Grandfather Vineyard & Winery, Banner Elk

Worst wine tasting experience ever. Worst hospitality ever. If no star could be chosen, I would. We were staying at Blue Ridge Village and had the opportunity for a free wine tasting experience. My mother is 70 years old and she loves wine! She and my spouse went. Sitting down in a chair or stool was not allowed while tasting wines - they had to remain standing! :-( There was no snack or other food provided to partake in between the wines tasted to enhance the wine tasting experience. They were rushed through the tasting experience and were limited to only choosing 1 category of wine instead of being able to choose from several categories of tasting options. The employee was not knowledgeable of the wines and did not know information about the benefits of certain wines on health. My mother felt pressured to "hurry" through the experience. She caved and bought 1 bottle so they would be allowed to sit down at a table :-( AND SHE WAS NOT GIVEN THE DISCOUNT SHE WAS OWED! We visit Banner Elk often and will make sure not patron this establishment ever again or encourage others to either.

This is a little gem of a place to visit in Boone NC. Beautifully located next to the river. Lovely outdoor seating and its dog friendly too what more can you ask for. Amazing wine selection and the 4 glass tasting is great for $15, you can bring your own picnic or buy cheese, crackers and other snacks there. It does get busy while people choose their wine, so you do have to be patient but the wine, scenery and atmosphere is worth the wait. Definitely a place to visit and chill for an afternoon. I just wish you would buy the wine online outside the States. Fan from Scotland