Our Wineries

Founded in 2003 when owner Steve Tatum planted the first vine, Grandfather Vineyard & Winery opened its doors in May 2011. Their terraced mountain vineyard sits right on the Watauga River at the base of Grandfather Mountain, where warm breezes during the day and cool, crisp nights develop complex flavors in every grape.

The family believes in the simple joys of life — good wine, good company, and the beauty of nature. Their approach is rooted in tradition yet embraces creativity and adventure. The Tasting Lodge operates on a first-come, first-served basis and features curated tasting flights, glass and bottle options, plus seasonal wine spritzers and mocktails.

As the central hub of the Appalachian Wine Loop, Grandfather Vineyard is where both shuttle routes begin and end. Free parking is available for Wine Loop guests. The property hosts weekly live music, rotating food trucks, and artisanal vendors — check their event calendar before you visit.

Founded in 2006, Banner Elk Winery was the first commercial winery in Avery and Watauga counties. Situated close to downtown Banner Elk in a picturesque valley surrounded by mountains, the winery has become a destination for wine lovers across the Southeast.

Banner Elk Winery is known for award-winning wines crafted from grapes grown on property and sourced from other local vineyards. Their Maréchal Foch is a particular standout — a bold, dry red grown in High Country soil. The winery also offers concierge services, private events, and wedding packages, making it a versatile stop on the trail.

Beyond the tasting room, the property features the Banner Elk Villa, The Azalea House, and The Overlook Lodge — luxury vacation rental properties perfect for a wine-focused weekend getaway. Stay overnight and walk to the tasting room the next morning.

Perched on the ridgeline in the esteemed Eagles Nest neighborhood, just past the gates on Old Beech Mountain Road, Eagles Nest Winery brings Napa Valley sophistication to the NC High Country. The converted barn features a grand fireplace, custom wood tables, and nine outdoor areas offering stunning mountain vistas enhanced by fire pits — perfect for cozy, wine-filled evenings.

The winery specializes in producing wines with exceptional flavors using top-quality grapes and detailed craftsmanship, including an award-winning 24-month barrel-aged blend. Their chef-prepared food menu features artisan pizzas, seasonal salads, charcuterie, and sweets — making Eagles Nest as much a dining destination as a wine destination.

Members enjoy private wine tastings and a members-only lounge. Non-members can purchase day passes to enjoy the world-class wines. Live music events are a regular highlight, particularly on Thursday open mic nights and Friday evening performances.

Welcome to Linville Falls Winery — a family owned and operated vineyard and winery in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Located in the small community of Linville Falls on mile marker #317 of the Blue Ridge Parkway, the winery is named after the iconic waterfall just a few minutes' drive away.

Established in 2012, Linville Falls Winery is part of the Appalachian High Country viticulture area, characterized by higher elevation vineyards with warm days and cool evenings that produce happy grapes and, in turn, delicious wine. The family invites guests to "Elevate Your Taste" — a motto that reflects both their altitude and their ambition.

Wine can be ordered at the main bar by the glass, by the bottle, or as a flight of 4–5 wines. Throughout the year, the winery hosts live music, food trucks, wine pairing dinners, barn dances, and their famous Annual Grape Stomp. The nearby hiking trail to Linville Falls (parking at mile marker #316) makes for a perfect pre-wine adventure.

Nestled on the outskirts of Boone, Mill Camp Wines & Ciders is a rural escape where handcrafted wines and ciders meet the beauty of the Appalachian Mountains. Founded by the Jolley family, the winery sits on the site of an old buffalo trail that Native Americans used to hunt and follow bison through the mountains to the Atlantic. Later, the same trail served animal trappers who shared camps on their expeditions — hence the name "Mill Camp."

The Jolley brothers — Christopher (vintner) and Mark (cidermaker) — left their business careers behind for the beauty, peace, and friendly atmosphere of the High Country. Their steep, southern-facing vineyards and orchards thrive in Clifton loam with a granite base, producing grapes and apples that reflect the mountainous landscape. In addition to wine and cider, the farm harvests maple sap for syrup, birch bark for birch "beer," hay, eggs, and honey from their bees.

The tasting room features an indoor stone fireplace and outdoor seating overlooking pastures and mountains. Mill Camp is 15–20 minutes north of downtown Boone, along the route to fly fishing, tubing, and kayaking on the New River. Private events can also be hosted on the property.

The Old Barn Winery is a family dream realized: creating a vineyard and winery in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. Their farming roots run four generations deep in these beautiful mountains, and they always envisioned their Christmas trees and vines growing together in perfect harmony. Every bottle is filled with the same love, passion, and commitment the family has poured into their farms since 1960.

Located in West Jefferson — the charming small-town heart of Ashe County — Old Barn Winery is also home to Frosty's Choose and Cut Christmas tree farm. The property offers private wine tastings and cellar tours for groups of 24 or fewer, including wine tastings, cheese pairings, a guided tour of the facility, and surprises. Their guides may let you sneak a peek — or a taste — of new, unreleased wines.

The winery regularly hosts live music events with local and regional artists, from cool jazz trios to country and rock bands. No reservations needed for regular visits — just show up and enjoy.

Located in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains near the Blue Ridge Parkway in Laurel Springs, Thistle Meadow Winery offers individualized tours of their family-owned winery. Their tastings include wines made from grapes grown around the world, creating a wide variety of red, white, and blush/sweet wines ranging from dry to sweet.

Thistle Meadow has earned recognition across the Southeast — ranked third among North Carolina wineries by the South Eastern Winery Review and scoring a perfect "10" in friendliness. Their award-winning wines are hand-crafted in small batches to ensure the highest quality, and they ship to over 30 states.

Just off the Blue Ridge Parkway at milepost 246, the winery makes a natural stop for anyone cruising the Parkway. The setting is quintessential Appalachian mountaintop — peaceful, scenic, and authentically rural. In addition to wine, the gift shop offers unique wine accessories, Thistle Meadow clothing, and gift certificates.