A Wine Enthusiast’s Guide to Asheville, NC
With nearly 60 wineries in the mountains of Western North Carolina, there are more than a dozen wineries within an hour of Asheville to explore.
We have put together a wine enthusiast’s guide to Asheville, NC, for your next visit.
Wineries to Visit
There are so many wineries and vineyards in the area to visit. A great place to start is Biltmore, where you can pair your wine with a visit to America’s largest home.
Located on the Estate grounds, Biltmore Winery influenced the rise of the local wine industry beginning when the first wine was created in the 1970s.
Today, wine tastings are built into the Biltmore experience; a visit to the winery is included in Biltmore admission. For an additional price, you can tour behind-the-scenes of the Biltmore Winery. This two-and-a-half-hour tour includes a visit to the vineyard and exploration of hidden areas of Biltmore Estate.
Wine Bars to Try
Over recent years, wine has become a part of Asheville’s culture, and as a result, a series of wine bars have opened and expanded in the mountain city.
Here are a few of our favorite wine bars to visit:
- Bottle Riot: Located in the River Arts District, Bottle Riot brings you wine from all around the world by offering 60 wines by the glass. The bar focuses on wines that are sustainable, biodynamic, and wine that is unique and rare. They also offer small bites such as bread, spreads, cheese boards, and charcuterie from local purveyors.
- Battery Park Book Exchange and Champagne Bar: Right in the heart of downtown, you can find this quaint wine bar in the historic Grove Arcade and bookstore. From crafted espresso drinks to the selection of fine wines, this is far more than your typical bookstore. This pet-friendly bookstore and wine bar has been featured on Wine Enthusiast’s list of “Top 20 Wine bars in America.” Whether you love good books, delicious wines, or both, this is the perfect place for those who want to unwind.
- 5 Walnut Wine Bar: Featuring drinks with live music every night in downtown Asheville, 5 Walnut Wine Bar is a spot to enjoy the jazz, salsa, blues, and Afrobeat while enjoying the best wine in the city. You’ll find not only a few local selections from the Asheville Brewing Co. and Wicked Weed but also a range of cheese boards and other small eats.
- Weinhaus: Asheville’s oldest beer and wine store, Weinhaus offers a variety of wine and beer by the glass as well as a selection of cheese plates and snacks. The business is family-owned, offering the best selection of wine, beer, tasting events, and dinners with live music for over 40 years.
Wine Stores to Experience
Asheville is home to wine stores that provide unique tastings and experiences. Here are a few of our favorite wine stores to visit in the area:
- Table Wine
- Appalachian Vintner
- Metro Wines
- Crocodile Wine
- Biltmore Wine Shop
Metro Wines is an area favorite for finding excellent wines for those looking to pair a bottle with an event or special occasion.
Located at 169 Charlotte Street, we offer a wide selection of wines and weekly tastings. Contact us today or visit our store to browse our wines and talk with our wine expert.