Tryon Foothills: Four off Nine

Tryon boast a rich viticulture history of growing quality grapes and producing fine wines.

Four wineries are keeping this tradition alive. Each with its own unique vibe. All four of these wineries located just off North Carolina Highway Nine.

When driving North from the South Carolina state line, you’ll find in the below order. All four within 15 to 20 minutes of each other. Your GPS knows the way.

Russian Chapel Hills Winery cultivates 17 acres under vine. The vineyards and winery are under the direction of Andrey Medvedev, who normally greets arriving guest with a smile.

Russian Chapel is growing Chardonnay, Muscadine, Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Malbec. Russian Chapel Hills Kagor is produced of the estate Cabernet Sauvignon.

A short walk through the vineyard takes you the beautiful St. Anna Chapel which majestically overlooks the vineyard.

Mountain Brook Vineyards is a small craft winery nestled atop a foothill with stunning Mountain Views.

Approximately 7 acres under vine growing Chardonnay, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot. Mountain Brook wines have won awards from coast to coast. The winery features live music and stunning 360 degree views from the wrap-around porch. Strongly recommend one of their fruit sangrias.

OverMountain Vineyards is a family owned boutique vineyard and winery featuring distinctive French style wines. Owner Frank Lily and his daughter Sophia are the winemakers. Frank studied in California and North Carolina and Sophia holds a degree in Biology and for most of her life apprenticed under the guidance of her Father. The vineyard features seventeen acres under vine growing Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Petit Verdot, and Petit Menseng.

OverMountain has a distinctive “Sonoma” feel with it’s spacious patio covered with ginormous red umbrellas. The patio steps lead to a beautiful lawn area just above the Northern sloping vineyard.

Parker-Binns Vineyards owned and operated by “retirees” Roberto and Karen Binns along with their daughter Kelly, offers a fun-time laid back vibe. We use the “retiree” tag loosely as these guys are always hopping on the weekends. Each weekend is capped with Sunday Funday offering live music and free brick oven pizza.

Growing Chardonnay, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Menseng, on mostly Southern sloping hillsides. Parker-Binns features two tasting rooms, the garden and also the barn which is nestled on higher ground overlooking the vineyards. The barn is often used for events and offers exceptional mountain views and a large wrap-around bar. The garden tasting room is a more cozy and intimate environment.

The Four off Nine in the Tryon Foothills make for a great wine trail. The wineries have began the process to have the area recognized as an American Viticultural Area which would be known as the Tryon Foothills. Make a point to try some “Tryon Grape” in your wine glass!

Cheers,

Dennis & Jenni

Winery Escapades