy., Leicester, NC 28748
Lake James Cellars Winery/Facebook
204 E Main St., Glen Alpine, NC 28628
Green Creek Winery & Vineyard/Facebook
413 Gilbert Rd., Columbus, NC 28722
Mountain Brook Vineyards/Facebook
731 Phillips Dairy Rd., Tryon, NC 28782
Saint Paul Mountain Vineyards/Facebook
588 Chestnut Gap Rd., Hendersonville, NC 28792
Parker-Binns Vineyard and Winery/Facebook
7382 NC-108, Mill Spring, NC 28756
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
