Best 8 Wineries in Upstate SC: A Guide to the Region’s Top Vineyards

ByTony Parker Last Updated:

Upstate South Carolina is home to a wide variety of wineries that cater to different tastes and preferences. From small, family-owned vineyards to larger, more established wineries, there is no shortage of options for wine enthusiasts to explore. Whether you’re a seasoned wine connoisseur or just starting to develop your palate, there’s something for everyone in Upstate SC.

One of the most popular wineries in Upstate SC is Victoria Valley Vineyards. Located in Cleveland, this winery boasts estate-planted European Vinifera vines and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and vineyards. In addition to its award-winning wines, Victoria Valley Vineyards also features a cafe that serves a full lunch menu, making it an ideal destination for a relaxing afternoon with friends or family. Another must-visit winery in Upstate SC is City Scape Winery in Pelzer. This family-owned vineyard produces a variety of wines, including reds, whites, and fruit wines, and offers tastings and tours of its facilities.

Overview of Wineries in Upstate South Carolina

Upstate South Carolina is home to a growing number of wineries, each with its unique offerings and charm. From the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains to the rolling hills of the Piedmont, the region’s diverse terrain and climate provide ideal conditions for cultivating a variety of grapes.

Many of the wineries in Upstate South Carolina offer tours and tastings, allowing visitors to sample their wines and learn about the winemaking process. Some wineries also feature on-site restaurants, cafes, or picnic areas, making for a relaxing and enjoyable day trip.

One of the most popular wineries in the region is Victoria Valley Vineyards, located in Cleveland, South Carolina. The winery boasts estate-planted European Vinifera vines and offers a full lunch menu in its on-site cafe. The patio overlooks the vineyards and provides stunning mountain views.

Another must-visit winery is City Scape Winery, located in Pelzer, South Carolina. The winery features a variety of fruit wines, including blueberry and peach, as well as traditional grape wines. City Scape also offers a selection of cheeses and small plates to pair with their wines.

For those interested in mead, Wandering Bard Meadery in Mauldin, South Carolina, is a must-visit. The meadery produces award-winning meads from locally sourced ingredients and offers tastings and tours of its production facility.

Exploring Victoria Valley Vineyards

Victoria Valley Vineyards is one of the best wineries in Upstate South Carolina, located in Cleveland. The winery is known for its estate-planted European Vinifera vines and offers a wide selection of wines to taste and purchase.

Website: http://victoriavalleyvineyards.com/

Address: 1360 S Saluda Rd, Cleveland, SC 29635, United States

Wines and Grapes at Victoria Valley Vineyards

Victoria Valley Vineyards produces a variety of wines from different grape varietals, including Viognier, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, and White Merlot. The Viognier is a delicate and bright white wine with notes of apricot, while the Sauvignon Blanc is a medium-bodied wine with pear-to-apple notes. The Signature Chardonnay is a crisp unoaked chardonnay with light acidity and essences of pear and apple. The White Merlot is a refreshing wine with hints of strawberry and raspberry.

The grapes used in the production of Victoria Valley Vineyards’ wines are grown on the estate, which is situated at the foot of Table Rock. The vineyard spans 47 acres and is inspired by European vineyards, giving the wines a unique and distinctive flavor.

Tasting Room Experience

The tasting room at Victoria Valley Vineyards is open daily from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visitors can taste a variety of wines and purchase their favorite bottles. The tasting room also features a gift shop where visitors can buy wine-related merchandise, such as glasses, corkscrews, and wine stoppers.

The tasting room is spacious and features large windows that offer beautiful views of the vineyard and surrounding mountains. The staff is knowledgeable and friendly, providing visitors with information about the wines and the winemaking process.

Events at Victoria Valley Vineyards

Victoria Valley Vineyards hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including live music, food and wine pairings, and wine tastings. The winery also offers private event spaces for weddings, corporate events, and other special occasions.

The winery’s café serves a full lunch menu, and visitors can enjoy their meals on the patio, which features stunning views of the vineyard and mountains.

Visit to Enoree River Vineyards

Enoree River Vineyards is a charming winery located in Newberry, South Carolina. The winery is known for its hand-crafted 100% real juice wines and is a popular destination for wine enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy a relaxing wine-tasting experience and take in the beautiful scenery of the Enoree River.

