7 Best Wineries Near Hendersonville, NC
The Crest of the Blue Ridge AVA is one of North Carolina’s newest AVAs and features wineries with stunning views, amazing European varietals, and unique experiences at each.
If you’re looking for the best wineries near Hendersonville, NC, I recently visited the area to check out the wine scene and am excited to report back.
While the “best” wineries always depend on personal preference, hopefully this will help you choose which one is right for you.
Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through this link, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thanks for keeping Stuck On The Go going! Visit Hendersonville hosted me during my time in town. All opinions are my own.
7 Best Wineries Near Hendersonville, NC
This small town near Asheville is one of the best destinations to plan a wine weekend in North Carolina. In the middle of the Crest of the Blue Ridge AVA, there are multiple fantastic wineries to choose from.
1. Burntshirt Vineyards
Burntshirt Vineyards, the largest winery near Hendersonville, is a great pick for families or groups of friends. They have a cozy tasting room and separate restaurant with a large patio connecting the two. You’ll also find a separate retail space here.
In 2009 the first vines were planted and the winery opened its tasting room in 2013. It’s since grown to feature over 20 different labels, so you’ll likely find something here to suit your taste.
I prefer dry red wines and my personal favorite was the Reserve Malbec. Their most popular white wines are the Sunset Sippin’ and Grüner Veltliner while the most popular reds are Bat Cave Red and Altitude 3400.
Options for ordering wine when you visit are preselected flights, a glass, or bottle. Guided tastings are available when they aren’t crazy busy so if you visit on a weekend just know they may not be available. My bartender, Ben, was fantastic and knew so much about the wines!
Fun fact about the tasting room – it’s located in what was the farmhouse when the land was used as an apple farm.
All wines are estate-grown, with a few exceptions. Apart from its broad wine selection, Burntshirt also offers select local beers, wine slushies, mulled wine, and cocktails at the on-site restaurant plus non-alcoholic options.
Free tours are offered daily at 2pm and it’s pretty fun to get a behind-the-scenes look at things. You are free to walk around through the grapevines on your own too.
On the weekends if you want to eat at their restaurant then get there right when they open – 11:30am on Saturday and 12pm on Sunday – because it gets incredibly busy. There is usually a small lull from 2 – 2:30.
Some notes about the restaurant – there is no table service so everyone orders at the bar. While they don’t take reservations, you may want to call ahead if you have a large group.
Burntshirt hosts many events throughout the year from local makers markets to live music – even during the winter months. You can check their social media page or website for updates.
They also have outdoor games like connect four or cornhole in case the kids (or adults) need to be entertained.
2. Point Lookout Vineyards
If you’re looking for stunning views, a varied wine list PLUS mead, and delicious pizzas, then Point Lookout is for you.
The grand tasting room was constructed with imported Canadian White Oak and was rustic and warm with the fireplace as an anchor to the space.
However, when the weather is nice, half of the space becomes completely open-air so you have gorgeous unobstructed views of the mountains.
Grapes were planted in 2008 and the large fireplace was first built in 2009. The tasting room was constructed around the fireplace and opened in 2018.
This year is the first year they haven’t had to supplement their wines with outside grapes, so everything is estate-grown.
I thought they really had some unique wines like the Fireside which is a white wine fermented with cranberries making it a little tart. I also loved their Javine, which is red wine with heavy coffee notes. Sounds odd but I loved it!
Their Petit Verdot was also fantastic and surprisingly, I liked the Mimi’s Apple Pie mead. Purchase options include by the glass, by the bottle, or build your own flight.
In addition to wine, they have a full restaurant serving pizzas, a few sandwich options, charcuterie trays, and other light-bite options. As for other drink options, they have a good selection of domestic and craft beers, seltzers, bottled water, and soda.
They are really focused on creating a space where people can build lasting memories – their slogan is “35 mile views, even longer memories” – so they host many events like weddings, baby showers, and more. It’s dog and family-friendly.
One of their most popular events is their Summer Concert Series so keep an eye on their website or follow them on Instagram if you’re interested in attending.
Another thing I loved about Point Lookout is that the vineyard was built on family land. Sawyer, the vineyard manager and son of the owner, showed me around and told me how his grandpa was born in the cabin at the bottom of the hill.
Three generations of their family were apple farmers here and now it’s a thriving winery.
3. Stone Ashe Vineyards
Stone Ashe is perfect for anyone looking for a quiet and intimate experience as it’s a boutique winery and no one under 21 is allowed. Perfect for couples or small groups who like dry wines as they don’t have many sweet options.
Their tasting room is gorgeous – very modern and sleek but with a touch of farmhouse feel from the cow photo on the wall and cowhide chairs. Their pet-friendly patio is welcoming with heaters for the colder months and a nice view.
They opened in July of 2020 and as a boutique winery, they have a smaller selection of wines to choose from but each one is delicious. You don’t win Best New Winery in the US from USA Today’s Reader’s Choice Awards for nothing.
It’s family-owned and operated as well from the tasting room to the vineyard and you really see all the care that’s gone into creating such a beautiful place.
All of their wine goes pretty quickly so there’s not a clear “best seller” but my personal favorite was the Coppedge Hill which is a Left Bank style Bordeaux blend of mostly Cabernet Sauvignon. For white wine drinkers, I loved their Sauvignon Blanc and Riesling.
You can either do a guided tasting, flight, or purchase by the glass or bottle when visiting. They ask that you make reservations on the weekends.
