SIP. SAVOR. STAY AWHILE.
Some call it the nectar of the gods, the way the ancient Greeks did when they raised a glass to Dionysus. Some, like the French, pair it with every meal as naturally as bread finds butter. Here in the High Country, we have our own approach: time slows down, the crisp mountain air does half the work, and there really isn’t much better than a sun-soaked afternoon laughing with friends over a glass of rosé at the very place it was made.
This week, I found exactly that at Banner Elk Winery.
This family-owned winery has become a go-to for locals and visitors alike, and it doesn’t take long to see why. The mountain views set the tone, and the award-winning North Carolina wines carry it. Local musicians play on select weekend afternoons, making it easy to imagine lingering a little longer with another glass and the right soundtrack. I started with the Choose Any Four tasting flight, an easy way to sample a little of everything.
I naturally gravitated toward the whites and rosés. What better way to spend a summer afternoon? The whites were the standouts for me: bright and refreshing, with notes of fresh lemon and crisp pear, finishing clean. If you’re visiting with a group, keep the seasonal sangrias on your radar. They’re served by the pitcher, and I couldn’t help but think one on that patio would be the centerpiece of a very good afternoon with friends.
What stayed with me most, though, was the hospitality. My server, Jonah, a Boone native, made me feel welcome from the moment I walked into the tasting room. He answered every question, shared a little local knowledge, and offered recommendations that felt personal rather than scripted. That kind of warmth is hard to fake, and it turned a good tasting into a great one.
Whether you’re a longtime wine lover or simply looking for a reason to slow down, Banner Elk Winery delivers. Come for the wine, stay for the mountain views, and if you time your visit for a weekend, let the music convince you to linger over just one more glass.
Know Before You Go
- 135 Deer Run Ln., Banner Elk, NC 28604 | (828) 898-9090
- Hours: Open daily, 12 to 6 p.m.
- Food: Light snacks available
- Live Music: Select weekend afternoons; check their Instagram for current dates and times
Learn more at: bannerelkwinery.com
About the author:
Mary Peacock is the founder of Latitude Lens, where she creates photography, travel content, and story-driven features for destinations, small businesses, and the people behind them.
Based seasonally in the North Carolina High Country, she’s drawn to scenic towns, cozy stays, good food, and the kind of places you want to tell a friend about.
When she isn’t behind the camera, you’ll find her hiking with her two Jack Russells, playing pickleball, or chasing good light somewhere in the mountains.
Mary Peacock | Latitude Lens | 904.449.0532
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