Website: https://www.enoreeriverwinery.com/

Address: 1650 Dusty Rd, Newberry, SC 29108, United States

Specialty Wines of Enoree River Vineyards

Enoree River Vineyards offers a variety of specialty wines that are unique to their winery. Some of their most popular wines include the “Enoree River Red,” a full-bodied blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, and the “Enoree River White,” a crisp and refreshing blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Grigio. Visitors can also try their award-winning “Blackberry Wine,” made from locally sourced blackberries.

Gift Shop at Enoree River Vineyards

The winery has a charming gift shop where visitors can purchase Enoree River Vineyards branded merchandise, as well as unique gifts and souvenirs. The shop offers a variety of items, including wine glasses, t-shirts, and wine accessories.

Enoree River Vineyards and Winery Events

Enoree River Vineyards hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including live music, wine tastings, and food pairings. Visitors can check their website or social media pages for upcoming events. The winery also offers private event spaces for weddings, corporate events, and other special occasions.

Discovering Old Rock Quarry Winery

Old Rock Quarry Winery is a charming winery located in Enoree, South Carolina. The winery is known for its delicious and award-winning wines, which are made in small handcrafted batches right on the premises. The winery takes pride in the uniqueness of its offerings and the laid-back, relaxed environment that envelops traditional Southern hospitality.

Website: https://oldrockquarrywinery.com/

Address: 620 Old Rock Quarry Rd, Enoree, SC 29335, United States

Old Rock Quarry Winery’s Sweet and Fruit Wines

One of the things that sets Old Rock Quarry Winery apart from other wineries in the area is the variety of sweet and fruit wines it offers. These wines are perfect for those who prefer a sweeter taste or those who want to try something new. Some of the popular sweet and fruit wines available at Old Rock Quarry Winery include:

  • Peach Wine
  • Strawberry Wine
  • Blackberry Wine
  • Blueberry Wine
  • Muscadine Wine

Wine Tasting at Old Rock Quarry Winery

For those who want to sample the wines at Old Rock Quarry Winery, wine tastings are available. The winery offers two tasting options: a seven-wine tasting for $7 or a ten-wine tasting for $10. Flights are also available for $12, and a glass of wine can be purchased for $6 to $7.

During the wine tasting, visitors can enjoy the laid-back atmosphere of the winery while learning about the different wines and the winemaking process. The knowledgeable staff is always happy to answer any questions and provide recommendations based on individual preferences.

City Scape Winery’s Unique Offerings

City Scape Winery is one of the oldest wineries in Greenville County, South Carolina. The winery is known for its unique blends and products, which are made using locally sourced ingredients. In addition to its delicious wines, City Scape Winery also offers a range of snacks and lunch options, making it an ideal destination for a day trip or weekend getaway.

Website: https://cityscapewinery.com/

Address: 589 Dunklin Bridge Rd, Pelzer, SC 29669, United States

City Scape Winery’s Wine Varieties

City Scape Winery offers a wide variety of wines, including reds, whites, and rosés. Some of the most popular wines at the winery include:

  • Pinot Gris: A light and refreshing white wine with notes of citrus and pear.
  • Merlot: A medium-bodied red wine with flavors of black cherry and plum.
  • Cabernet Sauvignon: A full-bodied red wine with bold tannins and flavors of black currant and vanilla.
  • Rosé: A refreshing and fruity wine with notes of strawberry and watermelon.

In addition to its traditional wine offerings, City Scape Winery also produces a range of fruit wines, including peach, blackberry, and blueberry.

Organic Practices at City Scape Winery

City Scape Winery is committed to using organic practices in its winemaking process. The winery sources its grapes from local vineyards that use sustainable farming methods, and all of its wines are made without the use of artificial preservatives or additives.

In addition to its focus on sustainability, City Scape Winery also prioritizes the use of local ingredients in its products. The winery partners with local farmers and producers to source the freshest and highest-quality ingredients for its wines and snacks.

Carolina Vineyards Winery

Carolina Vineyards Winery is located in North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, and is a great place to experience the flavors of the region. The winery offers a wide variety of wines and hosts regular events that feature live music and food trucks. Here are some of the highlights of Carolina Vineyards Winery.

Website: https://carolinavineyards.com/

Address: 4922 Highway 17 South North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582

Carolina Vineyards’ Wine Selection

Carolina Vineyards Winery offers a range of wines, including reds, whites, and fruit wines. Some of the most popular wines at the winery include:

  • Carolina Red: This is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, with flavors of black cherry and vanilla.
  • Carolina White: This is a blend of Chardonnay and Muscat, with flavors of peach and honey.
  • Blackberry Wine: This is a sweet fruit wine made with locally grown blackberries.

