There are wineries where you immediately feel like you are walking into the Cheers’ bar. Parker-Binns gives you that and more. You are greeted with a warm smile, casual atmosphere and genuine feel good vibes. Parker-Binns is the creation of Bob and Karen Binns. With 25 years in the food and beverage industry they looked for a new adventure after retirement. They settled on a patch of land in the Tryon foothills and created Parker-Binns Vineyards. Their winery is truly a family affair. Three generations are hard at work to make some of the best wines we have tasted. The entire staff is friendly and knowledgeable of wines and pairing. They are eager to guide you through a tasting and help you choose just the right wine for a special occasion or to sit back and enjoy with friends.
We have visited Parker-Binns many times and each time is a memory maker. Our most recent trip was over the Valentine’s Day weekend where we enjoyed a wine and cupcake pairing. The cupcakes were out of this world good and the wine never disappoints. After the pairing we enjoyed lunch from their Burger Barn. If you are a burger fan then forgo taking your own lunch and take advantage of the delicious burgers served with Jimmy Parker fried potatoes. You also can choose pasta salad as a side but I would strongly suggest the potatoes. If you are just looking for a snack to share they also offer homemade pretzels and pimento spread. This is one winery where we rarely take food. It’s that good.
The wines are some of our favorites. My go to wines here are the Lulu White (named after the winery dog) and the Petit Manseng. The Lulu White is a medium bodied table wine that leaves you with honeysuckle and peach. The Petit Manseng gives you hints of orange and mango. It is crisp. Charles enjoys this one even though he is typically a red wine drinker. On our last visit there were out of those two and I had the Reserve Chardonnay. I am not a butter tasty wine fan, but this one isn’t heavy with the creamy butter taste. If you visit for the first time I would always suggest doing a tasting. Even if you say I don’t like this or that type of wine, each winery is different. A table white will be different at each winery.
Parker-Binns has a lot to offer. They have invested in creating an outdoor space for music and people to gather. The position of the outdoor stage area allows you to sit as close or far away from the live music as you wish. There is ample area for kids. They have both a tasting room inside and a covered patio with a serving bar. Leashed dogs are welcome, but not in the tasting room. They also have a fenced area with alpacas, pigs and donkeys. You won’t just find kids feeding and petting the animals. Parker-Binns supported local crafters last fall by hosting an artisan fair where you could purchase handmade items and enjoy a glass of wine. Live music can be heard most weekends. In the cooler months music is inside.
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