Banner Elk Winery

Location & Atmosphere:  Banner Elk Winery is located about two miles outside of the Town of Banner Elk. You wind around part of the vineyard to get to the tasting room. The vineyard was formerly a blueberry farm. As you enter the porch of the tasting room building, on your left is one the prettiest, most serene porch views we have seen at a winery, with a long green lawn, large ponds and rocks, and just a fabulous place to enjoy a glass a wine.

 
The Wines:  White wines include Seyval Blanc, grown on the estate with a touch of sweetness like a Riesling, Banner Elk White, which is a blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, and Viognier, and Banner Elk Red, a blend of Merlot, Petit Verdot, and Malbec. In addition, they make a Cabernet Sauvignon and Heirloom, which is a blend of Alicante and Sangiovese. Their wines ranged from good to excellent. Other than the Seyval Blanc, most of the wines use grapes from the Yadkin Valley, nearby, but at a lower elevation and much sunnier. They also produce a great Sangria and Blueberry wine, from berries grown on the property.

 
Tastings & Tours:  Tastings cost $10, to sample all 9 of the wines they produce, including a souvenir glass. Glasses of wine run $8 to $12. In addition to wine, they also serve hard cider and draft beer. Tours are not offered.

 
Events/ Shopping/ Other Amenities:  There are minimal shopping opportunities or events.

 
Value:  Banner Elk wine is a fair value for the money, at $22 to $29 per bottle, except for the blueberry wine, which is $39.

 
Rating:The green lawns leading to a huge serene pond makes for a great setting for a wedding, or just relaxing and enjoying a glass of wine. For a mountain vineyard at pretty high elevation, the wines are very good, and the servers are knowledgeable and friendly. Definitely a solid four star experience, worth a visit.