North Carolina is known for several things, one of which is its abundant wine production. If you’re a wine connoisseur, North Carolina is the place to go! It has approximately 525 vineyards and 185 wineries, and is the 11th largest wine producer in the United States. North Carolina was the leading wine producing state before prohibition, in addition to being one of the country’s top wine producers now. There are various wineries around Boone and the High Country, which is an excellent reason to come.
Although North Carolina’s wine history began with sweeter muscadine wines, the state’s wine industry has evolved, and Italian varieties are now cultivated throughout the state. The major varieties focus on traditional muscadine grapes and European-style vitis vinifera grapes, with five federally authorised viticultural zones producing distinct varieties of wine.
Top Wineries and Vineyards
Grandfather Vineyard was Watauga County’s first wine-producing vineyard. The lovely vineyard is within 17 minutes’ drive from downtown Boone. Grandfather Vineyard is a family-owned and operated business that got its start in 2003 when the Tatum family planted their first vines. They opened their doors to guests seven years later and have been producing world-class wines ever since. The vineyard is situated at a height of 3,300 feet above sea level. Because of the unusual geography and mineral composition of the soil, the family has been able to develop a flavour profile that is unlike any other. They’ve carved out a place for themselves as growers of hybrids, which thrive in the region’s milder conditions. These hybrids create wines with stronger acidity and more intense fruit characteristics.
Downtown Boone is less than 30 minutes away from Banner Elk Winery & Villa. It not only has a lovely vineyard, but it also has an 8-bedroom villa that is ideal for big groups or special occasions. The winery provides tastings every day of the week for $10 per person, so it can fit into anyone’s schedule. Banner Elk Winery and Villa was the first commercial winery in Avery and Watauga counties, opening in 2005. They make award-winning wines from their own grapes as well as grapes picked nearby to pay homage to the alpine surroundings.
Linville Falls is a lovely visit from summer to winter. Linville Falls Winery is now part of an area that was once known only for its magnificent canyon and flowing falls. The vineyard is only 40 minutes from downtown Boone and 10 minutes from the Linville Waterfalls Trailhead, making it a must-see for every tourist.Seyval Blanc, Vidal Blanc, Noiret, Marquette, Petit Verdot, Marechal Foch, and Riesling are among the grape types grown on the 40-acre farm and vineyard. Mountain crops including blueberries, heirloom apples, pumpkins, and even Fraser Firs are grown on the property.
Wine, mead, and beer are all available! From top to bottom, Stardust Cellars is a one-of-a-kind gem. The Stardust Taproom is located 40 minutes east of Wilkesboro on Highway 421.
They specialise on ‘local,’ with 24 taps dedicated to the Carolinas, including beers, meads, and their ancestral foot-stomped wine. Stardust Cellars is an off-grid sustainable meadery and winery in the heart of Appalachia, as well as North Carolina’s first biodynamic vineyard. They received the highest possible sustainability rating from NC GreenTravel in 2019, recognizing their commitment to organic and sustainable practices.
Conclusion
These wineries and vineyards in Boone are a must-see if you’re planning a trip to the region and looking for things to do. After your High Country wine tour, the Quality Inn & Suites® University hotel is a fantastic place to take off your shoes. Our Front Desk Associates have all the information you’ll need for your upcoming travels.