5 Fabulous Wine Weekends Around the South
Last week, we shared a guide to wine-hopping your way around Asheville, NC. We're back this week with five more wine-centric getaways around the South for every type of traveler! Image: Heather Bien
You don’t have to go all the way to California for fabulous wine! Wine regions around the South are no longer just up and coming; they’ve become destinations for wine lovers looking to experience the rich diversity of varietals, from the mountains of Virginia to the Texas Hill Country.
Whether you’re looking for the perfect destination for a girls’ trip or you’re planning your next romantic getaway, these spots offer a blend of beautiful scenery, local flavor, and yes, plenty of wine.
Grapevine, TX
How to Get There: Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport
Where to Stay: Hotel Vin
How to Get Around: Explore the Urban Wine Trail or ride the Grapevine Vintage Railroad.
A Few Favorite Stops: Bingham Family Vineyards, Landon Winery, Bull Lion Ranch Winery
Texas is becoming a major player in the wine industry, and while the Hill Country gets a lot of the attention, Grapevine is a hidden gem for those looking to combine small-town charm with incredible wine.
Part of Grapevine’s appeal is in its walkability. While many of the South’s best wine regions involve driving from winery to winery, Grapevine has a concentrated Urban Wine Trail that allows you to stroll from one stop to the next. After a long day of walking and wine-ing, refuel at one of downtown’s many restaurants, including Winewood Grill and Harvest Hall.
SB Tip: Plan your visit for September to experience GrapeFest.
Charlottesville, VA
How to Get There: Charlottesville-Albemarle Airport
Where to Stay: The Clifton, Keswick Hall
How to Get Around: Bus services, like Monticello Wine Tour & Coach Co.
A Few Favorite Stops: Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyards, King Family Vineyards, Jefferson Vineyards, Veritas Vineyards & Winery, Barboursville Vineyards
Charlottesville is often known as the birthplace of American wine, though Thomas Jefferson’s early attempts to establish commercial vineyards were largely unsuccessful. The region saw a rebirth during the 1970s, and today, it’s known for producing award-winning varietals.
The Monticello Wine Trail includes more than 40 vineyards and wineries throughout the region, many with incredible views of the Blue Ridge Mountains (there’s a reason it’s also one of the most popular wedding destinations on the East Coast!). Stop for a delicious and indulgent dinner at Marigold at Keswick Hall or The Farmhouse at Veritas, or scoot downtown for a bit of exploring and dine at the sleek Broadcloth at The Wool Factory.
Dahlonega, GA
How to Get There: Lumpkin County-Wimpys Airport (local) or Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (70 miles away)
Where to Stay: Dahlonega Resort & Vineyard, The Dahlonega Square Hotel
How to Get Around: Bus services, like North Georgia Wine Tours
A Few Favorite Stops: Montaluce Winery & Restaurant, Wolf Mountain Vineyards & Winery, Kaya Vineyard & Winery
Located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Dahlonega is a scenic destination for wine lovers who like their Chardonnay with a side of views. One of the newer regions, it was officially recognized as the Dahlonega Plateau AVA in 2018 and is now home to 12 tasting rooms and eight vineyards, as well as craft breweries and distilleries.
The area is known for its natural beauty that begs to be explored. Hike through Chattahoochee National Forest in the morning, pop into a few art galleries and shops midday, then spend the rest of the afternoon relaxing at a winery like the Tuscan-inspired Montaluce Winery & Restaurant, where you can enjoy a delicious supper while you sip.
Nashville, TN
How to Get There: Nashville International Airport
Where to Stay: The Hermitage Hotel, Noelle, The Gallatin
How to Get Around: Bus services, including Signature Transportation
A Few Favorite Stops: Arrington Vineyards, Belle Meade Winery, Amber Falls Winery & Cellars, Crown Winery
Nashville may be best known for music, but its access to delicious wine is also putting the city on the map. The Tennessee Wine Trail spans the entire state, and Nashville is a great jumping-off point for exploring the Rocky Top and Upper Cumberland Wine Trails. If you want to stick close to the city, there are several wineries just a hop, skip, and a jump away from downtown’s neon lights, and your pick of dozens of restaurants around town with outstanding wine lists.
Kix Brooks of Brooks & Dunn owns Arrington Vineyards, an idyllic and award-winning spot just a half hour outside of the city, while Belle Meade Winery is 10 minutes from downtown. To make a day of it, head out to charming Franklin, TN, where Crown Winery is located on the banks of Leipers Creek.
Yadkin Valley, NC
How to Get There: Piedmont Triad International Airport (locally) or Charlotte Douglas International Airport
Where to Stay: Rockford Inn, A Mighty Oak Bed and Breakfast
How to Get Around: Bus services, like Yadkin Valley Wine Tours and the Elkin Vine Line
A Few Favorite Stops: Adagio Vineyards, Elkin Creek Vineyard, Jones von Drehle Vineyards & Winery, Overmountain Vineyards
Just an hour and a half from Charlotte, Yadkin Valley is a wine region that specializes in classic French varietals, adapted for the American climate (the environment here is actually similar to Napa!). A whopping 18 vineyards and wineries throughout Surry County are producing grapes, including Chardonnay, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon.
Charter a bus service to hop around from vineyard to vineyard, taking in the Carolina mountain views at each destination. When you get hungry, the vineyards themselves are some of the best places to grab a delicious lunch, including Harvest Grill at Shelton Vineyards and End Posts Restaurant at JOLO Winery & Vineyards.
Enjoy your wine adventures!
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Heather Bien
A Virginia native and professional writer of over 10 years, Heather is passionate about home decor, cooking and entertaining, travel, ballet, and coffee. You can find more of Heather's work in Southern Living, Martha Stewart, The Knot, Apartment Therapy, and Virginia Living.