News & Events

It’s no secret that Baby Boomers have a great adoration for gathering with friends and family while sipping their favorite wine.  Wine regions all over the country are drawing visitors, and these regions are no longer limited to California’s well-known Napa and Sonoma valleys.

North Carolina has much to offer for those who enjoy the ritual of uncorking a bottle to toast a friend’s recent success, celebrate a joyful occasion, or just cap off another incredible day in the serene mountains.

Perhaps you’re searching North Carolina mountain homes for the perfect spot to retire, or maybe you’re already settled in and have the time to explore things to do in Lenoir NC.  Instead of boarding a plane for the west coast, discover  Lenoir NC wineries  right in your back yard.  One more reason to appreciate calling Lenoir home!  Tour these fine wineries and create a vacation without hassle or stress.

South Creek Vineyard and Winery

2240 South Creek Road, Nebo, NC, 28761; Phone 828-652-5729; open Wednesday-Saturday, 11am-5pm, and Sunday, 1pm-5pm; be sure to check their website for colder weather months, December-March.  The winery is closed January 2-Valentine’s weekend as well as Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.  They host weddings, reunions, birthdays, anniversaries and corporate gatherings.

James and Mary Rowley became the owners  of South Creek Vineyard in the summer of 2010.  They offer “World class wines with passion for excellence,” and believe there are five qualities wine tasters should take into consideration—varietal character, integration, expressiveness, complexity and connectedness. “Great wine is about nuance, surprise, subtlety, expression, qualities that keep you coming back for another taste.”  Their dry wines are Bordeaux style; the reds are aged 18 to 24 months in oak barrels, and bottled for 6 months or more before the vintage is released.  They stand by their wines, which “keep their flavor, body and aromas for years to come and are sure to make a superb addition to your wine cellar.”

Those who live in their perfect  North Carolina mountain homes will find this winery is reminiscent of beloved Sonoma, and the Rowley’s craft an old-world wine “in the style of Bordeaux France but served up with a friendly, southern attitude.”  The charm of their winery is the original 1906 farmhouse, with a bucolic setting to make all who visit feel they’ve entered a nostalgic landscape and era of a simpler time as they tour and sip. When you are making plans for visiting Lenoir NC wineries, remember these vineyards are perfect for a stroll, the outside living space is canopied by old maples, or head indoors to the tasting room and lounge; tours available upon request. Looking for  things to do in Lenoir NC?  Tastings include the glass–$6, $7 or $10 depending on the wine.  Music events are rain or shine with no admission fee.   Picnics, lawn chairs and well-behaved leashed pets are welcome.  No beverages other than South Creek Wine or bottled water.

Red selection—2011 Cabernet Sauvignon; 2010 Merlot; 2012 Maestro; and 2012 Cabernet Franc.

White selection—2013 Reserve Chardonnay; 2016 Chardonnay.

Join James and Mary’s wine club, get on the mailing list, and discover recipes and other wine enthusiasts’ news for things to do in Lenoir NC.

Upcoming South Creek Vineyard Events:

September 30-October 1; Vineyard Deck Music Series; Lee Lindsey, international artist, folk, pop & country and joined by Samantha Breske

October 7—Harvest to Barrel Party—Angela Easterling; annual celebration of the harvest; top-notch songwriter in roots music

October 14—Vineyard Deck Music Series; Fried Melon Blues Band; traditional and contemporary blues

October 21—Annual Song-Writers ‘Behind the Music’ Tasting Room; 11am, music at 1pm; a celebration of local songwriters

October 21—David’s Roadside Grill

October 28—Halloween Eve Wine, Fish & Fry; costume party with live music by Ginny McAfee—21 & older; 6pm; $20 ticket includes fishing (bring your own gear); catered fish & chips dinner; glass of South Creek wine; purchase tickets by calling 828-652-5729.

Lake James Cellars

P.O. Box 359 – 204 East Main St; Highway 70; Glen Alpine, North Carolina 28628; 828-584-4551; Hours—Tuesday-Saturday; 10am-6pm; Sunday, 1pm-5pm; closed Mondays.

