Wineries in Boone NC 2024: Best Spots Nearby
Looking for Wineries in Boone NC?
There are over 520 vineyards in North Carolina, spreading across the whole state. However, Boone doesn’t actually have any wineries, though there are many winery options near Boone. When most people think of wine in North Carolina, Yadkin Valley usually comes to mind, but today, we are visiting a different wine country in North Carolina.
Wineries in Boone NC
If you are in Boone looking to find some fantastic wineries, don’t worry! Boone stands as a hub for something called the “High Country Wine Trail.” This trail consists of 4 wineries in the High Country area, all less than an hour from Boone. Let’s follow the trail! You’ll have to travel slightly outside of Boone for wineries.
Wineries Near Boone NC
Let’s jump into Wineries in Boone NC
1. Linville Falls Winery
Address: 9557 Linville Falls Hwy, Newland, NC 28657
Linville Falls Winery is just a 40-minute drive from Boone NC, and it is the furthest stop on the High Country Wine Trail. Many chose this winery as their first stop on the trail. This winery is family-owned and operated, as the grandchildren are following their grandpa’s path in winemaking.
On this 40-acre farm, they grow more than just grapes. They have a large number of other berries, apples, corn, pumpkins, and Christmas trees. When you visit this farm, you can book an experience with chocolate tastings, guided wine tastings, and more.
Take a look at their online calendar for live music events and food truck information. When you are looking for wineries in Boone NC, this is one of the farthest but well worth it!
This beautiful winery is all about experiencing the wine in a comfortable way with an excellent staff. You don’t want to miss out on this one.
2. Old Barn Winery
Address: 2152 Beaver Creek School Rd, West Jefferson, NC 28694
Less than 30 minutes from Boone, Old Barn Winery has made headways in West Jefferson, NC. Many know Old Barn Winery to be a popular place for having amazing wines and some very fun concerts that happen year-round. They have lots of space on their patio and large covered tents for events with heaters in the cold months.
The owners of Old Barn Winery strive to make wine tasting an enjoyable experience filled with friendships and laughter. You don’t go to Old Barn Winery simply just to taste wine but to have a fulfilling day or evening. When you are looking for wineries in Boone NC, this is the second farthest but worth it!
3. Banner Elk Winery
Address: 60 Deer Run, Banner Elk, NC 28604
At Banner Elk Winery, you can enjoy sipping your wine on their expansive patio as you look out over the hills to the peak of Beech Mountain.
Their award-winning wines have captured the eyes and tastebuds of guests since 2015, but that isn’t the only reason people keep coming back.
Apart from having a beautiful tasting room and lovely vineyards, Banner Elk also has three gorgeous inns available to stay in. After enjoying the tasting room, walk through the rolling hills and vineyards to your very own room. It’s the perfect mountain getaway.
Weddings and other small events are held at Banner Elk Winery. The full event schedule can be found on their website along with club memberships and their newsletter.
4. Grandfather Vineyard and Winery
Address: 225 Vineyard Lane, Banner Elk, NC 28604
Grandfather Vineyard and Winery, the High Country’s first wine-producing vineyard, has one of the most beautiful settings. As you sip their award-winning wine, you can relax on their patio that overlooks the banks of the Watauga River.
Grandfather Vineyard and Winery is the closest winery to Boone, so this would make a great first or last stop on your tour of the High Country Wine Trail.
Indoor seating is available during weekdays. However, it is outside service all year long during weekends. The back patio is made to be the most comfortable area with firepits and heaters, and it is dog-friendly.
Live music plays on the weekends in the spring, summer, and fall. Grandfather Winery is a family-friendly place that is casual, exciting, and just simply gorgeous.
Touring the Wineries
If you are looking to visit all of these wineries in a day, the distance between the two furthest away from each other is about an hour and 30 minutes away.
It might be easier to split this over two days and spend the weekend in Boone, NC.
