7 minute read

Wineries & Breweries

Next Article
Area Attractions

Area Attractions

An invitation to visit the High Country’s finest wineries Local Wineries

Introducing The High Country Wine Trail

Advertisement

On November 28, 2016, the Appalachian High Country was recognized as an American Viticulture Area (AVA) by the Department of the Treasury and the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau. This designation establishes the 2,400 square mile area above 2,000-foot elevation, across three states and eight counties as a unique viticulture area of the United States. An AVA is a designated wine-growing region that has distinct topography, climate and soil types. Most wine lovers are familiar with one of North Carolina’s other AVAs, the Yadkin Valley, and nearly all consumers are familiar with California’s Napa Valley. The High Country Wine Tour takes you to four of these wineries, about 30-40 minutes from each other. The four wineries include Grandfather Vineyard & Winery in Foscoe, NC; Linville Falls Winery in Linville Falls, NC, and their Tennessee cousins, Watauga Lake Winery and Villa Nove Vineyards Farm Winery in Butler, TN. Each winery is known for their distinctive wines produced from the grapes grown in the Appalachian High Country American Viticulture Area.

Before you begin, check the individual wineries website for a complete listing of contact information and hours of operation. Each winery may also be hosting special events that you will not want to miss!

Read About the Wineries Here

GRANDFATHER VINEYARDS

FOSCOE. Grandfather Vineyard was founded in 2003 when Steve and Sally Tatum, in search of a hobby, planted a small block of wine grapes for some home winemaking. After a few years they realized the High Country of North Carolina had a similar climate as many of the famous grape growing regions around the world. In 2005 Steve and Sally tripled the size of the vineyard. Steve’s hobby then became more than just a hobby. After years of hard work, they opened their doors in May of 2011. Grandfather Vineyard is a terraced mountain-side vineyard located at the base of Grandfather Mountain right on the Watauga River. At the bottom of the vineyard is the tasting room and winery. They’re open Monday thru Saturday Noon to 6:00 p.m. and on Sundays from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. Live Music Thursday thru Sunday and Food Truck on site Friday thru Sunday ⃣

828-963-2400. grandfathervineyard.com. See ad on page 41

LINVILLE FALLS WINERY

NEWLAND. Family owned and operated, Linville Falls Winery is the culmination of a life-long passion for wine by owner, Jack Wiseman. Nestled in the lower end of Avery County near the Blue Ridge Parkway is a state of the art tasting room on a 40 acre farm with its staple grapes Riesling and Cabernet Sauvignon, blueberries and raspberries. The winery is perfectly situated at 3200 feet with warm days, cool nights and minerally balanced soil. This magical

“Elevate Your Taste” and enjoy Wine Country in the High Country

Visit our Website: linvillefallswinery.com

to see our schedule of Events, Live Music, & Food Trucks!

9557 Linville Falls Hwy Linville Falls, NC 28647

(828)765-1400 Milepost #317 on the Blue Ridge Parkway

of the High Country

combination of high elevation and microclimate terra produces a wine unique to the region with complex flavors creating award winning wines. Visit our Tuscaninspired winery where you can taste our delicious High Country wines. We offer table service as our primary way of serving wine to our winery guests. Seating is first come first serve. On busy days in the summer we have our “Red Barn Lawn Bar” open where you can order by the glass or bottle. We’re open for tastings 7 days a week from 12 am – 6 pm. The winery features live music and a food truck on site Fridays thru Sundays ⃣ 828.765.1400.

linvillefallswinery.com. See ad on this page

WATAUGA LAKE WINERY & VILLA NOVE VINEYARDS

BUTLER, TN. Nestled in the Appalachian High Country, “Villa Nove Vineyards” is located just across the border in Butler, Tenn. The original owners, Wayne and Linda Gay purchased 35 acres overlooking the Watauga Lake and began construction of “Villa Nove,” an Italian inspired farmhouse, in 2002. Three years later, they planted the first grapes. Today, the winery has over 4,000 wine grape vines on the property and transformed the historic Johnson County Big Dry Run Schoolhouse into the Watauga Lake Winery. The five-room schoolhouse features a beautiful tasting room, an event center, and a full caterer’s kitchen for food-and-wine pairings, gourmet dinners and “handson” cooking events. The gym houses the entire wine production area and tours are available. Today the property is owned by the Waterfront Group. Visit us and enjoy “A Taste of Tuscany in Tennessee.” ⃣

