Banner Elk Winery calls itself the High Country’s original winery. It opened in 2005 as the first commercial winery in Avery and Watauga counties, and it’s a short drive from the house, off NC-194 north of Banner Elk.
The wines are made from its own grapes and other locally grown fruit. Look out for the Banner Elk Red and White, the Seyval Blanc and Marechal Foch, and the blueberry wine made from estate-grown berries. Tastings are four 2 oz pours for $20, or you can build your own flight of four for the same price. Add a logo glass to take home for a few dollars more.
It’s a quiet, unhurried place for a late-afternoon glass before heading back for dinner on the porch.
Good to know: the winery lists tastings daily from noon to 6pm, but hours can change with the season, so call ahead before you go. From Banner Elk, take NC-194 north, turn left on Gualtney Road, then right onto Deer Run.
