Dappled throughout the South’s Blue Ridge Mountain states and beyond, inventive winemakers have conquered the secret to growing flouring vineyards in unperfected southern growing regions.
Dappled throughout the South’s Blue Ridge Mountain states and beyond, inventive winemakers have conquered the secret to growing flouring vineyards in unperfected southern growing regions. Now, the South is a notable contender in the wine world. There’s no need to travel to Napa or Bordeaux to experience extraordinary wineries and vineyards, the South is now home to vineyards producing wines that easily compete with wines from popular destinations such as France, Italy, Portugal and California. A Washington Post wine writer in recent years stated wineries in states such as Virginia have placed the state on the fine-wine map. Now all but forgotten, explore these southern wineries and engage all your senses with delectable wines, spectacular views and profound beauty.
Barboursville Vineyards
Barboursville, VA
An award-winning blend of factors including the charismatic and progressive winemaker Luca Paschina of Italy, the land’s southern roots dating back to 1804 and Gianni Zonin – a 6th generation heir of one of Italy's biggest wine-producing families - describes how Barboursville Vineyards created one of the most unique and flourishing vineyards on the East Coast. Interestingly, Barboursville Vineyards is the only place in the United States where guests can sip award-winning wines, speak with Virginia’s leading winemaker and open a bottle of Barboursville Vineyard’s award winning wine, Octagon, next to the ruins of the octagonal mansion designed by Thomas Jefferson. Open daily for wine tastings, try various wines only offered at the winery in their Northern Italian inspired farmhouse setting. www.barboursvillewine.net/
Château Élan Winery & Resort
Braselton, GA
Arrive on the grounds of Château Élan and you’re taken to the countryside of France on an impressive and colossal French estate. Here you’ll find Château Élan’s Italian Executive Winemaker Simone Bergese and his inspirational philosophies blends into his wines - confessing he makes wine to inspire people and create emotional experiences, not just a glass of wine. Bergese’s philosophy combined with new techniques and old world traditions creates not only extremely satisfied guests, but also award winning wines. Earning multiple medals in the 2014 Los Angeles International Wine Competition, Critiques Challenge International, San Diego International Wine Competition and many more in years past – Château Élan is an impressive winery and resort from the moment you arrive to the last sip of wine. Try the truly unique terroir of Georgia on Château Élan’s wine tours. For the ultimate unique experience -take the Winemaker’s Tour - an intimate tour through the wine making facilities and vineyard with Château Élan’s creative Executive Winemaker Simone Bergese. http://www.chateauelan.com/
Wolf Mountain Vineyards & Winery
Dahlonega, GA
An intimate setting in the Southern Appalachian Mountain foothills, Wolf Mountain’s blend of French winemaking philosophies and European style creates this exceptional winery and vineyard on the Dahlonega Wine Trail. Enjoy an afternoon sipping award winning wines in a true “Napa style” wine tasting experience with panoramic mountain and vineyard views. Exuding rustic charm and uninterrupted views, tastings around their large four-sided stone and cedar bar feature Wolf Mountain wines which have won an impressive one-hundred medals in major U.S. competitions which includes winning Georgia’s first ever golf medals at the San Francisco Chronicle and Los Angeles International Wine Competitions. Featuring five-thousand vines planted by hand – Wolf Mountain grows Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Mourvedre, Tannat, Petite Verdot, Malbec and Touriga Nacional - innovatively blended to produce Wolf Mountain’s award-winning Estate Red Wines. Join Wolf Mountain Vineyards and Winery for a winery tours and tastings, intimate gourmet dining, Sunday brunch and vineyard café lunches. www.wolfmountainvineyards.com/
Banner Elk Winery & Villa
Banner Elk, North Carolina
Tucked in the North Carolina High Country, Banner Elk Winery has earned the reputation as a real southern charmer and rejuvenating retreat. Geographically bless in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Banner Elk’s innovative French-American and American varieties of grapes has earned Banner Elk many accolades. Earning two Gold Medals at the 2013 International Eastern Wine Competition for the 2011 Banner Elk Red and 2011 Marechal Foch, a medal for their 2011 Banner Elk Red and Marechal Foch and a medal for their 2011 Banner Elk White at their first international competition held in Sonoma County, California – Banner Elk Winery is making their mark on the North Carolina wine country. Stop in for a tasting and tour of Banner Elk Winery and see why Banner Elk is one of the most celebrated wineries in North Carolina’s High Country. www.bannerelkwinery.com/
Make a toast to the South and visit these amazing wineries without having to go far from your own backyard. Discover the South’s best wineries and see why the South is on track to competing with the world’s popular wine regions.
