Grandfather Vineyard and Winery offers a complete wine-tasting experience in a gorgeous setting. Located on the outskirts of Boone, this popular venue welcomes guests to explore their vineyards, winery, and tasting room. They’re also happy to host your special events, including weddings, anniversary parties, and birthdays.
Plan to spend several hours on-site whenever you come by for a visit. For the ultimate experience, you definitely need to take a leisurely stroll along their 10-acre property, stopping by the Watauga River to enjoy the breathtaking views. On your walk, you’ll see their five acres of vineyards filled with terraced grape vines soaking up the sun. Varieties grown here include Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Chambourcin, and Traminette.
The grape vines have grown since 2003, developing their robust flavor profile for the highest quality wines. Although they also get fruit from all over the country, they use every last bit of their local harvests to make wine from grape to bottle. All the magic happens in their winery, where their team crushes, de-stems, and presses the grapes throughout the Fall season.
If they’re not making wine, they’re traveling all over the East Coast picking up fresh grape harvests or staying at home to pluck fruit from their own vineyards. So, as you can imagine, Fall is the busiest time of the year. If you’d like to see all that action in person, a visit during the late summer or fall is your best bet. But you can also have a great time throughout the rest of the year.
The tasting room stays open year-round, so guests can sample popular and new wines, learn about winemaking, and relax in a beautiful getaway. If you’re traveling with a crowd, you should know that this is a family and pet-friendly establishment. You’re welcome to bring your well-behaved pets and children to explore the grounds, relax by the riverside, and enjoy crisp refreshments. They have water for the pups in your pack and apple cider, soda, and mocktails for the youngsters.
Adults can choose all kinds of red, white, sparkling, and sweet wines. Since they get their grapes from vineyards nationwide, their winery makes all the best wine varieties imaginable. Sauvignon Blanc. Dry Rose. Big Boulder Red. You name it, and they undoubtedly have it available by the glass or the bottle. There are also snacks on tap if you’re feeling a bit peckish. Most weeks, they also host food trucks on Friday and Saturday nights. Live music usually plays then as well.
You simply have to try these at Grandfather Vineyard and Winery:
Mixed Dry Flight
For a sampling of all their best reds and whites, get the Mixed Dry Flight. This fantastic mix features pre-selected wines like Pinot Gris, Wine Club Red, and Fusion at one low price.
Sparkling Flight
The Sparkling Flight will get your tastebuds dancing, so it’s worth trying at least once. Your order will include fan favorites like Blue Ridge Brut, Sparkling River White, and Sweet Sparkling Rose.
Sweet Flight
If you prefer your wine with a sugary kick, treat yourself to the Sweet Flight. This flight features French Colombard, River White, and Harvest Moon Red, just to name a few.
Ask about their local cheese and cracker plates if you want the classic cheese and wine-tasting experience. You get to choose between many different types of cheese blocks and spreads. Their cheese blocks come from Ashe County and include flavors like Mild Mountain Jack and Tomato and Basil. For their spreads, they have Aged Asiago, Garlic Herb, and more. The crackers are equally delicious, especially if you get the Firecrackers from Accidental Baker.
Insider Tips:
-Head over to their website to buy wine from their online store if you’re craving any of your favorites upon returning home.
-If you’d like to book your next event, call to see when they have an opening. For the best results, call months in advance to secure the venue on your desired date. If you’re flexible on the date, you can likely get a spot on a bit shorter notice.
-Check the calendar on their website for information on musical performances and other special events held at the vineyard.