Vineyard Trail in Upstate South Carolina

In the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, where warm sunlight graces rolling farmland and wooded ridgelines, a different kind of Southern charm takes root. Here in Upstate South Carolina, grapevines stretch toward the sky and bottles of bold, elegant wine are poured in tasting rooms where stories flow as easily as the vintages.

This is the Vineyard Trail, a loosely strung constellation of vineyards and wineries that invites travelers to sip and savor their way through a region bursting with character, craftsmanship, and community.

A Wine Culture Defined by Soil, Soul, and Passion

Greenville County and its surroundings are rich with wineries that embrace both old-world techniques and local creativity. The region’s climate and terrain have proven to be ideal for cultivating a range of grape varietals, from native muscadine to French-American hybrids. Whether nestled in quiet countryside or set within the hum of Greenville’s urban neighborhoods, each stop along the trail offers a distinctive experience crafted by winemakers, sommeliers, and passionate locals who bring the wine to life.

This isn’t a race from one stop to the next. It’s a leisurely exploration where the air smells of fermentation and blooming wildflowers, and every sip tells a story.

Anchors of the Upstate Wine Scene

Several wineries stand out as must-visits along the trail, offering not only excellent wines but memorable experiences:

City Scape Winery

Located in the southern countryside of Greenville County, City Scape Winery is known for innovative wines and community spirit. Their award-winning dry white muscadine is a local favorite. Visitors are welcomed by Pinot, the pot-bellied pig who guards the vines as much as he charms the guests. With sweeping views and a laid-back patio atmosphere, City Scape invites you to stay a while.

Victoria Valley Vineyards

Perched near Table Rock in northern Greenville County, this 47-acre winery brings the flavor of Europe to South Carolina. The French-style chateau, complete with a terrace restaurant, is an ideal setting to enjoy a wine flight and lunch surrounded by elevated views. Their Vinifera wines are made possible by the unique elevation and soil conditions of the property.

Eagle Mountain Vineyards & Winery

Founded by master winemaker George Bursick, who once produced a Wine Spectator “#1 Wine in the World,” Eagle Mountain is a testament to quality. Grapes are grown on-site and also sourced from top vineyards in California, creating a blend of local expression and national excellence.

Wellborn Winery

North of Travelers Rest, this winery blends native and hybrid grapes to reflect the complexity of the Upstate’s soil and seasons. The tasting room is friendly and unpretentious, giving guests a true sense of place with every pour.

Kennington Family Winery

Set against the mountain backdrop of Marietta, this family-run winery crafts 11 styles of wine that showcase flavors from across the country with a local twist. The experience here is personal, tailored, and filled with warmth.

Urban Tasting Rooms and Local Wine Shops

Greenville’s city center has developed a vibrant wine culture of its own. These stops make the Vineyard Trail accessible even to those who prefer their sipping with a skyline.

• Elevation 966 Winery offers small-batch wines in an airport-adjacent urban space, often paired with tacos from White Duck Taco Shop.
• Foxcroft Wine Co. on South Main features retail-priced bottles, tasting menus, and a scratch kitchen that pairs seamlessly with their international selection.
• Wine House on Haywood Road is a welcoming space curated by a sommelier and wine collector, designed for discovery and relaxation.
• SIP Whiskey & Wine Bar offers rooftop views of downtown Greenville, along with an impressive glass list that stretches across continents.
• The Cook’s Station, located at Heritage Green, surprises with its eclectic wine bar nestled within a gourmet kitchenware shop.

Cross-Border Connections

The Vineyard Trail doesn’t stop at state lines. Just across the border into North Carolina, a cluster of vineyards in Tryon and Hendersonville broadens the flavor palette.

Parker-Binns Vineyard, Overmountain Vineyards, Stone Ashe Vineyards, and Burntshirt Vineyard are among the highlights in the Tryon Foothills and Hendersonville regions. These wineries complement the Upstate offerings with cool-climate varietals, scenic tasting decks, and events throughout the year.

Tours That Let You Focus on the Wine

Greenville Wine Tours, operated by Van in Black, offers curated wine tours in luxury SUVs and spacious vans. These customized experiences typically include visits to three to five wineries, allowing guests to relax, sip, and enjoy the journey without having to navigate or drive. The company’s drivers know the ins and outs of the wine country and tailor each itinerary based on group preferences.

Creative Pairings and BYOW Fun

For those who want to take the wine experience home, several local studios offer BYOW (bring your own wine) art classes that combine creativity with casual sipping:

• Wine & Design hosts stress-free classes with pre-traced canvases.
• Painting with a Twist features theme nights, trivia, and pet portrait sessions.
• Vino & van Gogh offers everything from abstract art to wooden crafts, all in a playful studio environment.

A Final Sip

The Vineyard Trail in Upstate South Carolina reveals the region’s evolving relationship with wine. From the slopes of Table Rock to downtown bottle shops, this is a trail that weaves together people, place, and palate. It’s relaxed and refined, expressive and approachable. Whether you’re a seasoned oenophile or someone simply seeking a beautiful way to spend an afternoon, the journey through Upstate wine country leaves a lasting impression—one glass at a time.