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Discover Western North Carolina’s emerging wine country on a guided tour stopping at two family-owned vineyards. Taste estate-grown wines paired with local charcuterie, and learn the region’s unique viticultural story just outside Asheville.
Discover Western North Carolina’s emerging wine country on a guided tour stopping at two family-owned vineyards. Taste estate-grown wines paired with local charcuterie, and learn the region’s unique viticultural story just outside Asheville.
The rolling hills of Western North Carolina rouse with a quiet energy, where vineyards stretch lazily beneath the watchful gaze of Blue Ridge peaks. On this four-hour afternoon tour, the landscape shifts in harmony with the taste of local terroir, guiding travelers through two distinctive family-owned vineyards just outside Asheville. It begins in town, a gentle urban pulse giving way to winding backroads flanked by grapevines thick with promise.
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by NC Wine Gals Food & Wine Tours · Asheville, North Carolina
The rolling hills of Western North Carolina rouse with a quiet energy, where vineyards stretch lazily beneath the watchful gaze of Blue Ridge peaks. On this four-hour afternoon tour, the landscape shifts in harmony with the taste of local terroir, guiding travelers through two distinctive family-owned vineyards just outside Asheville. It begins in town, a gentle urban pulse giving way to winding backroads flanked by grapevines thick with promise.
At Sawyer Springs Vineyard, the experience is tactile and grounded. Here, the vines are ambassadors of the mountain’s soil, coaxed from the earth by the steady hands of those who know the land intimately. Seated with a glass in hand, guests sample a signature wine alongside a farm-style charcuterie board, rich with artisanal cheeses and cured meats designed to complement the local vintages. The vineyard’s owner often joins visitors for a walk, illuminating the nuances of North Carolina’s winemaking history and the challenges this young but burgeoning region faces. It’s a conversation anchored in place and passion.
The second stop, Stone Ashe Vineyards, earned the accolade of "Best New Vineyard" in 2022, a title that speaks to its rapid rise on the wine scene. This estate-grown winery offers a tasting experience framed by panoramic mountain views, where varietals like Sauvignon Blanc, Petit Verdot, and Merlot reflect the cool elevations and precise sun exposure. The vineyard’s layout and geology—well-drained slopes and a varied soil profile—work together to sculpt wines with clarity and balance.
The region’s viticultural story is one of revival and innovation, where families and entrepreneurs transform Appalachian foothills once dominated by shade-grown tobacco into vineyards producing complex, expressive wines. While Asheville buzzes with craft breweries and farm-to-table restaurants, its nearby vineyards offer a quieter, equally rich portal into Western North Carolina’s evolving agricultural heritage.
Practical details streamline the day: pickup and drop-off occur conveniently in downtown Asheville, just in front of the Restoration Hotel. The tour operates with a small group size under ten, ensuring an intimate atmosphere. Comfortable clothing and sensible shoes suit the terrain, with light walking between tasting tables and vineyards’ rows. Given its gentle pace on paved and gravel paths, fitness requirements are minimal, making it an accessible escape into outdoor and culinary adventure.
If timing your visit, afternoons capture the vineyards bathed in warm sunlight, adding depth to the wines and landscapes alike. Water and snacks are provided, but consider light layers as mountain weather can shift. Reserve well in advance—tours tend to sell out quickly, especially during peak harvest season when the vineyards’ rhythms reach their crescendo. This is an experience where the land’s voice is savored one glass at a time, framed by mountain air and the stories of those who bring Western North Carolina’s wines to life.
easy.
4 hours.
Suitable for all fitness levels; minimal walking and low elevation change.
Yes, tastings at both vineyards are included, along with a glass of wine at Sawyer Springs and a full tasting at Stone Ashe.
Private transportation in an NC Wine Gal van is included, with pickup and drop-off in downtown Asheville.
The tour is not recommended for pregnant travelers due to alcohol consumption and tasting activities.
This wine tour is designed for adults 21 and older; children are not permitted.
The tour involves minimal walking on mostly level terrain between tasting areas and vineyard paths.
Notify the tour operator ahead of time if you have specific dietary needs, especially for the charcuterie board.
Western North Carolina has a growing wine industry revival that converts former tobacco farmlands into vineyards, blending Appalachian tradition with modern winemaking.
Vineyards here prioritize sustainable farming practices, including reduced pesticide use and water conservation to protect the mountain ecosystem.
NC Wine Gals Food & Wine Tours operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.
The rolling hills of Western North Carolina rouse with a quiet energy, where vineyards stretch lazily beneath the watchful gaze of Blue Ridge peaks. On this four-hour afternoon tour, the landscape shifts in harmony with the taste of local terroir, guiding travelers through two distinctive family-owned vineyards just outside Asheville. It begins in town, a gentle urban pulse giving way to winding backroads flanked by grapevines thick with promise.
The rolling hills of Western North Carolina rouse with a quiet energy, where vineyards stretch lazily beneath the watchful gaze of Blue Ridge peaks. On this four-hour afternoon tour, the landscape shifts in harmony with the taste of local terroir, guiding travelers through two distinctive family-owned vineyards just outside Asheville. It begins in town, a gentle urban pulse giving way to winding backroads flanked by grapevines thick with promise.
At Sawyer Springs Vineyard, the experience is tactile and grounded. Here, the vines are ambassadors of the mountain’s soil, coaxed from the earth by the steady hands of those who know the land intimately. Seated with a glass in hand, guests sample a signature wine alongside a farm-style charcuterie board, rich with artisanal cheeses and cured meats designed to complement the local vintages. The vineyard’s owner often joins visitors for a walk, illuminating the nuances of North Carolina’s winemaking history and the challenges this young but burgeoning region faces. It’s a conversation anchored in place and passion.
The second stop, Stone Ashe Vineyards, earned the accolade of "Best New Vineyard" in 2022, a title that speaks to its rapid rise on the wine scene. This estate-grown winery offers a tasting experience framed by panoramic mountain views, where varietals like Sauvignon Blanc, Petit Verdot, and Merlot reflect the cool elevations and precise sun exposure. The vineyard’s layout and geology—well-drained slopes and a varied soil profile—work together to sculpt wines with clarity and balance.
The region’s viticultural story is one of revival and innovation, where families and entrepreneurs transform Appalachian foothills once dominated by shade-grown tobacco into vineyards producing complex, expressive wines. While Asheville buzzes with craft breweries and farm-to-table restaurants, its nearby vineyards offer a quieter, equally rich portal into Western North Carolina’s evolving agricultural heritage.
Practical details streamline the day: pickup and drop-off occur conveniently in downtown Asheville, just in front of the Restoration Hotel. The tour operates with a small group size under ten, ensuring an intimate atmosphere. Comfortable clothing and sensible shoes suit the terrain, with light walking between tasting tables and vineyards’ rows. Given its gentle pace on paved and gravel paths, fitness requirements are minimal, making it an accessible escape into outdoor and culinary adventure.
If timing your visit, afternoons capture the vineyards bathed in warm sunlight, adding depth to the wines and landscapes alike. Water and snacks are provided, but consider light layers as mountain weather can shift. Reserve well in advance—tours tend to sell out quickly, especially during peak harvest season when the vineyards’ rhythms reach their crescendo. This is an experience where the land’s voice is savored one glass at a time, framed by mountain air and the stories of those who bring Western North Carolina’s wines to life.