Linville Falls Winery sits on US 221 just north of the Blue Ridge Parkway and Linville Gorge, on a 40-acre farm that grows wine grapes, Christmas trees, and berries side by side at roughly 3,200 to 3,400 feet of elevation. It is worth the drive for the story as much as the wine: it is the winery Jack Wiseman built at 80 years old after decades of running a Christmas tree operation on the same land, and it has become one of the more relaxed, unpretentious tasting rooms in the Appalachian High Country.
A Lifelong Dream, Fulfilled Late
Jack Wiseman was raised outside Crossnore, served as a U.S. Army medic during the Korean War, and later built a large Fraser fir Christmas tree business by buying up mountain farmland between Charlotte and Avery County over many years. He started planting wine grapes on part of that land around 2005, and after roughly seven years of tending vines, he opened Linville Falls Winery in October 2012 — a lifelong dream realized at 80 years old. Today the winery is still family-run, with Jack’s grandchildren taking on more of the day-to-day work while he continues to be involved. The name comes from the small community of Linville Falls, itself named for the waterfall a few minutes’ drive away near mile marker 316-317 of the Blue Ridge Parkway.
What to Taste
The winery grows Seyval Blanc, Vidal Blanc, Noiret, Marquette, Petit Verdot, and Marechal Foch on the property, with Riesling as its flagship grape, all part of the Appalachian High Country American Viticultural Area. The tasting list runs from a dry Riesling and sweet Riesling to a chardonnay, sauvignon blanc, rosé, several red blends including a brandy barrel-aged cabernet sauvignon, and fruit-forward options made from the farm’s own blueberries and blackberries. The Cherry Bounce — a fortified cherry wine — comes up again and again in visitor reviews as a favorite, even among guests who normally prefer dry reds. Wine is available by the glass, bottle, or as a flight of four to five pours, and seasonal extras like wine slushies and spiked hot cider show up when the weather calls for them.
The Setting
Reviewers consistently point to the same things: an outdoor wood-burning fireplace, plenty of seating between the tasting room and the grounds, live music on busy weekends, and a pizza food truck that shows up regularly. The property still functions as a working farm — there’s a red barn where visitors can pick up free apples in season, and the Christmas tree fields are visible from parts of the grounds. It photographs well enough that an episode of Southern Charm reportedly filmed there. Because it’s a genuinely working farm rather than a manicured event venue, expect a casual, come-as-you-are atmosphere rather than a polished wine-country production.
Nearby and Worth Combining
Linville Falls Winery sits centrally enough in Avery County to anchor a whole day of tastings. Archaic Alcohols’ meadery in Banner Elk and Eagles Nest Winery near Elk Park are both a short drive north, and Little Switzerland Orchard and Winery over the county line in Mitchell County adds cider and mead to round out a longer route.
Planning the Trip
Expect roughly 35 to 45 minutes from Banner Elk and closer to an hour from Boone, most of it on scenic but winding mountain roads. The winery has generally run daily hours in the noon-to-six range, though exact hours and any seasonal closures should be confirmed on their site before you go, especially around the annual fall Grapestomp event when hours and crowds both shift. With live music, a fire pit, and flights meant for slow sipping, this is a stop where you want your group relaxed and unhurried rather than watching the clock — which is much easier when nobody in the car is also the designated driver home.
Wine Tour Transportation to Linville Falls Winery
Ashe County Livery offers private, chauffeured wine tour transportation to Linville Falls Winery from Boone, Banner Elk, Blowing Rock, West Jefferson and across NC’s High Country. Our Linville Falls Winery trip-planning page covers drive times, tasting-room hours, group sizes and pricing.
Travel in a luxury SUV, sedan, or Sprinter van with a professional chauffeur — everyone in your group gets to taste, nobody has to drive. Plan your Linville Falls Winery tour or call (336) 484-1350.
Other High Country wineries we serve: Eagles Nest Winery · Archaic Alcohols · Little Switzerland Orchard and Winery — or browse every High Country winery, cidery and meadery we provide transportation to.
Explore More from Ashe County Livery
- High Country Wine Tours — Mountain winery shuttle service
- Yadkin Valley Wine Tours — Explore NC’s premier wine region
- Wine Loop Shuttle — Hop-on hop-off winery tours
- Wedding Transportation — Luxury shuttles for your big day
- Wedding venues we serve — 40+ High Country venues
- Airport Shuttle Service — CLT, AVL, GSO & TRI transfers
- Airport shuttles by town: Boone · Blowing Rock · Banner Elk · West Jefferson · Linville · Beech Mountain
- Ashe County Livery — Premium transportation in NC’s High Country
- Request a free quote — or call (336) 484-1350
🍷 Planning a Wine Tour in the NC High Country?
Ashe County Livery offers private, luxury wine tour transportation throughout the Blue Ridge Mountains. Skip the driving and let our professional chauffeurs take you from winery to winery in comfort and style.
Serving Banner Elk, Blowing Rock, Boone, and all NC High Country destinations • (336) 484-1350
You Might Also Like
