Tryon North Carolina is harbouring a secret; they have a family owned vineyard that uncorks endless possibilities with notes of exploration and relaxation. Vineyards have been a source of happiness for centuries. The word came from the combination of vine-yard or wine yard. A vineyard is a “grape plantation” that grows and sells grapes for wine. Although, a winery can make wine, they get their grapes from a vineyard. Overmountain is both. Here you can experience a wine grape from start to finish.
The land for the vineyard was purchased in 1990 by Frank and Lita Lilly. They started planting grapes and Frank got serious. He studied Viticulture, which is the study of grape cultivation and Enology, which is the science and study of wine-making.
Opened in 2010, this father and daughter wine making team has created an experience that will leave a lasting impression. Sophia Lilly, daughter of Frank and Lita, is a winemaker and current is studying to be a sommelier through The Court of Master Sommeliers. A sommelier is someone who posses the knowledge and stewardship over the wines at a restaurant.
Overmountain Vineyard sits on a 70 acre farm which possess the fruit used to make their famous French style wines. Sip from your glass overlooking the foothills while enjoying the comfort of their cottage-style tasting room. There is also two luxury villa AirBnBs that you can make reservations for: The Meadow Villa and The Vineyard Villa.
Wines at Overmountain
Overmountain is known for their unique artwork and of course an amazing wine selection. Given the impressive landscape of the vineyard, your tasting experience will be heightened. You can view their currant wine list here.
From a Chardonnay to a Rose or a Port, you can enjoy your bottle or glass among the various seating arranged for engaging conversation and perfect views. With five varieties of wine grapes grown on premises, these wines are not lacking anything but you tasting them. The “Sophia Port” is 100% Petit Manseng. These are white wine grapes primarily grown in South West France.
This artisanal, handcrafted wine is stainless steel aged and fortified with brandy. It is a bright wine with aromas of pineapple, mango, citrus and melon. Finishes with a buttery mouthfeel and notes of honeysuckle. 100% Petit Manseng.
You Have to Make a Reservation to Visit
Although the vineyard is open to tastings, you have to make a reservation. This is how the vineyard can maintain protocols put in place due to the Covid-19 regulations. Do not forget their U-Pick Blueberry Patch available in the months of June and July.