Wineries in and Around Asheville
587 words (3 min read)
Everyone knows that Asheville is one of the best places in the world for folks who LOVE BEER. But did you know that the Blue Ridge Mountains have proven to be an excellent environment for growing GRAPES? That's right! A few spots in Asheville (and more than a few in neighboring Henderson County) are producing amazing wine and it's getting better every year.
Asheville
Biltmore Winery
Probably the most well-known winery in the area is the one on Biltmore Estate. Set back from the house in Antler Hill Village, the winery offers a tasting room with complimentary samples, a tour of the facility, an indoor/outdoor wine bar where charcuterie and chocolates are available, as well as a shop where you can purchase wine by the bottle and case, as well as wine-drinking accouterments. Reservations are required for wine tastings, and can be made on the day of your visit to the estate.
Addison Farms Vineyard
Located just outside of Asheville in Leicester, Addison Farms has been growing grapes for 12 years on a family-owned farm that has sustained four generations since 1937. The winery features six varieties, including Sangiovese, Montepulciano, Petit Manseng, and Cabernet Sauvignon.
plēb urban winery
With a dedication to sustainability and organic processes, plēb uses grapes grown throughout the Appalachian Mountains of North Carolina. The varietals produced are not typical of other grapes grown in the state because they are grown in the mountains. The winery’s tasting room fits right in with the vibe of its River Arts District location, and features wide, open spaces for hanging out and wines on tap, or for purchase in bottles.
Hendersonville
Marked Tree Vineyard
Marked Tree grows Vinifera and French hybrid vines that thrive in the sandy and rocky soil of the mountain climate, and include varieties such as Cab Franc, Petit Verdot, Grüner Veltliner, Chardonel, several rosé varieties, and house blends. Venture to neighboring Henderson County in the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains for the on-premises tasting room, or visit the Asheville tasting room at 14 Aston Street downtown.
Saint Paul Mountain Farms
Voted the top winery in the entire state of North Carolina by Yelp, Saint Paul Mountain Vineyard was the first vineyard in Henderson County, and grows their grapes and apples for wines and ciders on their family’s farm. A specialty is French Vinifera wine, but they serve around 30 wines and ciders. Choose from one of three tasting rooms to experience all the tastes made and processed by the vintners.
Burntshirt Vineyards
The tasting room of this 30-acre vineyard is at 2,200-feet elevation, straddling both sides of the Eastern Continental Divide. What started in 2009 with 14 varieties has since won International wine competitions alongside competitors from Napa and Sonoma.
Stone Ashe Vineyard
The winemakers at Stone Ashe sourced their grapevines from France, and specialize in Bordeaux-based varieties. On the property, you will find a barn, chicken coop, and a tasting facility. Some of the wines they offer are Meritage Red Blend, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, and a bubbly Provençal Rosé.
Point Lookout Vineyard
Sitting on top of Point Lookout is this winery of the same name. Some of the wines they have bottled include Chardonnay, Riesling, Merlot, and Petit Verdot, among others. The winery offers a venue for get-togethers and events, as well as just sipping wine with a friend. They often have live music and sunset sippings. In addition to wine, Point Lookout also offers different varieties of mead produced by its World’s Edge Meadery.