All Bottled Up: Wine

All Bottled Up

FINE WINE STRAIGHT OFF THE VINE FINE WINE STRAIGHT OFF THE VINE

If wine is your drink of choice—and if you’re reading this, it probably is—then Greenville has some delightful surprises in store for you. Here in the Upstate, we’ve attracted master craftspeople from the most acclaimed wine regions in the country. They’ve all come with the same goal: to create great wines from grapes grown right here at home. And no matter what your favorite— red, white, or rosé—chances are you’ll find a bottle you’ll want to take home with you. Here are a few of our favorite local wineries and vineyards, along with the wines that best reflect their style and philosophy.

CITY SCAPE WINERY

589 Dunklin Bridge Rd, Pelzer Originally established in the heart of Greenville, City Scape Winery has taken its downtown groove and transplanted it to the gorgeous countryside of Greenville County. They’ve created a very special place there, blending a stunning natural setting with an exciting variety of grape and fruit-based wines that are perfect for quiet evenings or raucous celebrations. Play your cards right and you might even get to meet Pinot, the family pig!

EAGLE MOUNTAIN VINEYARDS & WINERY

2330 Highway 11, Travelers Rest Nestled in the verdant mountains of Travelers Rest, Eagle Mountain represents a distinctly (and deliciously) West Coast approach to winemaking. That’s no surprise, considering head winemaker George Bursick has been responsible for creating countless Sonoma wines celebrated as some of the best in the world by Wine Enthusiast and Wine Advocate.

ELEVATION 966 WINERY

301 Airport Rd, Suite H (The Junction at Downtown Airport) With a selection of wines broad enough to please any palate, urban winery Elevation 966 stands out for procuring the majority of its grapes and fruit from vineyards and orchards right here in the Carolinas, and then creating distinctive wines that are anchored in local terroir and tradition. Considering the number of national awards they’ve won, it’s clear that wine aficionados across the country are taking notice—and asking for a second glass!

KENNINGTON FAMILY WINERY

507 Beaver Dam Rd, Marietta Driven by an engaging attitude that combines serious winemaking with a sense of fun and accessibility is no easy task. But this dog-loving, family-owned winery pulls it off in style, blending a welcoming environment and frequent live entertainment with an undeniably precise dedication to craftsmanship and variety. Bottom line—this place feels as good as it tastes!

With smooth notes of plum and jammy red fruit, Victoria Valley’s Table Rock Red is their full-bodied signature blend. Eagle Mountain’s Sauvignon Blanc is a crisp crowd pleaser with bright acidity and notes of honeydew and lime with a grassy finish.

VICTORIA VALLEY VINEYARDS

1360 S Saluda Rd, Cleveland The only thing that could distract you from the breathtaking vistas at Victoria Valley would be its equally memorable wines. Nestled onto 47 splendidly peaceful acres, this vineyard offers guests the comforts of a French-style chateau, creating the ideal setting for an afternoon spent sipping finely crafted wines coupled with cool breezes and a range of culinary delights.

Many of City Scape’s fruit wines are surprisingly dry, including their Blackberry Merlot, which sports notes of juicy red fruit and black currant.

Elevation 966’s Malbec is velvety and complex, with notes of crushed berries, cocoa, and a hint of vanilla.

Kennington’s Dark Corner Red is a full-bodied red blend aged in bourbon barrels, resulting in a rich, warm experience with notes of black fruit and caramel.