As part of a 70-acre family-owned farm, Overmountain Vineyards is situated in the lovely Tryon Foothills of Polk County, NC. Winemakers and owners Frank Lily and his daughter Sofia proudly created distinctive, handcrafted French-style wines, primarily from their estate-grown fruit. Frank and his wife Lita bought the land that now makes up this beautiful vineyard back in 1990. Frank was not only trained in the Viticulture and Enology program at Surry Community College, but he studied under North Carolina wine industry trailblazer Lee Griffin as well, the owner and winemaker of Rockhouse Vineyards.
When visiting Overmountain Vineyards, you will notice the unique tasting room on-site at the vineyard, which is a picturesque cottage situated to overlook the foothills. Reservations are required and only those 18 years of age and up are permitted access to the tasting room. The unique setting of the cottage tasting room is specifically designed to give both regulars and first-time visitors alike the best winery experience possible, filled with education on everything from winemaking philosophies and grapes to passing along knowledge of the area’s rich viticultural history.
The friendly and knowledgeable staff ensure that your experience is unforgettable and you will enjoy the additional outdoor seating areas, ideally suited for gathering and then lingering while enjoying exceptional wines. This has made the tasting room and surrounding outdoor seating area a favorite stop not only for tourists but for locals as well. Wine tastings are conducted outdoors in a seated format.
There are two levels of tastings available at Overmountain Vineyards, the regular tasting, which includes samples of the current release wines. The other option is the elevated tasting. This one requires an appointment and involves a private wine tasting tour of the winery and vineyards as well as time with the vineyard winemakers. This tasting is more of a journey through the growing, harvesting, and art of winemaking. It also involves tasting unreleased wines from the barrel as well as current wine vintages. This more exclusive experience is limited to a maximum of 10 guests per session.
Overmountain Vineyards grows five varieties of grapes to make exemplary Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Petit Verdot, and the estate premium white wine, Petit Manseng. While the selection varies, the wines currently being served, which you can enjoy either in a tasting or via a glass or bottle, including the 2019 Chardonnay, a stainless-steel aged wine with fresh notes of lemons banana, grapefruit, and white flowers.
Other options include the 2017 Rose, a classic Provence style Merlot Rose, the 2017 Red Table Wine, which is a blend of Petite Verdot and Merlot that is French oak-aged for two years, and the 2017 Petit Verdot, which is a big-bodied offering with notes of caramel, butterscotch, blackberries, and cedar. The 2017 Sofia Port is also available and is an artisanal, handcrafted, stainless steel aged wine fortified with brandy. The last selection, the 2019 Epic Petit Manseng available in limited quantities, is a full-bodied dry white wine.
Interestingly enough, the vineyards also grow blueberries on-site, which you can pick during blueberry picking season. Buckets are provided for blueberry picking and the cost is $6 a pound. Of the 70- acre vineyard, 17 acres contain grape varietals, with two acres of blueberries, all of which are all hand planted and lovingly cared for and attended to year-round.
To get even more out of your tasting and visit the vineyard experience, you can also stay on-site at one of Overmountain Vineyard’s luxury villas. These spacious villas are tucked neatly into the Overmountain acreage, allowing for serene views of the vineyards and the relaxing act of enjoying a glass of wine on your own private patio. Each villa is designed to comfortably sleep four guests, with two full bathrooms and two bedrooms, each with a queen bed. The kitchens of the villas are fully stocked with pots, pans, utensils, etc., and each villa features its own private driveway and free parking for guest convenience.
Insider Tips:
-Overmountain Vineyard is an adult-only experience, no children are allowed on the premises.
-All visits to the winery must be scheduled via reservation to ensure the best hospitality and wine experience for each and every guest.