Lake James Cellars is also a family-owned winery named after the picturesque Lake James and located in the foothills of North Carolina. “Step through the leaded-glass front doors of our restored 1915 textile mill building, located in Glen Alpine and taste the magnificent flavors of our fine wines.” They offer a variety of handcrafted wines from locally grown fruits.  You can while away the hours in their tasting room and gift shop, or sit out on the covered porch and gaze at the tranquil hills.  Tastings are $7, from any of the six wines, and a Lake James Cellars’ glass.  Visitors also appreciate exploring the Old Mill Antiques which is located in the same building.  With over 20 various dealers, there is plenty to browse.  No reservations are necessary for tastings, but with groups of 6 or more reservations are required.  Tours are by appointment only.  Be sure to sign up for their mailing list to be up-to-date on wines and events.

Red Selection

Mimosa Red; Turkey Tail Red; Cabernet Franc; Chambourcin; Barbera.

White Wines

Traminette; Turkey Tail White; Silver Creek Blanc; Brown Mountain White.

Sweet Wines

Southern Magnolia; Wild Blueberry Blush; Raspberry Blush; Bridgewater Bramble; Fonta Flora Blush. Table Rock Red; Caribbean Mist; Linville Mist; Summer Slice; Icewine Style White; Icewine Style Red.

Shadow Line Vineyards

2550 Shadow Line Lane, Granite Falls, NC; 828-234-5773; open Friday 4pm-8pm; Saturday and Sunday noon-6pm.

This family-owned vineyard and winery has been run by Marvin and Geba Davenport since 2012.  They completed the construction of their winery and tasting room in the fall of 2015 and opened their doors in February of 2016.  They are conveniently located between Hickory and Lenoir and Hwys 321 or 127.  “Our tasting room and patio are nestled in the woods with lots of shade trees and a farm pond view. Plan to spend quality time enjoying wine in our tasting room or relaxing on the porch or patio. SLV is an ideal setting for picnics, small weddings, receptions, rehearsal dinners, showers, reunions, birthday parties, girls day out, group and club meetings or business functions. Please contact us to make arrangements for your special events.”

Wine List

Moscato; Sangria; Riesling; Chardonnay; Pinot Grigio; Sauvignon Blanc; Pinot Noir; Chambourcin; Merlot; Malbec; Cabernet Franc; Cabernet Sauvignon.

Light snacks are available and visitors are welcome to bring their own food.

Linville Falls Winery

9557 Linville Falls Highway, Linville Falls, NC 28647; 828-765-1400; tasting room hours are 7 days a week, 12-6pm.

Jack Wiseman, now in his eighth decade, and his family are living his life-long dream, pioneering their own winery in the area where he was raised and learned the art of wine making from his grandparents. Many know Jack through his established Fraser Fir farm in the High Country, but now his talents for growing are evident at his fine forty-acre winery. They produce varieties such as Riesling, Seyval Blanc, Noiret, Marquette, Petit Verdot and Foch.  Linville Falls Winery is also known for its luscious blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, heirloom apples, pumpkins and Christmas trees.   “At our elevation of 3200 feet, we have an incredibly unique environment for grapes to thrive and make award-winning wine.  Our heartbeat is to have a space where you can relax, take in the beauty of the area, and taste what our mountains have to offer. You can find us just off milepost 317 on the Blue Ridge Parkway and a couple minutes drive from famous outdoor spots like Linville Falls and the Linville Gorge.”

Events at Linville Falls Winery:

Food by “Ramblin Roost” every Saturday & Sunday, 12-4pm

Wines:

Blackberry; Elevation—Estate Winemaker’s Blend; Cabernet Sauvignon; Merlot; Riesling; Chardonnay; Rose; Mountain White; Trillium; Blueberry; Cherry Bounce

Join the Linville Winery Club for free tastings, deliveries to your door, events and discounts.

