A relaxed afternoon spot just over the hill from the house. Grandfather Vineyard & Winery sits at 3,300 feet with a view of Grandfather Mountain, and makes all of its wine on site, from grape to bottle. The family planted their first vines in 2003 on a steep hillside and opened the winery in 2011.
Tastings are a preselected flight of four 2 oz pours, usually $20, or $30 for the reserve flight. Most seating is outdoors, much of it covered, and most days there’s live music and a food truck, weather permitting. Children and pets are welcome, which makes it an easy outing for mixed groups. You can also book a cabana for a bigger party.
Good to know: there’s no entrance fee and no reservations. The tasting lodge is first come, first served from noon, and last call is 30 minutes before closing. It’s open every day of the year, apart from a few holidays, with shorter hours from November to February. No outside alcohol.
