Although North Carolina may not be the most well-known of American wine regions it is one of the oldest. Wine has been produced around Asheville since the early days of European settlement.
During the 19th Century wineries near Asheville cultivated the Scuppernong grape variety with considerable success; supplying the majority of the American wine market.
Since then the number of Asheville wineries has exploded as this region became recognized as a top destination for wine tourism. This is not surprising when you consider the beauty of the Appalachian Mountains and the steady growth in the wine industry.
How Many Wineries Are In Asheville NC?
Over the last twenty years, there has been huge growth in the number of vineyards and wineries near Asheville. Within a few hours drive from Asheville, you can explore dozens of different wineries, with some located right in the city.
As you travel further into the mountains of Northern Carolina there are over 100 wineries to visit. Supplied by over 400 vineyards this exciting wine region has a wealth of winery destinations to investigate.
What Wine Is Asheville NC Known For?
The hilly terrain around Asheville means this wine region has several microclimates suitable for growing a number of popular of European and French hybrid grape varieties.
The popular European varieties include Chardonnay, Viognier, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Riesling and Merlot.
French hybrid varieties resulting from crosses with native American species include Chambourcin, Seyval and Vidal blanc.
Best Wineries In Asheville NC To Visit
Biltmore Estate Winery
Opening hours:
Daily: 11 Am -6 PM
This historic estate is a well-known tourist attraction that includes much more than the extensive winery. Visitors can tour the largest house in America, which is now a stately museum and it is well worth exploring the beautiful grounds.
Once you have paid your entry ticket to the estate the wine tasting is complimentary and there is plenty of room to relax in the beautiful tasting room with both indoor and outdoor seating.
For a truly delicious wine pairing try the Red Wine and Chocolate Tasting. This match made in heaven features a range of locally produced artisan chocolate expertly matched with various estate wines.
Baltimore also offers guided tours of the winery where you can find out how they produce their wines and also learn about their long history. You can also browse through the large wine shop and find something to eat in one of the luxurious restaurants.
With so much to do you probably want to spend more than one day on this estate so take your pick between the modern hotel, gracious inn or private cottages.
Stone Ashe Winery
Opening hours:
Thursday – Monday: 12 PM – 6 PM
This winery was named after the steep rocky hillsides that provide the perfect environmental conditions to grow a variety of Bordeaux grapes. Their wine tasting includes all of their different wines and can be accompanied by a platter of charcuterie.
The tasting room has only recently opened and has plenty of seating with sofas and armchairs to relax in and enjoy the beautiful views. There are also deckchairs outside to catch some sun while you enjoy a glass of their delicious wine.
Stone Ashe has no restaurant but you can order boxes of picnic snacks to eat on the rolling lawns, where you have a fantastic view of surrounding vineyards and across to the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Plēb Urban Winery
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Opening hours:
Wednesday – Sunday: 2 PM – 8PM
If you are looking for a hip and trendy winery that does things differently then Plēb is the place for you! Located in downtown Asheville it forms part of the River Arts District and features graffiti-style wall murals that give it a casual artsy ambience.
Grapes and other fruit are sourced from all over North Carolina and processed into wine in this converted warehouse. This allows them to produce a remarkable variety of wines in their minimal intervention winemaking style.
Be sure to try some of their unusual wines like Catawba, Aromella or Maréchal Foch for a unique wine tasting experience. This winery is famous for producing rarities such as orange wine with notes of peach.
Saint Paul Mountain Vineyards
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Opening hours:
Monday – Thursday: 11 AM – 6 PM
Friday – Saturday: 11 AM – 7 PM
Sundays: 12 PM – 6 PM
Located deep in the Blue Mountains this winery was the first to be established in Henderson County. The large tasting room has a beautiful walnut bar and there is plenty of indoor seating as well as a patio to enjoy the view.
They produce a full range of nearly 30 different wines as well as ciders and spirits. Guided tours of the vineyards and orchards happen every weekend and they have regular food pairing dinners on offer.
Make sure you check their events calendar to see the line-up of entertainment on offer. Most weekends they have live music concerts and a regular schedule of fun events like their Summer Kickoff Party, Semi-Wild Women Night and Wine Release Parties.
For overnight stays, there is a newly renovated 5 bedroom home that can sleep 12 and is right next door to the vineyard.
Burntshirt Vineyards
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Hendersonville Winery opening hours:
Sunday – Thursday: 12 PM – 5 PM
Friday – Saturday: 12 PM – 6 PM
This ultra-modern winery is recognized as one of the best wineries near Asheville NC. They offer free tours of the huge wine production facility and have a five wine flight for tasting.
You can also take a private vineyard tour with the winemaker if you are looking for a comprehensive explanation of their winemaking process. This includes two cheese boards and a bottle of personally selected wine to enjoy.
With an indoor tasting room and ample seating on their large terrace, this is a great place to enjoy the view of their Sugarloaf Vineyard. On the weekends local food trucks provide a variety of tasty dishes.
Chimney Rock Tasting Room and Bistro opening hours:
Monday – Thursday: 11:30 AM – 6 PM
Friday – Saturday: 11:30 AM – 8 PM
Sunday: 11:30 AM – 7 PM
This breathtaking venue has a large covered patio with magnificent views of Hickory Nut Falls and Chimney Rock. They offer wine tasting and have a full menu of Southern Winery meals paired with their award-winning wines.
Wrap Up Of The Best Wineries In Asheville NC
With so many new and recently opened wineries around Asheville this region is a wonderful wine touring destination to explore.
This selection of top-notch wineries has some of the best views and comfortable tasting areas for you to soak up the beauty of the area while you savour one of their wines.