The winery also offers wine tastings, where visitors can sample a selection of wines and learn about the winemaking process.

Food and Music at Carolina Vineyards Winery

In addition to its wine selection, Carolina Vineyards Winery is known for its food and music events. The winery hosts regular events that feature live music and food trucks, making it a great place to spend an afternoon or evening with friends and family.

The food trucks offer a variety of options, from classic barbecue to gourmet pizza, and there are always plenty of options for vegetarians and vegans as well. The live music is also a highlight of the events, with local musicians playing a range of genres, from rock to country.

Overall, Carolina Vineyards Winery is a great place to experience the flavors and culture of Upstate South Carolina. Whether you’re a wine lover or just looking for a fun day out, the winery’s wine selection, live music, and food trucks are sure to please.

Exploring Small Batch Wineries

Upstate South Carolina is home to many small-batch wineries that offer unique and handcrafted wines. These wineries pride themselves on producing limited quantities of high-quality wines, making each bottle a special treat. Here are two small-batch wineries worth exploring:

Handcrafted Wines at Cat’s Paw Winery

Cat’s Paw Winery is a family-owned and operated winery located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. They specialize in handcrafted wines made from grapes grown in their estate vineyard. The winery produces a limited quantity of each wine, ensuring that every bottle is of the highest quality.

Visitors to Cat’s Paw Winery can enjoy a wine-tasting experience that includes a tour of the vineyard and winery. The winery also offers a variety of events throughout the year, including live music and food pairings.

Website: http://www.catspawwinery.com/

Address: 1567 Fayrene Rd, Rock Hill, SC 29732, United States

Unique Offerings at Lazy Bear Winery

Lazy Bear Winery is a small-batch winery located in Easley, South Carolina. They produce a variety of unique wines, including fruit wines made from locally sourced ingredients. Their wines are handcrafted in small batches, ensuring that each bottle is unique and of the highest quality.

Visitors to Lazy Bear Winery can enjoy a wine-tasting experience that includes a tour of the winery and vineyard. The winery also offers a variety of events throughout the year, including live music and food pairings.

Website: http://www.lazybearwinery.com/

Address: 644 Hester Store Rd, Easley, SC 29640, United States

Both Cat’s Paw Winery and Lazy Bear Winery offer a unique and intimate wine-tasting experience that is worth exploring. These small-batch wineries are perfect for wine enthusiasts who appreciate handcrafted wines and a personal touch.

Muscadine Wines in South Carolina

South Carolina is known for its muscadine grape, a unique variety of grape native to the southeastern United States. Muscadine grapes are characterized by their thick skin, large size, and high sugar content, which make them ideal for producing sweet wines. In fact, muscadine wines are a specialty of South Carolina and are a must-try for any wine lover visiting the state.

Muscadine Wines at Hyman Vineyards

Hyman Vineyards is a family-owned winery located in Florence, South Carolina, that specializes in muscadine wines. The winery produces a range of sweet and semi-sweet wines made from muscadine grapes, including red, white, and blush varieties. Visitors to the winery can enjoy tastings of these unique wines and learn about the history and cultivation of muscadine grapes in South Carolina.

Website: https://hymanvineyards.com/

Address: 2513 West Lucas St. Florence, SC 29501

Muscadine Grape Varieties

There are several different varieties of muscadine grapes grown in South Carolina, each with its own unique flavor profile. Some of the most popular varieties include:

  • Carlos: a bronze-colored grape with a sweet, fruity flavor
  • Noble: a black grape with a rich, complex flavor
  • Magnolia: a bronze-colored grape with a crisp, refreshing flavor
  • Cowart: a black grape with a bold, full-bodied flavor

Each variety of muscadine grape has its own unique characteristics, which contribute to the flavor and aroma of the resulting wine. Whether you prefer a sweet, fruity wine or a bold, full-bodied red, there is a muscadine wine out there for you to enjoy.

In conclusion, muscadine wines are a specialty of South Carolina and are a must-try for any wine lover visiting the state. Hyman Vineyards is a great place to start, with their range of sweet and semi-sweet muscadine wines. With so many different varieties of muscadine grapes grown in South Carolina, there is sure to be a muscadine wine out there to suit every taste.