How It Works

Three steps. That's it.

1

Pick a Route

Choose the Banner Elk Loop or the West Jefferson Loop — or ride both with a Crossover Pass.

2

Meet at Grandfather Vineyard

Both routes depart from Grandfather Vineyard in Banner Elk. Park once, that's your only stop to worry about.

3

We Drive, You Taste

Hop on the shuttle. We take you winery to winery. Taste, relax, repeat. We bring you back to your car at the end.

Two Routes, Seven Wineries

Each loop is a full day of tasting — different wineries, different vibes, same easy shuttle ride.

  • Grandfather Vineyard — Hub / Start & End
  • Banner Elk Winery & Villa — Highest elevation in the East
  • Eagles Nest Winery — Small-batch mountain wines
  • Linville Falls Winery — Gorge views & live music
$79 / person
Includes shuttle, cooler, ice & bottled water
Book Banner Elk Loop

The West Jefferson Loop

Fridays & Saturdays · ~6 hours
  • Grandfather Vineyard — Hub / Start & End
  • Mill Camp Wines & Ciders — Craft ciders & mountain wines
  • Old Barn Winery — Rustic charm, handcrafted wines
  • Thistle Meadow Winery — Award-winning varietals
$79 / person
Includes shuttle, cooler, ice & bottled water
Book West Jefferson Loop

Want Something More Private?

Book a Private Wine Tour for your group — up to 14 guests, picked up and dropped off at your location, up to 4 winery stops. Mix and match any wineries you like.

See Private Tour Pricing →

Best Time to Visit

The shuttle runs Thursday through Saturday, spring through fall. Here's what each season brings.

Spring

April–May. Wildflowers, mild temps, fewer crowds. Wineries open for the season with new releases.

Summer

June–August. Peak season. Live music, outdoor tastings, long days. 70–80°F at elevation — escape the heat.

Fall

September–November. Harvest season, fall foliage, crush festivals. The most popular time — book early.

Winter

December–March. Cozy tasting rooms, holiday wines, smaller crowds. Private tours available — call for details.

Before You Visit

Getting to the High Country

The trail is centered in Banner Elk and West Jefferson, NC — about 2 hours from Charlotte, 1.5 hours from Winston-Salem, and 1.5 hours from Asheville. Drive up, park at Grandfather Vineyard, and let us take it from there.

Flying In?

Charlotte (CLT) is the closest major airport. The Blue Ridge Airport Shuttle runs daily service from CLT to the mountains — $75–98/seat. We'll get you from the airport to wine country without a rental car.

Where to Stay

Banner Elk, Blowing Rock, Boone, and West Jefferson all have charming lodging — mountain B&Bs, vacation cabins, and boutique inns. Book early for fall weekends. Many accommodations are minutes from Grandfather Vineyard.

Dining & After

Pair your wine day with local restaurants: Gamekeeper in Blowing Rock, Smoky Mountain Barbecue in West Jefferson, or farm-to-table spots in downtown Boone. Your driver can recommend favorites based on your route.

What to Expect at the Wineries

Most wineries charge $8–15 for a tasting flight (not included in shuttle price). Spend 45–60 minutes at each stop. It's okay to pour out wine you don't finish. Buy bottles you love — we'll keep them in the cooler for you.

Questions?

Call or text (336) 484-1350 — we're happy to help you figure out which route, which day, and what to expect. First time on a wine tour? We've got you.

Licensed, Insured & Compliant

Every Wine Loop shuttle and Private Tour is operated by Ashe County Livery — carrying NC For-Hire plates, $1.5 million in commercial liability insurance, and fully compliant with NC Transportation Commerce Tax. Your safety isn't an afterthought — it's our standard.

Ready to Ride?

Pick a loop, book your seat, and leave the driving to us.

Book the Wine Loop Call (336) 484-1350