Banner Elk Winery and Villa: A Taste of Tuscany Right Here at Home
No, you’re not in Tuscany or Umbria, a thousand miles away, you are right here in the Appalachians. And you’re not visiting a European villa; you are relaxing at the Banner Elk Winery and Villa, cradled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. It’s a crisp November night, and you are watching the snow fall outside the window. The fire burns warmly as you raise your glass of red. Just cool enough, the Cabernet glows in the firelight as you slowly take your first sip. With a smile and a sigh, you feel as if you are in the perfect place at the perfect moment.
If you didn’t know better, you might think you are somewhere in the Italian Alps. But you’re not drinking a French or Italian vintage; you are savoring a glass of Banner Elk Cabernet. Hints of its Carolina origins, like cocoa and tobacco tones, create a Cabernet that lets you know you’ve found something special. And the snow is still falling while Beech Mountain rises above you. The fire is just as warm, and the smile, the sigh, and the smooth Cabernet are just as perfect, so sit back and enjoy.
Banner Elk, in Avery County, North Carolina has been home to the High Country’s original winery since 2005. The first commercial winery built in the area, Banner Elk Winery and Villa embodies mountain hardiness and traditional refinement. Co-owner of the vineyard and winery, Dr. Richard Wolfe, rightfully compares the mountain-side vineyards to the renowned viticultural regions in Europe. Enological researcher turned vintner, Wolfe transformed his study of high-elevation viticulture into a vineyard that produces wines like nowhere else.
Today, Banner Elk’s winery is among a select few that can boast the prestigious America Viticultural Area (AVA) label. Becoming a member of The Appalachian High Country AVA created in 2016, Banner Elk is now recognized as one of North Carolina’s finest wineries. Their select vintages, gorgeous surroundings, and southern hospitality will lure wine lovers from near and far as they continue to build their winemaking legacy.
An Opulent Original: Fine Wine, Mountain Style
The cool climate and mountain soil that surround the Banner Elk Winery and Villa produce grapes that endure harsh conditions. Robust mountain grapes add a certain “Appalachian earthiness” to the traditional varieties of wine. Marechal Foch, Cabernet Sauvignon, and other French-Amercian wines take on a distinct mountain-grown character. Banner Elk’s Blueberry Ice Wine, the winery’s ode to the Appalachians, is just a sample of the award-winning wines that can be found only in the High Country.
One day at Banner Elk Winery and Villa isn’t enough to enjoy the blueberry orchard, mountain-side vineyards, frequent events, and local adventure. The opulent Banner Elk Villa awaits wine lovers with eight luxury suites for guests who want to enjoy all that the winery and Banner Elk have to offer. From mornings on the veranda watching the mist rise to meet the beautiful Blue Ridge to crisp evenings watching the sunset snuggle into the valleys, the views from each suite are unforgettable.
Guests who venture out and explore the surrounding High Country will find intoxicating views, mountain adventure, and exciting activities. Nearby Beech Mountain, the ski capital of the south, offers challenging and family-friendly slopes in winter and a variety of music venues in summer. The explosion of colors in fall and the sweet aromas of spring make any season a good time of year to visit Banner Elk Winery and Villa.
If you want to go (and you know you do!) Banner Elk Winery & Villa 60 Deer Run Lane Banner Elk, North Carolina 28604 828-898-9090 [email protected]
