When the evening sun softens and glows, a glass of wine is the perfect end to a day of vacation in the Blue Ridge mountains.
It may surprise you to learn that North Carolina has a rich history of wine making. Since the early days of European settlement, our mountain region has been producing wine. In the 19th century, wineries in the area cultivated the Scuppernong grape (a variety of the muscadine grape) which supplied a large part of the American wine market. Fun fact: it’s had such a prominent impact that it was also named the state fruit of North Carolina in 2001.
So if you’re staying with us here at our bed and breakfast in beautiful Asheville and want to try some local wines, we’ve got you covered. For your planning convenience, we’ve come up with a roundup of what we think are the best wineries in NC to help you decide where you want to sip and explore.
5 Must-Visit North Carolina Wineries Nestled in the Blue Ridge
From mountain views to urban settings, wineries in Asheville have it all. Here’s a look at what you’ll find at our five favorites.
#1. Stone Ashe Vineyards
With panoramic mountain views and delicious wines, you’ll soon see why Stone Ashe Vineyards is an Asheville winery that ranks at the top of our list. Specializing in Bordeaux-based grape varieties, this vineyard has sourced grapevines from various regions of France that mimic the environment and climate of the NC mountains. So while you may be in the Blue Ridge, this wine will transcend you to the vineyards of France with just one glass.
Enjoy a flight inside their beautiful, modern tasting room or bring your own picnic and blanket and enjoy sitting among the mountains.
Photo credit: Stone Ashe Vineyard
#2. Biltmore Estate Winery
Nothing beats a trip to the beautiful and historic Biltmore Estate. From views to dining, a day at Biltmore is a truly magical experience.
The Biltmore Estate, known for its 250-room home, has many attractions nestled among its 8,000 acres of grounds. From tours, horseback riding and biking trails to restaurants and hotels, there’s a little something for everyone. But our favorite part about a day at Biltmore is a trip to the working North Carolina winery (the most visited winery in the country).
Photo credit: Biltmore Wines
Enjoy a complimentary wine tasting in the Tasting Room or grab a drink and some charcuterie and locally-made truffles in the indoor/outdoor Wine Bar. Whatever you prefer, you can relax with a glass of handcrafted wine from Estate-grown grapes.
#3. Addison Farms Vineyards
A quick 17 miles northwest of Asheville, you’ll find Addison Farms Vineyards. Family-owned and operated, this beautiful North Carolina winery offers breathtaking 360-degree mountain views while you sip and savor. In 2009, Addison Farms planted 600 Cabernet Sauvignon vines and now has five more acres producing Gold Medal award-winning wines from Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Sangiovese, Montepulciano, and Petit Menseng.
Photo credit: Addison Farms Vineyard
#4. Burntshirt Vineyards
Mountain legend has it that farmers would burn their fields to clear the land on Burntshirt Mountain for planting. They tossed their shirts into the flames for good luck, resulting in a bountiful crop. The story lives on today at Burntshirt Vineyards, a family-run wine company.
Photo credit: Rutherford County Tourism
Stop by their tasting room in Hendersonville to try a tasting flight on the stone terrace or take a tour of their state-of-the-art winery nestled between acres of grapevines and apple trees.
#5. Saint Paul Mountain Vineyards
Just 30 minutes from Asheville, in the quaint town of Hendersonville, you can find an array of delicious wines, ciders and spirits at Saint Paul Mountain Vineyards, a working Vineyard and Orchard. They even grow the fruit for their award winning wines, ciders and spirits!
Photo credit: St. Paul Mountain Vineyards
Learn more about their farms and enjoy tasting a variety of locally grown French Vinifera and Normandy Style Hard Cider at any of their tasting rooms.
Enjoy a Glass of Wine and Relax at 1900 Inn on Montford
At our Asheville bed and breakfast, we’re all about relaxation! When you stay with us, you can enjoy a complimentary happy hour every night from 6-7pm. We have delicious wines that we source locally from Metro Wines. And if you’re staying with us on a weekend, you can also enjoy a glass of wine at our special porch music event on Saturdays from 6-7pm. Be whisked away to the sounds of mountain folk music while you sip on a beverage and relax.
Feel Rejuvenated with a Stay at 1900 Inn on Montford in Asheville
Are you ready for a vacation? Enjoy a trip to the mountains to rejuvenate at our luxury Asheville bed and breakfast. Just minutes from downtown, you can explore the city, dine at some of our award-winning farm to table restaurants, and visit the beautiful North Carolina wineries in the area. Book your stay today!