Alan Ward says his passion for farming is what motivated him to launch Saint Paul Mountain Vineyards in 2012. The first commercial vineyard in Henderson County, Saint Paul Mountain Vineyards is a family-owned winery and tasting room on land that has been in Alan’s family for nine generations. The winery sits next to the house where Alan grew up, and is across the road from his grandfather’s farm where he worked as a young boy. Alan and his team grow 14 varietals of grapes at elevations ranging from 2,300–3,500 feet. The vineyard’s award-winning red and white wines are produced in the French and German traditions. There’s also brandy and artisan hard cider made from Henderson County apples. “We are about agritourism and educating people about what we do, how we do it, and why it’s different, as well as the uniqueness of this area,” says Alan, emphasizing that this area has the most geological diversity in the world. Open every day of the year, the winery offers classes and daily tastings. There’s music on weekends, and it’s a great spot for small private parties and charitable events.
Saint Paul Mountain Vineyards is located at 588 Chestnut Gap Road in Hendersonville. For more information, including a music schedule, visit saintpaulmountainvineyards.com, or call 828.685.4002.