Day 1: Linville Falls Winery & Grandfather Vineyard & Winery
Day 2: Old Barn Winery & Banner Elk Winery
The two closest are Grandfather Vineyard & Winery and Old Barn Winery
if you want to stay close to town.
What is the best time of year to visit North Carolina’s wineries?
There is no right or wrong time of year to visit wineries in North Carolina. Many wineries in North Carolina are open year-round. They offer indoor seating, and many places, such as Old Barn Winery or Grandfather Winery, have covered outdoor patios with fire pits and heaters for the cold winter months.
These places also hold live music and events all year long, so you aren’t missing out! If you are looking to explore the vineyards, enjoy the setting, and spend time outdoors, then you will be much happier visiting in the spring, summer, and early fall.
For those who like cozy, intimate settings by the fireplace, and if you don’t mind a little cold, then a winter winery visit will be perfect for you.
Places to Stay in Boone NC
It is so important to have a comfortable place to stay after a long and thrilling day of visiting wineries. While Boone doesn’t have any wineries, there are some charming places to spend the night, the weekend, or even the week.
🏠 Lovill House Inn
The Lovill House Inn is a cherished and well-loved bed and breakfast just walking minutes from downtown Boone. The Lovill House is a historic landmark because it was built on the land over 100 years ago. The inside of the house has beautiful decorations and a charming, elegant atmosphere.
There are six freshly renovated rooms in the main house, plus two bedrooms in the side cabin. Fresh, homemade, organic breakfast is served to guests every morning. The house is located on 11 acres that guests are welcome to explore. You might even find the hidden waterfall!
🏠 The Horton Hotel and Rooftop Lounge
The Horton Hotel is a modern-styled hotel that lures many visitors looking for lodging in the Boone area. It is located right in the middle of downtown Boone, so you can enjoy all Boone has to offer without going very far from your room.
The hotel itself is beautiful, comfortable, and stylish. However, the rooftop bar is the main attraction. On the rooftop, you can enjoy drinks and a 360 panoramic view of the city and the Blue Ridge Mountains. You can even cuddle up with blankets by the firepits on colder evenings.
🏠 Crestwood Resort and Spa
The Crestwood Resort and Spa is one of the premier inns in the High Country of North Carolina. Commonly known for being a beautiful wedding venue, it also makes the perfect romantic getaway or a nice place to come for a relaxing mountain vacation.
You will be blown away after seeing the inn from the outside versus the inside. The outside looks like a big mountain “mansion”, but the inside makes it much grander. You can’t beat the large picture window overlooking the mountainscape.
🏠 Blue Bear Mountain Camp
On 150 acres, Blue Bear Mountain Camp offers guests the ultimate camping or cabin experience for their vacation. Located just slightly less than 20 minutes from Boone, it is a wonderful opportunity to get out into nature while still staying close to town.
At the campgrounds, you will find spacious tent sites and RV sites with hookups. They even have tepee and cabin rentals available for a glamping experience. There is a trout pond, lots of hiking trails, hot showers, restrooms, and a small store for any camping supplies you may need. Pets are allowed.
Places to Eat in Boone, NC
While visiting wineries and vineyards is very exciting, oftentimes, they don’t always have filling food options to go with the drinks. However, you’re in luck because Boone is full of amazing restaurants, eateries, and cafes that the whole family can enjoy.
🥣 Wild Craft Eatery
Address: 506 W King St, Boone, NC 28607
Wild Craft Eatery is a local favorite spot located right in downtown Boone. Wild Craft is proud to serve delicious meals with only the best locally grown organic ingredients in the state, even some ingredients sourced right in Boone.
Wild Craft is known for having mouthwatering curries, some of the best vegetarian burgers, pot pies, a well-crafted kids’ menu, and housemade cocktails. For a light lunch or a hearty dinner, Wild Craft is a great option in Boone.
🥣 The Pedalin’ Pig
Address: 2968 NC-105 A, Boone, NC 28607
On the hunt for some delectable Southern BBQ? Well, look no further. The Pedalin’ Pig is home to some of the best BBQs in the High Country of North Carolina. The food is gourmet, yet easy to eat and friendly.
