Banner Elk Winery Signature Blueberry Dessert Wine

Banner Elk Winery in Banner Elk, NC is known as being the highest vineyard on the East Coast which is considered a very risky move and a very unique setting for this type of farming. Something many thought couldn’t be accomplished. At over 4,800 feet, the views of the vineyard and surrounding property are exquisite. Rolling hills of green pasture, woods surrounding, and a pond can be seen. This is where some vintage wines and their recipes are developed.  Luxury tasting wines and a casual, country vibe are the number one mottos of the Banner Elk Winery, between the grounds, glorious wine tasting room filled with arts and locally crafted pieces, and the homemade soaps sold inside. This all came to be when Angelo Accetturo, Richard Wolfe, and Pete and Michelle Gerukos came into a partnership in the ownership of the Banner Elk Winery back in 2006. Wolfe came to the high country, as an engineer to take a job at App State University teaching people how to grow grapes in the Applied Science and Research Program. His progressive thoughts landed him a grant to build a vineyard at 4,800 feet elevation, the first ever of its kind, from the Department of Agriculture. Though the growing season is unusual from the usual season, or even lesser than the usual, they still decided to take a chance. What was once considered impossible and even crazy by bystanders has now, with opening the raised vineyard, began an explosion of other local farmers opening their own all over the mountain range! It’s a trend that is quickly spreading throughout the high country like wildfire and is increasing in prosperity, which no one believed would happen. It is even going as far as to begin breaking down the growing of tobacco in the area, once considered the areas main crop. As for the Banner Elk Winery, the industry has proven itself in more than just cash flow as it has earned many prestigious rewards. The Winery has rightfully received a number of awards such as the 2013 International Eastern Wine Competition out of California, appreciation from the North Carolina State Fair, the 2012 NextGen Wine Competition, and many others! The Banner Elk Winery is known to produce a truly one in a million wine and produces a staff of equal quality! Many days and nights spent at the winery you can attend events such as weddings, fires, and music nights! The winery also has an Italian style Villa where people can get away, be pampered, and enjoy the property, as well as a home cooked breakfast! There are also regulars who come here and feel a part of the magic. You can’t beat watching the frogs and the fish have their run of the pond. Across from the pond upon a hill you can see a blueberry patch where you can pick the berries after dropping $10 in the box, and can also be seen being used to create some of the wineries fine blueberry wines. Behind that is the impressively preserved barn where many wedding ceremonies and town parties are held every year! Grapes were once harvested and made into the pulp in this historical outbuilding.