There’s something about the North Carolina High Country that makes a glass of wine taste even better. Maybe it’s the mountain air, maybe it’s the slower pace — or maybe it’s knowing you can sip, savor, and stay just minutes away at Elk Creek Rentals.
If you’re dreaming of a weekend filled with vineyards, views, and vintage charm, Banner Elk is the perfect base for your next wine getaway. Here’s your mini itinerary for a relaxed, scenic weekend that pairs perfectly with a local pour.
Day 1: Arrival + Golden Hour at Banner Elk Winery
Settle into your cabin at Elk Creek Rentals, drop your bags, and take a deep breath. Within minutes, you can be on your way to your first pour.
Banner Elk Winery is the heart of the region’s wine scene, a boutique mountain winery tucked among rolling hills and evergreens. Their tasting room offers flights of crisp whites, bold reds, and seasonal blends made right on-site.
Grab a seat on the patio overlooking the vineyards and let the view do the rest. If you’re lucky, you might catch live music drifting through the air as the sun starts to dip behind the ridgeline.
Try this:
- Seyval Blanc (refreshing and citrusy, perfect for the afternoon)
- Banner Elk Red (a smooth, medium-bodied blend that pairs beautifully with a mountain sunset)
Pro tip: Pack a picnic or charcuterie board! The winery allows outside food, and the atmosphere is easy, unhurried, and romantic in that “wine country in the mountains” way.
Day 2: Scenic Sips & Mountain Views
After a slow morning (and maybe coffee on your cabin deck), spend the day exploring a few of the area’s most scenic spots.
Stop 1: Grandfather Vineyard & Winery
Set along the Watauga River in nearby Foscoe, this vineyard feels like something out of a storybook. Lounge chairs line the riverbank, live music fills the air on weekends, and the wine list covers everything from dry reds to sweet muscadines.
Bring a blanket and plan to stay awhile. It’s the kind of place where you lose track of time in the best possible way.
Stop 2: Scenic Drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway
Just minutes from Banner Elk, the Parkway winds through overlooks and picnic pull-offs made for spontaneous photo stops. Pull over at Linn Cove Viaduct Overlook for one of the most photographed spots in North Carolina.
Stop 3: Dinner in Downtown Banner Elk
Wrap up the evening with a relaxed dinner in town. A few local favorites:
- LP on Main: Fine dining, mountain elegance, and an excellent wine list.
- Stonewalls: A classic steakhouse feel with cozy booths and hearty plates.
- Sorrento’s Italian Bistro: Family-owned, authentic, and always lively — a great spot for pizza, pasta, and a good bottle of red.
Then it’s back to your cabin to sit under the stars… glass in hand, heart full.
Day 3: Slow Sunday + Small Town Charm
For your final morning, keep things easy. Sleep in, make breakfast in your rental, and then head out for one last taste of the High Country.
Optional stops:
- Valle Crucis Park: Peaceful morning walk with a river view.
- Original Mast General Store: A slice of local history and great souvenirs.
- Linville Falls Overlook: Short, family-friendly hike with big payoff views.
If you’re heading home later in the day, stop back by Banner Elk Winery to grab a bottle or two to take with you (a little piece of your mountain weekend, bottled).
Where to Stay for Your Wine Weekend
Whether you’re traveling as a couple, with friends, or planning a small group getaway, Elk Creek Rentals offers vacation homes that fit every vibe. Many are minutes from Banner Elk Winery and downtown, with amenities like outdoor decks, hot tubs, and mountain views perfect for your own private “after-tasting.”
So pour yourself a glass, toast to new memories, and savor a weekend that’s as easygoing as it is elegant.
Plan Your Banner Elk Wine Getaway
Explore mountain homes and cabins near Banner Elk Winery at ElkCreekRentals.com. From riverside tastings to mountaintop sunsets, your High Country wine weekend starts here.
