In these busy and trying times, it is more important than ever to catch a breather and relax – and nothing says unwind like a glass (or a bottle) of wine. Atmosphere is everything when finding your perfect vineyard and the NC mountains and foothills create the perfect backdrop for your wine exploration. Rumbling Bald on Lake Lure offers the perfect starting point in tranquility and calm before venturing out for fun local excursions in Western NC. Wine lovers have always delighted in the range of both tastes and sights that call this region home. With each vineyard capturing its own signature style, you will revel in the variety and personality of these local wine lover locations.
Each of these vineyards offers an escape into the beautiful landscape of the NC mountains and foothills, so allow us to take you on a weekend tour through some of our personal favorites:
Day One
- Burntshirt Vineyards Tasting Room – Chimney Rock, NC
Out the gate for our leisurely vineyard tour around the Hendersonville wine scene, our first stop beings at the tasting room of Burntshirt Vineyards in Chimney Rock. Tucked into the small town of Chimney Rock, this stunning tasting room is complete with a large outdoor patio, rotating food menu, and picture-perfect scenes of Chimney Rock itself. While it lacks the actual vineyard scenery, it makes up for in atmosphere and mountain landscapes. You will sample the same quality selection of wines that can be found at the countryside vineyard located in Hendersonville. Experience a wine tasting indoors before taking a glass out on the covered patio for a taste of the mountain landmark’s splendor. - Point Lookout Vineyards – Hendersonville, NC
On the outskirts of Hendersonville lies a plethora of quaint vineyards such as our next stop: Point Lookout Vineyards. Situated on the south slope of Point Lookout Mountain, this panoramic view will make you catch your breath, even before sampling its signature wine. Relax under the covered open air main tasting area or venture out to one of the patio tables overlooking the landscape. Select from fruity bouquets to crisp dry wines that will perfectly round out a tasting experience. Point Lookout’s kitchen offers quite the spread in charcuterie boards and flatbreads along with rotating food trucks on the weekend. Grab a snack along with your wine selection to enjoy this iconic vineyard. Equipped with firepits and lots of outdoor spaces to enjoy, even with the cooler temperatures, this spot will become a favorite. - Marked Tree Vineyard – Flat Rock, NC
Continuing into Hendersonville lies the nearby mountain town, Flat Rock, with the newer hidden gem, Marked Tree Vineyard. This industrial tasting room combines tough leather, steel, and concrete along softer elements of glass, wood, and natural light to create natural centered aesthetic. This beautiful vineyard is dedicated to its image as a spiritual outdoor escape for wine lovers even offering forest therapy and yoga classes to connect their customers to nature. Not just a treat for the soul, but also your taste buds as this vineyard prides itself in their signature wine creations. Reconnect with nature and a stellar glass of wine at this quiet vineyard location. - Saint Paul Mountain Vineyards – Hendersonville, NC
Circle back towards Hendersonville for our last stop of the day at Saint Paul Mountain Vineyards. This vineyard offers the perfect blend of farmland simplicity and quality service as the first vineyard in Henderson County. Retreat to the countryside at this picturesque farm vineyard by the open-air patio, or on cooler days, cuddle up around the stone fireplace with a glass or two. Experience dinner on the farm with wine pairings or venture into downtown Hendersonville to sample some local dining cuisine. Sample varietals like the Cabernet Sauvignon or the Vidal Blanc alongside live music at this classic vineyard. You’ll fall in love with the simple yet captivating atmosphere of Saint Paul Mountain Vineyards.
Day Two
- Overmountain Vineyards – Tryon, NC
Enjoy the best of the foothills and maybe even some Sunday brunch with our first stop on day two: Overmountain Vineyards. This family-run vineyard cultivates their French-stye wines to reflect their signature style. Take control of your own wine experience by spreading out along this 70-acre family farm along the vines, the picnic area, the cottage, or by the fire. Select the refined southern landscape of the Tryon Foothills for your next calming vineyard exploration. - Mountain Brook Vineyards – Tryon, NC
A short ride later, you will reach another stunning vineyard landscape from our next stop: Mountain Brook Vineyards. This largely outdoor centered vineyard connects you back to the outdoors with open aired patios, large picnic spaces, lawn lounging, and firepits. It’s the perfect place for any season to sample a spread of premium local wine and a picture-perfect atmosphere. This vineyard continues to grow in both space and charm with live music events, movie screenings, rotating food trucks, and more. This local vineyard adds all the best of open spaces with their stunning foothills vineyard. - Russian Chapel Hills Winery – Columbus, NC
Our next stop, Russian Chapel Hills Winery, is the definition of tranquility and relaxation. This small countryside vineyard exudes a distinct Tuscan influence along with dedicated sommeliers for wine tastings. Explore the grounds and take in the natural setting and unique chapel on the vineyard. Respectful of its roots, this older vineyard is tucked away concealing with it an intimate setting of the mountain foothills along with the perfect backdrop for an afternoon wine tasting. - Parker-Binns Vineyard – Mill Spring, NC
Witness one last look at the stunning Tryon Foothills with our last stop of the day at Parker-Binns Vineyard. This family-run vineyard centers its signature wine around the local Tryon grape and all the history of the Tryon region. Relax at this rustic countryside vineyard with all the best in southern charm. Try a barn-tasting before heading out onto the property to grab a seat on the deck, lawn, rocking chairs, or firepit. There’s not a bad seat in the house when this vineyard pulls out all it’s entertaining prowess from live music to sunset parties and more. Don’t forget to order from The Burger Barn as a savory side to compliment your wine before heading home.
The perfect vineyard tour starts and ends with Rumbling Bald on Lake Lure. As the central hub, Rumbling Bald is surrounded by local and regional wine delights. With so many exclusive offerings along with beautiful location and views, Rumbling Bald is your destination for every season. Come stay with us and unlock Western NC. Choose from a variety of Lake Lure Vacation Rentals that range from a condo for two or a twelve-person mountain home. Not only the central hub for local excursions, Rumbling Bald offers our guests quality dining, stunning lake views, professional golf courses, spa and salon, private beach access, hiking trails, and much more. Rumbling Bald is the perfect destination for seasonal activities and beyond.
*Rumbling Bald on Lake Lure does not advocate or encourage the abuse of alcoholic beverages. If you are planning to participate in an alcoholic beverage tour, be sure to have a designated driver or hire a taxi service. The consumption of alcohol is for adults 21 years of age or older in the United States. Please drink responsibly and with moderation.*
GOVERNMENT WARNING: (1) According to the Surgeon General, women should not drink alcoholic beverages during pregnancy because of the risk of birth defects. (2) Consumption of alcoholic beverages impairs your ability to drive a car or operate machinery, and may cause health problems.
