This article is co-authored by Nicole Letts and Kellie Walton. Featured image: Arrington Vineyards in Franklin, Tennessee | Courtesy Visit Franklin
You may default to thinking the South’s drink of choice is bourbon, and while you wouldn’t necessarily be wrong, the region’s spirited greatness doesn’t stop there. Move over, Kentucky and Tennessee, today the spotlight shines on the plethora of vino-forward destinations from Northern Virginia to Central Texas.
We’ve gathered everything you need to know about Southern wine destinations and regional brands worth a spot in your cellar.
Wine Regions
Charlottesville, Virginia
Here’s a statistic that may shock you: Charlottesville is the birthplace of American wine. Way back when, Thomas Jefferson dreamed of growing grapes at the sprawling Monticello estate, but it took until the 1970s to make that dream a reality. Today, find rows of vines growing in wide open fields, mountains zig zagging across the skyline as far as the eye can see.
Where to Stay
Central Virginia has accommodations ripe for the picking (see what we did there) for any budget, group size, or vibe. At the top of the list is Keswick Hall, a historic Forbes Five-Star resort accessible to much of Virginia’s wine country. The property seamlessly blends refined elegance with the stunning natural beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Guests can indulge in a tranquil retreat, enjoying amenities like a world-class spa, sparkling pools, and a championship Pete Dye-designed golf course.
For an even deeper connection to area history, opt for a stay at Step into history at The Crossroads Inn at Pippin Hill Farm, originally built in 1820. Listed on the National Historic Register, this storied establishment, once known as the Crossroads Tavern, has provided rest to travelers for over two centuries. Notable passersby have included Thomas Jefferson, Martin Van Buren, and Teddy Roosevelt. Today, the inn’s rich history is artfully woven into its modern identity. Each of the six rooms is a curated masterpiece, with textures and tones that honor its incredible past while offering a glimpse into early 19th-century tavern architecture.
Where to Eat
The rolling hills of Virginia provide a rich soil for growing local produce and a gorgeous backdrop for enjoying those spoils. While in Charlottesville, you’ll want to incorporate a meal at Marigold by Chef Jean-Georges. The menu at this rustic chic restaurant frequently changes to highlight sustainable and seasonal fare from its nearby farm. The comfortable and textural design features a mix of black and white stone, rustic hardwood floors, a distinctive bar, and hand-wrought lighting, immersing visitors in a living-room-esque space.
Continue Virginia’s version of French cuisine for breakfast at Cou Cou Rachou. A quintessential French bakery, authentic breads and pastries are crafted with local, organic ingredients. They offer a daily changing menu of classic French delights, and often run out of local favorites, so make sure to arrive early to get the best selection.
Dahlonega, Georgia
Up in the North Georgia mountains, grapes are growing plentiful and tasting rooms have cropped up all around the city of Dahlonega. You’ll have to choose between 12 tasting rooms (or hit them all if you’ve brought along a designated driver) pouring Georgia-grown wines and tasty mead. Each winery and experience is a bit different, so check out where to grab a bite and turn in for the night.
Where to Stay
After a day of vineyard tours, you’ll want to kick up your heels and rest your head at one of Dahlonega’s charming accommodations. At Luna Blue, a beautifully remodeled vintage Airstream, you’re tucked away in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The property offers complete privacy, with exclusive access to a private forest with hiking trails, a fire pit, and a hammock perfect for stargazing.
For a less rustic experience, opt for a stay at The Inn at Blackberry Hill. Guests can stay in one of five modern farmhouse-style rooms, each with its ensuite bathroom. The inn provides a picturesque setting where you can watch sunsets by the outdoor fireplace, enjoy gourmet breakfasts, and help yourself to a complimentary selection of beverages and snacks.
Where to Eat
Fuel up at one of several quaint local restaurants. The Station offers a full-service bar and restaurant with an eclectic menu that elevates classic pub fare. Think bacon-stuffed pierogies and creatively topped burgers. In a collaboration with Three Rangers Brewing and Liquid Nation, the restaurant features an impressive selection of 32 rotating craft beers on tap. Guests can also enjoy the inviting outdoor space, complete with a fire pit and cornhole. Bear Necessities Café is a cozy, bear-themed coffee shop and community hub just minutes from downtown Dahlonega. The café offers quality coffee from a local roaster, along with a menu of fresh, house-made breakfast and lunch comfort dishes. With its warm and welcoming atmosphere, Bear Necessities provides a place to connect and relax. We would be remiss not to mention Dahlonega’s Pizza Hut as a place to pop in. After all, is there anything better than pizza and wine?! While it’s not exactly a local establishment, the franchise is one of the only remaining locations with the original footprint and decor, including the classic red and white tablecloths!