Six Waterpots Vineyard and Winery

4040 James Drive, Hudson, NC 28638; 828-728-5099; hours: Mon-Thu 1– 5pm; Fri-Sat 1-5pm; Sunday 2-5pm.

Another glorious family-owned and operated business well worth visiting for tastings, art, special events and your own private parties.

“Six Waterpots Winery offers hand-crafted wines from our homegrown muscadine varietals: Supreme, Noble, Carlos, Magnolia, and Tara.  We also produce perennial favorites as available: sauvignon blanc, cabernet sauvignon, sangiovese, chamblais, and other specialty wines.  But if you are looking for something new, come sample our unique collection of wines made from fresh local fruits: strawberry, blueberry, blackberry, raspberry, green apple, and peach.  Whether you like ‘sweet’ or ‘dry;’ a full or classic muted bouquets; or golden white, sparkling blush, or deep red color, you will find something on our shelves for every palette to enjoy.”

Twisted Wine Vineyards

487 Legion Road, Lenoir, NC 28645; 828-726-3185; seasonal hours May-October; closed Sunday-Wednesday; open Thursday-Friday 4-7pm; open Saturday 12-7pm; open Sunday 1-5pm; wine tastings are available during business hours–$7 includes 6 wines and a complimentary glass. No reservations required.  They offer a selection of Ashe County cheeses to compliment their incredible wine.  Visitors can bring along their own snacks.

This winery has 150 vibrant vines established after just six years of growing.  2012 brought about their barn, 2014 brought about the opening of Twisted Wine’s tasting room, as well as the expansion of the outdoor porch and patio.  Their friendly and informed staff is available to help you select the wines you’d like for home or for the perfect gift.  Be sure to try their peach wine, Bodacious, for real southern taste. “We have several new wines just for the Holiday season to give as gifts, entertain guest with, or to help keep yourself jolly!  Visit us and see what we mean by ‘Doing wine Southern Style.’”

Special Events:

Smoking in the Foothills BBQ Festival

October 20 & 21, 2017

Twisted Vine Hallowine Party!

October 28, 2017 12-9pm

Corn hole boards, costume contest, food truck and more; CJ Ballard play 4-7pm

Hudson, NC HUB Christmas Show

December 2, 2017

Wine List

Red Table Wines
Malbec; Guido’s Blend; Pinot Noir; Merlot; Shiraz; Cabernet Sauvignon; Special Edition Red; Twisted Red.

White Table Wines
Chardonnay; Riesling; Carsten Creek White; Special Edition White; Muscat Love.

Rose Wines
Smooth Ride; Twisted Pink.

Sweet Table Wines
Muscadine; Cindy’s Select; Front Porch Zen; Rooster Red; Jaybird; Twisted White; Slow n Easy; Patriots Blend; Bodacious; Strawberry Chocolate; Blackberry; Singing the Blues; Green Apple; Who’s Ya Daddy.

Specialty – Table Wines
Red Tux Raz; Southern Heat; Sweet Riesling.

Seasonal Wines
Summer Sangria; Twisted Summer.

Those who live in North Carolina mountain homes at The Coves can harvest their own muscadine grapes, which have been cultivated in the US since the 16th century.  Lenoir is the perfect environment for these grapes which need less chilling hours and thrive as they drink up our plentiful sunshine.  These grapes are beneficial to our good health as well as the livelihood of the wildlife in our region, providing habitats and nutrients for a host of animals.  And with some extra time to explore things to do in Lenoir NC,  one can create artisan wines, condiments, and juices from this rich and sweet grape which is thankfully resistant to pests and disease.  Evelyn’s Vineyard at The Coves is where it all begins.  Our lush community garden provides the perfect setting to work side by side with your neighbors who share a passion for growing and harvesting the grapes native to our area.

There are over 100 vineyards in North Carolina, and we are fortunate to have our own established vineyard in our scenic back yard right beside the mountain fed Johns River and across from Waterfall Park.