423-768-0345. wataugalakewinery.com. See ad on page 41

BEECH MOUNTAIN BREWERY

BEECH MOUNTAIN. As one of the only US breweries owned and operated by a ski area, we are dedicated to action sports enthusiast. Our brewery is nestled in the village of Beech Mountain Resort and is the perfect atmosphere to relax after a long day or skiing, biking or hiking. The Beech Mountain Brewing Co. is accessible for all patrons. Since opening in 2013, we continue to embrace our mountain community by dedicating ourselves to the best beer, the best food and the best hospitality we can. We strive for a quality, consistent, and fresh product. We hand pick the finest ingredients to compliment our brews. ⃣ 800-439-2093.

beechmountainbrewingco.com. See ad on page 43

BLOWING ROCK ALE HOUSE AND INN

BLOWING ROCK. Born in Boone, NC, Boone Brewing Company takes pride in offering the High Country’s own Blowing Rock brand of beers. Premium American beer dedicated to suit the tastes of both casual beer drinkers and true beer connoisseurs. The Ale House Restaurant offers a freshly prepared, seasonally changing menu using local and organic (when available) ingredients. Our doors are open and we invite you in to sample our everchanging artisanal craft beers, brewed on site. ⃣ 828.414-9254.

blowingrockalehouseandinn.com.

BOONDOCKS BREWING

WEST JEFFERSON. Boondocks Brewing was founded in 2012 with a mission to provide a fresh, unique, and engaging destination for residents as well as visitors to Ashe County. With 2 locations in downtown West Jefferson, Boondocks Brewing offers full-service dining, one of the State’s best Craft Beer selections, offsite catering, customized special events, private parties, and brewery tours. Boondocks Brewing is where the locals go and is a must stop destination for visitors to the High Country. ⃣ 336-246-5222.

boondocksbrew.com. See ad on page 45

BOONESHINE

BOONE. Booneshine Brewing Company was founded by Carson Coatney and Tim Herdklotz in early 2015. Both had years of experience home brewing prior to opening Booneshine Brewing. They are passionate about brewing high quality beer and equally focused on connecting with people and tapping into what makes the community of Boone and the High Country shine. In June 2018, Booneshine expanded capacity and moved the production brewery to East Boone. The tasting room has been located inside Basil’s restaurant in the Winkler’s Creek Crossing shopping center. Plans are to have the new tasting room moved to their new location by June. Let’s #makebooneshine together. ⃣ 828-386-4066.

booneshinebeer.com. See ad on page 45

KETTELL BEERWORKS

BANNER ELK. Kettell Beerworks, is owned by Mark and Yumiko Ralston who purchased the brewery in 2017. All their beer is brewed on site using the highest quality ingredients and clean mountain spring water by Banner Elk Brewing Company. They carefully create their beer on a 20 barrel steam driven system in the brewhouse which is all visible thru a giant window in the taproom. (Brewhouse tours available). Also, delicious goodies are served out of our kitchen! Stop by the taproom for a pint and try some of our new menu items including pizza, pretzels, wings, and more! Bring the whole family; we are family friendly so bring the kids. Pets are allowed on the front porch.. ⃣

828.265-3506. kettellbeerworks.com.

LOST PROVINCE

BOONE. Opened in August 2014, Lost Province Brewing Co. is a destination microbrewery and gastrobpub located in historic downtown Boone, NC. Dis-

cover authentic and innovative craft beers brewed onsite and wood fired fare featuring local and regionally sourced ingredients. Lost Province features live music most weekend evenings starting at 7:30 pm. Lost Province provides a warm and inviting atmosphere that is friendly for all. Open daily, Lost Province serves lunch and dinner. Good Beer, Good Food, Good Times. ⃣ 828.265-3506.

lostprovince.com. See ad on this page

Tasting Room & Restaurant

Visit Our Outdoor Beer Garden in East Boone

www.booneshine.beer

BOONESHINE BREWING COMPANY 465 INDUSTRIAL PARK DRIVE BOONE , NORTH CAROLINA 28607

This article is from: