Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Appalachia, the charming mountain town of Boone, North Carolina is best known as a hub for outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and camping. But over the last two decades, wineries producing high-quality wines have sprouted up in the surrounding area, creating an inviting wine scene.
The high elevations, warm days, cool nights, and rich soil around Boone offer ideal conditions for growing European-style grapes. Boutique wineries are cultivating that terroir into exceptional cool climate wines like Cabernet Franc, Chardonnay, and Riesling.
Here are 10 of the best wineries near Boone, NC, for a day of delightful wine tasting:
1. Rock House Vineyards
Founded in 2008, Rock House Vineyards crafts small-batch wines on its estate vineyard in Valle Crucis. Their sustainably-made wines have won accolades including Best in Appalachia. Don’t miss their flagship RockHouse Red blend. The rustic hilltop tasting room has epic views.
2. Coyote Cliff Vineyard
This family-run vineyard near Valle Crucis focuses on European varietals that grow well in the North Carolina high country. Their Cabernet Franc and Chardonnays have won national awards. Bring a picnic to enjoy the charming creekside picnic area at their cozy tasting room.
3. Raffaldini Vineyards
Specializing in Italian varietals, Raffaldini produces 25+ wines on-site in the Swan Creek AVA. Their signature Vermentino and Montepulciano wines shine. The stunning terraced vineyard provides a perfect backdrop for regular events and concerts in the summer.
4. Banner Elk Winery
North Carolina’s highest winery sits at 4,000 feet with impressive views of Grandfather Mountain. Banner Elk’s tasting room features a gorgeous stone fireplace and panoramic windows overlooking the vineyard. It’s a popular spot for weddings and events.
5. Grassy Creek Vineyard & Winery
Family-owned Grassy Creek sustainably farms its 58-acre vineyard in Spruce Pine. Their tasting room occupies a beautiful historic farmhouse onsite. Enjoy a wine tasting flight or glass of their award-winning Cabernet Franc on the charming front porch.
6. Silver Fork Winery
Nestled on a 100-acre farm in the Swan Creek AVA, Silver Fork specializes in French hybrid grapes well-suited for the NC climate. It’s known for estate white wines like their crisp Seyval Blanc. Picnic in the meadows or enjoy the mountain views from their relaxing porch.
7. Weathervane Winery
This small-production winery handcrafts wines from local and imported grapes at their urban tasting room in downtown Boone. Be sure to sample the blueberry and blackberry dessert wines. Happy hour on Fridays offers live music and food trucks.
8. Makensy Winery
Makensy crafts stellar cool climate white and red wines in Boone from French hybrid and vinifera grapes. Their Vignoles is a crisp, tangy must-try. Enjoy your tasting in the hip, modern tasting room or expansive outdoor space with vineyard views.
9. Dobbins Creek Vineyard
Family-owned Dobbins Creek produces wines made with French hybrid grapes. Their estate Chambourcin is a standout. Pull up an Adirondack chair by the pond at their rustic tasting room to sample wines and take in the tranquil mountain setting.
10. Boonedocks Farm Winery
Set on a historic 58-acre farmstead in Zionville, Boonedocks grows French hybrids for its handcrafted wines. Their peppery Traminette and sweet Fredonia pair perfectly with the farm views. Relax by the pond with a glass or bottle of their tasty wine.
With the Blue Ridge Mountains providing an incredibly scenic backdrop, Boone makes for the perfect base to explore these up-and-coming local wineries. Spend a few days touring the innovative, award-winning tasting rooms while taking in the natural beauty of this special wine region.
