New Owners Share Grand Vision for Mountain Brook Vineyards!

Mountain Brook Vineyards sits beautifully nestled in the foothills of Tryon, just minutes from the Tryon International Equestrian Center. The current tasting room sits high atop the vineyard property and offers dramatic mountain views looking over the four vineyards.

New Owners, Vickie and Jonathan Redgrave recently shared with us thier grand vision for Mountain Brook. The couple, managing partners of the data discovery and security legal firm of Redgrave LLP, found themselves living at Lake Lure partly as a compromise. Jonathan, a native of Asheville, wanted a mountain home. Vickie, a lake home. Once the couple was settled in their new home on Lake Lure, they started a search for property in the area to fulfill a long shared dream of owning a vineyard.

Previous owners, Dennis and Mir Lanahan, have created an award winning winery, with seven and a half acres under vine. The original root stock was planted in 2002. The current menu of seven wines have won numerous awards from competitions in North Carolina, San Francisco, and The Finger Lakes of New York. An oaked Chardonnay and a Pinot Grigio make up the whites, along with a Rosè of Cab Franc. The reds are Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, and Magis, a Bordeaux style blend.

Winemaker Liz Pickett remains to continue producing these award winning North Carolina wines and helping guest expand upon their wine knowledge through educational events held at the vineyard.

Vickie and Jonathan share a grand vision for Mountain Brook Vineyards. Striving to develop a destination winery, building upon the existing family friendly feel by creating beautifully manicured grounds offering numerous options for outside enjoyment of their wine. The existing round tasting room is the center feature of the below concept design. The upstairs space will continue to serve as the tasting room and the outdoor patio wrapping around the building will remain for guest to sit and enjoy the gorgeous views. The downstairs will be utilized as the winery’s retail gift shop. A beautiful grass lawn with a centerpiece fountain will be flanked on each side by shaded pergola canopies. A wedding pavilion will be constructed, and the winery production facility will be expanded. The winery facility will include a classroom allowing for opportunities to teach and learn about the art and science of winemaking, from vine to bottle.

Vickie and Jonathan plan to open six days each week, while closed on Tuesday. They will feature musicians and other events weekly. Future plans are being developed for wine dinners in partnership with the Tryon International Equestrian Center. This September the Equestrian Center is host to the World Equestrian Games, and the equestrian endurance race will wind through the vineyard and right in front of the tasting room. A great opportunity for guest to participate and view the international equestrian competition.

Jonathan mentioned, that as a native of Western North Carolina, they are committed to partnering with the other local vineyards and area small businesses to enhance the Tryon Foothills as a destination for wine lovers. Having visited hundreds of vineyards together, these experiences are shaping their vision for Mountain Brook. With seventy-five acres, the long term vision will certainly evolve over time. Though for now, Vickie and Jonathan have set their existing development plans in motion with construction ready to begin in the coming weeks. We encourage everyone to get by and visit soon, as this gem of a local craft winery is being polished to shine in the Foothills of Tryon!