This is a great place to visit with the family or a large crowd! They have lots of space in their amazing dining area.
🥣 The Cardinal
Address: 1711 NC-105, Boone, NC 28607
On the outside, what appears to be a simple log cabin-style house is one of the coziest and friendliest restaurants in Boone. All food is locally sourced with the finest and freshest ingredients. They have many exciting burger options, sandwiches, good ol’ Southern style appetizers, and more. Everything is cooked to perfection and made with love.
🥣 Red Onion Cafe
Address: 227 Hardin St, Boone, NC 28607
The Red Onion Cafe has been in Boone since 1985, and they take pride in being a staple part of the community. Over the years, as Boone has grown, Red Onion Cafe has grown with it and has always been there to serve heartwarming meals.
These amazing gourmet meals are made with all local ingredients. If you are visiting, be sure to try their famous artichoke dip and the Horace cookie for dessert. Having a reservation is highly recommended for dining at the Red Onion Cafe.
Things to Do Near Boone
Hopping along the High Country Wine Trail and enjoying the wineries isn’t the only thing to do in the Boone area. There are a plethora of outdoor activities that aren’t like anything else you’ll ever see.
✅ Linville Caverns
Address: 19929 US-221, Marion, NC 28752
Linville Caverns is an exciting journey located less than an hour from Boone in Marion, NC. The caverns were discovered in the early 1800s and have become North Carolina’s only open cavern tour.
Tours last about 30-40 minutes as a trained guide takes you through the walls of stalactite and stalagmite formations. What brings most people to the cavern is the bottomless pool that goes 250 deep into the ground.
✅ Grandfather Mountain and The Mile High Swinging Bridge
Grandfather Mountain is a must-see during your visit to the High Country. Thousands of people from all over come to see this 300-million-year-old mountain and the nature around it. There are many miles of hiking trails, camping nearby, wildlife habitats, a discovery center, and the famous Mile High Swinging Bridge.
The Mile High Swinging Bridge is America’s highest suspension bridge, standing at over a mile in elevation. The bridge spans 228 feet across the mountain, which allows for spectacular panoramic views.
✅ Linville Falls
Linville Falls is one of North Carolina’s most photographed waterfalls. The falls are 90 feet long and drop into the Linville Gorge. There are hiking trails that allow you to get the best and most picture-perfect views.
Erwins View Trail is the most popular trail to take to see the falls. The trail is a 1.6-mile-long round trip and offers four different viewpoints of the falls along the way. The trail is considered moderate difficulty because of the elevation gain; however, you can always just hike the half-mile to the first viewpoint and turn back.
Linville Gorge Trail is the next trail you can hike to see a different view of the falls. This hike is much harder, but it is shorter and brings you right to the base of the waterfall. Resting at the base of the powerful waterfall is a rewarding sight. It is a nice place to have a picnic and rest, but do not go swimming; the currents are much too strong.
✅ Blue Ridge Parkway
Starting in Virginia and ending in North Carolina, the Blue Ridge Parkway is America’s longest linear parkway and one of the most beautiful. The drive itself can take 12-13 hours, which is perfect for a road trip. Along the way, there are many beautiful stops, such as Mount Pisgah, The Blowing Rock, Rough Ridge, and Mount Mitchell, to name a few.
Boone, NC, is just about 30 minutes from milepost 238.5 of the parkway, which is the location of the Linn Cove Viaduct you see below.
Final Thoughts
Boone is often overlooked as a place to stay in North Carolina; however, it shouldn’t be. In Boone alone, there are so many amazing places to stay and eat, plus there is a handful of some of the best wineries in the state, all under 40 minutes from downtown Boone.
How can you beat that? The next time you are in the High Country of North Carolina, take a little trip to Boone and the nearby wineries to complete your vacation.
If you are not into wine, Boone also has wonderful craft breweries you can explore too.
