When travelers think about wine country, destinations in California, Oregon or Virginia often come to mind. But according to Southern Living, one of the South’s most exciting emerging wine destinations is right here in Western North Carolina.
In a recent feature, Southern Living online highlighted the Tryon Foothills Wine Region as an under-the-radar destination that offers scenic vineyards, award-winning wines and enough experiences to fill an entire weekend. For visitors looking to discover something new without the crowds of larger wine regions, the foothills surrounding Columbus and Tryon may be North Carolina’s best-kept secret.
What Makes the Tryon Foothills Special?
The Tryon Foothills became North Carolina’s newest American Viticultural Area (AVA), a designation that recognizes the region’s unique growing conditions and wine-producing characteristics.
One of the area’s defining features is the Thermal Belt, a natural weather phenomenon that creates warmer temperatures than many surrounding mountain communities. This longer growing season allows local vineyards to cultivate grapes that thrive in the region’s rolling hills and mountain climate.
The result? A growing collection of wineries producing distinctive wines while offering visitors breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge foothills.
Three Wineries Worth Visiting
Mountain Brook Vineyards
Just minutes from Columbus, Mountain Brook Vineyards has become one of the region’s premier wine destinations. Guests can enjoy wine flights, outdoor seating, live music events and panoramic vineyard views.
The property is ideal for spending a leisurely afternoon with friends or enjoying a relaxing weekend getaway in wine country.
Overmountain Vineyards
Nestled among the hills outside Tryon, Overmountain Vineyards offers estate-grown wines and some of the most picturesque scenery in the area.
Visitors can enjoy tastings while overlooking the vineyards and surrounding mountains, making it a favorite stop for both locals and tourists exploring the wine trail.
Parker-Binns Vineyard
Located in nearby Mill Spring, Parker-Binns Vineyard combines wine tasting with a laid-back atmosphere and spectacular mountain views.
The vineyard regularly hosts special events and offers guests an authentic foothills wine-country experience that perfectly captures the character of the region.
Make It a Weekend Getaway
One of the reasons Southern Living’s recognition is so exciting is that the wineries are only part of the story.
A weekend in the Tryon Foothills can include:
- Shopping and dining in historic downtown Tryon
- Exploring local boutiques and art galleries
- Scenic drives through the foothills
- Hiking and outdoor recreation
- Dining at locally owned restaurants
- Relaxing among some of the most beautiful mountain views in North Carolina
The area offers the charm of a small-town getaway while remaining conveniently located for visitors from Charlotte, Greenville, Asheville and beyond.
Stay Close to the Wine Trail
Whether you’re planning a romantic escape, a girls’ weekend or simply looking for a new destination to explore, Columbus Inn & Suites provides a comfortable home base just minutes from the region’s top wineries and attractions.
Located near the heart of the Tryon Foothills Wine Region, our hotel makes it easy to spend the day exploring vineyards and the evening relaxing in comfort.
Southern Living may have helped put the Tryon Foothills on the map, but the region’s wineries, hospitality and mountain scenery are what keep visitors coming back.
Read the full article in Southern Living at this link – This Southern State Is Home To An Under-The-Radar Wine Region
Ready to discover North Carolina’s emerging wine country? Book your stay directly with Columbus Inn & Suites and start planning your foothills getaway today.
