Charles and I began our winery journey when we became empty-nesters. To date, we have visited 80+ wineries. We have brought a few friends along with us. How did it all start? One weeknight I saw that Overmountain Vineyards (OMV) was offering a free tasting at a local brewery in Morganton. Once there we met Sofia Lily. She led us through our tasting and made us feel like we were old friends. That very weekend we packed a picnic lunch and off we went to OMV. Needless to say, we had a blast tasting great wine with our best of friends.
OMV is a family-owned and operated boutique-style winery, which means they grow and produce small quantities of French-style wine. It is definitely quality over quantity unlike a few of the more commercial wineries we have visited. We enjoy the personal touch of smaller vineyards. Marc and the tasting room staff are amazing and friendly is an understatement. The moment we stepped into the tasting room, it felt like we were chatting with old friends. Moreover, the staff is extremely knowledgeable about wines. The Lilly family demonstrates their appreciation for art by displaying pieces throughout the winery and using artwork on their wine labels. Their labels have featured local artists as well as artists from Vietnam and Cuba.
OMV’s tasting room is open Wednesday-Sunday and reservations are required. Guests must be at least 18 years of age. The spacious patio is adorned with plants that would make any gardener envious.
Tastings are $16 which includes a taste of all the wines. I like the way they conduct their tasting experience. You are seated and can enjoy and relax as you go through the tasting at your pace. You can concentrate and do all the wines one after another or you can enjoy over snacks or lunch. There are some wineries where I feel like I am throwing back shots rather than sipping wine.
You can enjoy tastings at your table or there are areas for more intimate gatherings. Patio and lawn seating are available. Either choice provides stellar mountain views. You can bring your own picnic lunch or on weekends you can enjoy a local food truck. On our last visit, Feta Flav was serving up great seafood. We ordered shrimp and grits and crab cakes. Needless to say, we made happy plates.
We have been to OMV more than any other vineyard in North Carolina. What draws us back? First, their Petit Manseng is one of my favorites. If you are a dessert wine drinker then you definitely need to try their Sofia Port, a port that can stand alone as dessert all by itself. Charles enjoys the Petit Verdot. More than the wine is the people. Sofia is a constant at the tasting room and always greets their guests with a smile. There is always a member of the Lilly family available to answer any questions you might have. Their heated patio is enclosed in the winter. Bring a jacket or blanket for outside seating. Leashed dogs are welcome. The Lilly’s do have 2 friendly Great Danes, Max and Shea that roam the property.
They offer 2 villas for a more private winery overnight stay. They are 2 bedroom and 2 bath luxury villas. Living so close we have never stayed in them, but a nice couple let us peek inside and they are as beautiful on the inside as the outside. The décor is a contemporary style and has lots of light. They are perfect for a weekend getaway.
The winery can accommodate 25-100 people for family gatherings, weddings, or corporate events. The vineyard holds 17 acres of grape varietals and 2 acres of blueberries. During the blueberry season, you can pick your own blueberries. Late summer and early fall they offer flowers for sale. This is truly a hands-on farm that uses organic methods to grow and harvest its produce.
I hope you make a trip to Tryon and experience OMV. Tell them The More Balanced Life with Delayne and Kelly sent you.
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