They have a small bites menu that’s done by Red Fiddle Viddles and note that no outside food is allowed.
Construction is underway on their new production facility right next to the tasting room but no work is being done on the weekends. Until construction is over, they won’t be having as many events as normal.
If you want to grab a full meal before visiting, check out some of the restaurants in downtown Hendersonville. Mezzaluna and Arabella are two great options.
4. Marked Tree Vineyards
Another great spot for couples or small groups to enjoy an intimate experience, Marked Tree provides table service for all guided tastings which is a nice touch.
Owners Tim Parks and Lance Hiatt planted the grapes in 2006, opened in 2020, and you’re very likely to see them around on your visit to Marked Tree.
They’ve created an elevated space whether you sit inside or outside that is relaxing but also family and pet-friendly.
Many of their wines have won multiple awards at the NC Fine Wines Competition like their Chardonel, Grüner Veltliner, and Reserve Vidal Blanc. Their Chloe Rosé even won 2022 NC Fine Wines Best Rosé in State.
They even landed the #5 spot on USA Today’s Reader’s Choice Awards for Best New Winery in the US.
Since I prefer dry wines, I loved many of the wines on the guided tasting. My favorites were the Chloe Rosé, Cabernet Franc, and Ghost House. I also got to try the Petit Verdot and it was fantastic.
You’ll find some small plates on their menu that are big enough to be shared with about four people. No outside food is allowed.
One fun thing you can add to your tasting is a Chocolate Truffle Pairing which rotates with seasonal flavors from Vans Chocolates in Hendersonville. During the hottest summer months, they won’t offer this, so keep that in mind.
They host lots of events like wine dinners, festivals, and holiday events. One of their largest festivals, La Vie en Rosé, is an art festival held in early June as a fundraiser.
Philanthropy is a big part of Marked Tree and they sponsor the Hendersonville Symphony as well as Flat Rock Playhouse.
You can keep up with all their upcoming events on their website or social media.
5. Saint Paul Mountain Vineyards
I have yet to explore Saint Paul Mountain Vineyards personally, but I’ve heard nothing but great reviews from everyone I know who has visited.
Established in 2008, it was the first winery in Henderson County. The rustic tasting room makes for a homey spot to enjoy a glass or tasting but the dog-friendly patio has great views of the rolling hills.
One unique and fun twist to the tastings here is that you can do a “test tube tasting” where the wines are served in test tubes.
They have almost 30 different wines and ciders to choose from so it’s a great selection for groups with different tastes. Their Laurel Hill, a Vidal Blanc, won NC Best in Show.
You’ll also find a selection of cheese, meats, and crackers here plus the occasional food truck. Their live music events are very popular so be sure to get there early to get a spot for those!
6. Sawyer Springs Vineyard & Winery
Sawyer Springs Vineyard & Winery has a great background story as the owner’s family has grown fruits and vegetables in Henderson County for six generations.
The old barn has been repurposed as a tasting room and it was built from the pine trees that grew right there on the farm. The family loves sharing their story with visitors as well as their wine!
They have mostly dry wines with a few sweet options and you can enjoy from their covered patio, the picnic tables outside, or they do have some indoor seating.
When visiting, you can have a set tasting of six different wines, have a glass, or buy a bottle and enjoy the scenery.
Live music is held here often and they announce each show on their Facebook page. In addition to being family-owned, it’s also veteran-owned which if you know me, you know that’s near and dear to my heart.
7. Souther Williams Vineyard
One of the newest wineries near Hendersonville, Souther Williams Vineyard was highly recommended to me by a few locals. Note – this one is 21+ only!
The open-air tasting room is truly beautiful and offers great views of the mountains and grape vines. It’s the perfect place to enjoy your flight, glass, or bottle. You can even bring your pup as they’re pet-friendly.
This is another boutique winery that only offers dry wines so if you’re a sweet wine drinker, it may not be for you.
They do have some unique experiences available if you’re looking to make your visit extra special! In addition to getting a regular wine flight, you can make a reservation for a Hike & Sip Tasting Tour or the Owner’s Tasting.
If you’re seeking more adventurous and luxury experiences, you can also opt for their helicopter tours in partnership with Scenic Helicopter Tours (they lead all the helicopter tours near Asheville) or a luxury picnic in partnership with Asheville Luxury Picnics.
You can find all their events like food trucks and live music on their Facebook page.
Map of Wineries Near Hendersonville
Getting to the Wineries
One of the easiest ways to get around to these wineries, especially if you want to visit two or three in the same day, is through The Regal Ride.
Ann is a long-time Hendersonville local, incredibly kind and knowledgeable about the area, and just a joy to be around.
She has multiple transportation options depending on your group size and knows which wineries will best fit your group.
Even if it’s just you and your significant other, having someone else to worry about the driving and just getting to enjoy the day makes things easier on you.
I loved getting to sit back and relax while visiting a couple different wineries and enjoy the scenery while Ann was taking care of the driving.
Wrap Up: Hendersonville Wineries
Exploring the wineries near Hendersonville, NC is a fun way to spend the weekend and enjoy some of the best views in Henderson County.
It’s a chance to savor award-winning wines, soak in breathtaking views, and create unforgettable memories. Plus, there is such a wide variety of offerings at these different vineyards!
Please remember to plan ahead with a designated driver so you can safely enjoy these beautiful places.
