Asheville is known first for beer, but the mountains and foothills around it also grow grapes, and a growing number of wineries now pour wine in settings that can rival any tasting room in the country. A guided winery tour lets you sample those wines without a designated driver or a map. A host collects the group, drives between stops, and introduces each winery, from the vineyards on the slopes to the cellars where the wine is made. Cooler mountain nights and warm days create an interesting climate for grapes, and growers in the region work with both familiar varieties and local specialties. This is a relaxed day for couples, friends and groups celebrating a birthday or anniversary, and it makes a pleasing alternative if you have already done the brewery circuit. You do not need to know anything about wine to enjoy it. Tasting staff are happy to explain what you are drinking, and the scenery, from orchards and rolling pastures to ridge views, is often as memorable as the glass in your hand.
What a typical tour includes
The group visits several wineries in a single outing, with tastings of whites, reds and sometimes fruit or dessert wines at each. Stops may include a short walk through the vines, a look at the production space and time to relax on a terrace with a glass.
A driver handles the roads, which is a major advantage in hilly country where distances look short on a map but feel long on switchbacks. Check the tour details for the number of stops, what is included in tasting fees, and whether snacks or lunch are provided.
How it compares
Asheville has plenty of options for drinking, and the choice depends on mood. Brewery tours are social and urban, and give you a glimpse of the city. A winery tour is slower, more scenic and more rural, and suits groups who prefer conversation to crowds. If you plan a visit to the Biltmore Estate, which has its own winery with tastings, a separate winery tour broadens your sense of the region's wine beyond a single estate.
Planning your day
Eat a good breakfast, drink water between tastings and pace yourself, since pours add up. Wear comfortable shoes for uneven vineyard paths, bring a light layer, and carry a bag in case you buy bottles. Most tours require guests to be of legal drinking age, so confirm the rules and bring identification. Weekday departures are usually quieter, while autumn weekends are busy because of the foliage and harvest season. Spring and early summer bring green vines and gentler crowds.
Fit
Wonderful for adults who like leisurely tastings and scenery, a poor fit for visitors who do not drink or want a high-energy activity. Pair it with dinner downtown or a visit to a garden or gallery on another day. Always confirm pickup points and timings in the tour details.
Good to know
Tasting rooms often get busy in the afternoon on weekends, and a morning departure can mean quieter rooms and more time with the staff. Tell your host about allergies or dietary needs if food is included, and ask whether cheese or snack plates are available at each stop. If you buy bottles, carry them in a cool bag, as vehicles heat up quickly in summer.
What to expect
The experience
A guided, chauffeured visit to several wineries in the mountains and foothills near Asheville, with tastings and a look at how the wine is made.
Best time
Spring through fall; autumn offers harvest scenery but busier tasting rooms.
How long
Check the tour details for the length, number of stops and what is included.
Tips
Eat beforehand, pace the tastings and bring ID. Wear comfortable shoes for vineyard paths.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Adults who want a scenic, unhurried day of tasting without driving.
- Families
- Not designed for children; best left for an adults-only day.
- Couples
- A classic romantic day out with views, tastings and no driving.
- Pair with
- Dinner downtown or a visit to the Biltmore Estate on another day.
- Time needed
- Most of an afternoon, including transport.
Good questions
Do I need to know about wine?+
No. Tasting rooms welcome beginners, and the staff will explain each pour.
Is a driver included?+
Guided tours normally include transport so nobody needs to drive between wineries. Confirm in the tour details.
What is the minimum age?+
Guests usually must be of legal drinking age and carry identification. Check the rules for your chosen tour.
How does this differ from a brewery tour?+
A winery tour is slower and more rural, with scenic tasting rooms; brewery tours tend to be urban and lively.
Can I buy bottles?+
Yes, most wineries sell bottles and cases. Bring a bag and ask about shipping if you are flying home.
