Seven wineries to visit in Henderson County
From the Yadkin Valley to the oldest grapevine in North America, North Carolina has a lot to offer wine lovers. With more than 525 vineyards and 185 wineries and as the only place in the world where every type of grape is grown, this state is a unique place to be. But with so many options, it may be hard to decide.
Henderson County was named an American Viticultural Area in 2019, designating Henderson County's wine region, known as the Crest of the Blue Ridge, as a federally recognized location for wine grape production. One of the Crest of the Blue Ridge wineries is sure to be exactly what any wine loving citizen of Henderson County is looking for.
Burntshirt Vineyards
With a "dedication to craftsmanship spanning 80 years," Burntshirt Vineyards at 2695 Sugarloaf Rd, Hendersonville, operates two estate vineyards and a 10,440 square foot winery. On weekends from Spring to Fall, independently-owned and operated food trucks can be found outside the tasting room parked and serving food.
Burntshirt offers 24 wines and a special membership, called the 3400 Wine Club, which gives access to pre-release wines, special invitations to annual parties and other wine club member only parties, discounted pricing for paid Burntshirt events, notice for all events sponsored by Burntshirt Vineyards and discounts on all wines purchased at Burntshirt Vineyards.
Marked Tree Vineyard
Choosing a name based on a Native American tradition of bending trees to create guideposts, Marked Tree Vineyard owners value the journey as much as the destination. Most of the work in the vineyard is done by hand to create the 10 wines sold by Marked Tree, like the award winning Chardonel. 2022 will be the winery's fifth vintage.
The winery offers tasting at their vineyard, 623 Deep Gap Rd., Flat Rock, or at their tasting room The Grape, 14 Aston St., Asheville. Food is also served at The Grape in Asheville.
Point Lookout Vineyards
For a winery with a view, check out Point Lookout Vineyards, located less than 10 miles from downtown Hendersonville at 408 Appleola Rd. The vineyard is on the southeastern slope of Point Lookout Mountain, affording it 30 mile panoramic views. With 11 wines and six meads, the trip should be well worth it.
Other than amazing views and wine, Point Lookout also hosts events. This summer, the vineyard is hosting their 2022 Summer Concerts from June 19 to Oct. 9. The location is also available for weddings and has been featured in The Knot and Wedding Wire.
Saint Paul Mountain Vineyards
Henderson County's first winery, Saint Paul Mountain Vineyards, regularly offers live music, events, classes and pairing dinners in addition to wine tasting in outdoor and indoor seating areas at 588 Chestnut Gap, Hendersonville. The winery offers 17 wines, some of which are award-winning.
Take a trip across the street to see the Appalachian Ridge, an Orchard-Based Artisan Cidery owned by the same family. The cidery offers five ciders and two spirits, made with the “Cider as Wine” approach, which allows "layers of apple flavors to develop over time into a beverage that is truly special."
Sawyer Springs Vineyard
Located at 124 Sandy Hill Lane, Hendersonville, Sawyer Springs Vineyard and Winery boasts that it has "six generations of hard work to its name." With award winning wine made in small batches and bottled by hand, Sawyer Springs looks to produce fine wine while honoring their heritage. Wine selections include Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, Merlot and Riesling, as well as white, rosé, pink and red wines
The farmstead was built from the ground up by the Sawyer family, another way the vineyard honors heritage. The barn was made from pine lumber grown right on the farm, and the oxen yoke hanging over the door plowed the land. The vineyard lives up to its slogan of "Dusty Boots, Stained Hands, Classic Wine."
Souther Williams Vineyard
Located at 655 Hoopers Creek Road, Fletcher on a 35-acre vineyard has been in the family for over two hundred years and is "built on a heritage of friends and family and a deep love of the land," the Souther Williams Vineyard offers three white and five red Eastern European vinifera and American Hybrid wines.
Wine tasting takes place on an open air pavilion overlooking the vineyards. Visitors can choose from a no reservation required self guided tour and four wine flight, a five wine hosted vineyard flight, a hike and sip tasting and tour or a tasting on the deck of the estate farm house with the owner.
Stone Ashe Vineyard
Stone Ashe serves "wines at the intersection of elegance, complexity and finesse," specializing in Bordeaux based grape varieties. These varieties were sourced from regions in France with similarities to the Blue Ridge area. Stone Ashe hopes to compete on the global stage with its six wines: Petit Verdot, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Franc Rosé, Coppedge Hill, Davenport and Yadkin Valley Riesling.
In addition to selling wine, Stone Ashe also hosts wine tasting, weddings and private parties at its tasting room, located at 736 Green Mountain Rd., Hendersonville.
This article originally appeared on Hendersonville Times-News: Seven wineries to visit in Henderson County