Fredericksburg, Texas
Texas Wine Country is the fith largest wine-producing region int he country, and Fredericksburg is at its heart. There are some 75 vineyards, tasting rooms, and wineries packed in town, each producing excellent Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, and other grape variaties. Here’s how to plan your trip to town.
Where to Stay
Hill Country is laced with beautiful scenery. Be immersed in the setting at Odonata Escape, a unique retreat located just four miles from Fredericksburg’s Main Street and minutes from the start of the Texas Hill Country wine trail. The property blends rustic and refined styles to create a relaxed and inviting atmosphere and features eight individual cabins for ultimate privacy.
For an in-town experience, book a room at The Albert Hotel, the city’s first boutique hotel property, which features 105 guest rooms and suites, a full-service spa, and a stunning limestone pool reminiscent of a Hill Country swimming hole. Guests will find four distinct dining concepts and two bars with a focus on highlighting the land’s bounty and sourcing local products.
Where to Eat
Begin your day at The Standard, where vibrant flavors of the Texas Hill Country shine. This restaurant is a champion of local, fresh, and seasonal ingredients, sourcing the best from nearby farmers and artisans. The breakfast sandwich (and a glass bottle Coke) is the breakfast of wine-sipping champions.
For lunch, dip into Prometheus Pizza, a food truck turned brick-and-mortar. The family-friendly restaurant is dedicated to making delicious, accessible pizza. They use high-quality ingredients, including dough made with 100% Barton Springs Mill flour and a red sauce crafted from organic Bianco DiNapoli tomatoes.
When dinner rolls around, head to Hill and Vine. The walk-in-only restaurant celebrates classic Texas cuisine with a menu featuring items such as brisket albondigas meatballs, sweet cornbread, ribeye steaks, and bison bolognese.
Insider Tip: Looking to combine Texas wine and cuisine in one complete package? Book your trip to Fredericksburg during its Food & Wine festival held each October.
Asheville, North Carolina
Asheville may have secured its spot as a craft beer destination, but the wine game here is just as strong and certainly more beautiful. From a stroll through the impressive Biltmore Estate Winery to a cocktail table in one of the city’s many tasting rooms, add a wine-forward trip to Asheville to your plans.
Where to Stay
Asheville’s elegant accommodations reflect the city’s rich architectural history. The Flat Iron Hotel is a stunning 71-room adaptive reuse property that reimagines one of Asheville’s first skyscrapers with Art Deco-inspired design. The attention to detail is remarkable, from the fabric-wrapped check-in desk to the historic, manually operated elevator that transports guests between floors.
For a stay that embodies classic European tradition, choose The Inn on Biltmore Estate. Set against the backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains, this retreat mirrors the curated style of the Biltmore House, offering guests the same hospitality and service that the Vanderbilts were known for.
Where to Eat
In Asheville, a diverse culinary scene awaits, with each establishment offering a unique experience. At Luminosa, located within The Flat Iron Hotel, the focus is on sustainable, local Italian cuisine, with a zero-waste kitchen that sources ingredients daily from nearby farms. Each bite is representative of the region.
In the River Arts District, Golden Hour elevates its approachable menu with extravagant touches like caviar, all within a space of towering ceilings and shimmering chandeliers. At Antidote at Chemist Spirits, you can sip on creative craft beverages in a space meticulously designed to evoke an early 1900s apothecary.
Southern Wines
Veritas
The tasting experiences at Veritas Vineyard and Winery rivals the most beautiful Napa has to offer with seemingly endless vine and mountain views. Located in Afton, Virginia, the brand is regularly releasing vintages and specials worth returning for. But between visits, keep yourself well stocked with a wine club membership.
What to Try: Cabernet Franc | $33/bottle
Arrington Vineyards
The suburbs of Nashville are full of surprises. Among theme: a hillside vineyard co-owned by country music legend Kix Brooks. Arrington Vineyards ineyard is the place to be on nice days, with many flocking to picnic tables with packed vittles that pair perfectly with a purchased bottle.
What to Try: Red Fox Red | $28/bottle
Biltmore Winery
We’ve already made a case for a wine trip to Asheville, but Biltmore Winery’s bottles are excellent additions to any stock. Not only does the portfolio include everything from reds to whites, bubbles, and rosé, but the bottles themselves are stunning with nature imagery and metallic detailng.
What to Try: Biltmore Estate Cardinal’s Crest | $22/bottle
Beachaven Vineyard & Winery
Blink and you’d miss this stunning winery located just off of Interstate 24 in Clarksville, Tennessee. The family business has been in operation for more than five decades, currently on its third generation of winemakers. Today, Beachaven Vineyard & Winery a community favorite and a draw for visitors looking for outdoor seating, live entertainment, and a great glass of wine.
What to Try: Gov’s Red | $16.99/bottle
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