A “little” Blue Ridge treasure!

Just off the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina, at mile marker 317, we found a wonderful surprise.  After driving along the parkway for the day, we needed a break and saw that there was a winery nearby.  We decided to search out this “little place” and see what it was like.  We were so surprised to see that what we assumed was a “little winery” was a large and beautiful estate.  Linville Falls Winery is hidden in the Blue Ridge Mountains, but it a very popular and busy place.

A member of the newly established (2016) Appalachian High Country AVA, the 40 acre vineyard includes varieties that grow at an elevation of 3,200 feet.  The steep terrain, cool nights, and low humidity lead to superb growing conditions for cool wine varietals.  The first grapes were planted when the owner, Jack Wiseman, was in his mid 70’s and the winery opened for business when he was 80 years old.

We were welcomed into the Tuscan styled tasting room with its’ beautiful artwork. There were a variety of tastings offered:  dry, sweet, or a fortified wine tasting.  We chose the dry tasting and enjoyed 6 different wines. 

After our tasting, we purchased a bottle of Chardonnay to enjoy on the outdoor, covered patio.  There was a live band to enjoy and the grounds were beautiful to explore.

In addition to the winery, there is the Red Barn Tree Farm.  The property actually started as a tree farm in the 1960’s and continues to grow trees to sell at the choose-n-cut farm.

After a visit to the winery, you can take a side trip to hike the beautiful Linville Falls on the Blue Ridge Parkway.

A wonderful day spent in the Blue Ridge Mountains!