Antler Hill Village & Winery

Antler Hill Village & Winery: Sample the Best Wine and Enjoy the Scenic Beauty of the Biltmore Estate
Local Expert's Rating:
4.5 / 5
The Bottom Line:

The winding, curvy roads on the 15-minute journey from the Biltmore Mansion to the Antler Hill Village & Winery can cause nausea, but the serene setting of the Blue Ridge Mountains, boutique shops, and the amazing wines more than make up for the journey.

- The SmokyMountains.com Local Expert Team

Most people who visit the Biltmore area make a stop at the Antler Hill Village & Winery. As a result, it’s a bit cramped during peak times, but don’t let this keep you from the trip. There’s something for everybody here. An outdoor adventure center lets you see the area up close, while the farm invites you to see what life was like in simpler times.

If you just want to unwind after a day of tours and walking, the village green lets you grab a bottle of wine and soak in the setting. To get that perfect bottle, head to the winery for some free tastings and find the one that works for you. Boutique hotels provide luxurious accommodations for a few nights if you wish, while boutique shops offer high-quality goods for friends, family, or your own home.

As America’s most-visited winery, Antler Hill is often loaded with tourists. However, it offers an amazing tour of the facilities, complimentary wine tastings, and a wine bar that’s perfect for enjoying a few glasses of the good stuff. With over 20 handcrafted wines, there’s a flavor that will greet your palate with distinction. Antler Hill also has a spread of cheeses and locally made truffles to round out the experience.

If you’re a wine enthusiast, don’t miss the Behind the Scenes tour. For $10 a person, you can see how the winery crafts each of its concoctions through a marriage of science and nature. In the end, you’ll get a chance to sample premium wines in a private setting.

There are three accommodations at Antler Hill to fit each budget and taste. The casual Village Hotel is ideal for families or those on a budget, while The Inn and the Cottage on Biltmore Estate offer four-star opulence in a quaint setting. The Cottage is more private, as you get your very own domicile that’s perfect for a romantic getaway or an upscale family vacation.

Once you visit the Biltmore Mansion, you’ll feel like you’ve done enough in your life to warrant a few upscale purchases. Biltmore for Your Home is the premier shop for Biltmore-inspired housewares, ranging from bedding to dining accessories to furniture.

The Biltmore Retail Store is another option for that perfect gift or souvenir. You can select from a wide array of wines, jewelry, books, food, and apparel that are sure to brighten someone’s day or even your own.

If you’re searching for something more interactive, the Outdoor Adventure Center is the place to start. Skeet shooting, rafting, biking, and horseback riding highlight the activities here, and you’re guaranteed a memory that will last a lifetime. For kids, a trip to the Antler Hill Farm is nothing short of spectacular. Here you can interact with horses and livestock, as well as enjoy educational videos and exhibits on life in the 1890s.

With a complimentary tasting and a wine bar backed by some of the friendliest and most knowledgeable staff, a visit to Antler Hill is the cherry on top of your visit to the Biltmore Estate.

Insider Tip:
No visit to Antler Hill is complete without a visit to the Biltmore Mansion. Built between 1889 and 1895, this home is over 178,000 square feet of pure luxury. After your visit, head to Antler Hill. Waits are sometimes long to enter the tasting room, so making your way to Antler Hill is best when there’s a tour going on at the Biltmore.