Marked Tree Vineyard

Yesterday, we had our first opportunity to visit Marked Tree Vineyard. Market Tree Vineyard opened this past Memorial Day weekend and it is located east of Flat Rock, North Carolina, in the Crest of the Blue Ridge Henderson County AVA.

Crest of the Blue Ridge Henderson County just received American Viticulture Area designation and currently has five Vineyard tasting rooms open to the public:

Burntshirt Vineyards

Saint Paul Mountain Vineyards

Point Lookout Vineyards

Marked Tree Vineyard (opened May 2020)

Stone Ashe Vineyard (opened July 2020)

Marked Tree Vineyard sits on the Eastern US Continental Divide. The small but pleasant tasting room is situated on the top of a mountain and there are outstanding views in every direction from the outdoor seating areas. Mount Pisgah could actually be seen in the distance. Since we visited on a Monday, there were few customers and it was no problem to maintain social distancing.

The grape vines were just planted in 2016. Already the Vidal Blanc and the Chardonnel have won medals in the North Carolina wine competition. We chose the Cabernet Franc 2017 and were amazed that the wine came from such young vines. This wine will be tremendous when the vines get more age. NOTE: The winery has since confirmed to me that the 2017 Cabernet Franc was not estate grown. An estate grown 2018 cabernet franc will be released soon.

This Vineyard is a short distance from I-26 and it is very worth a visit. We are looking for great things in the future of Marked Tree Vineyard and the Crest of the Blue Ridge Henderson County AVA.

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