A Bachelorette Wine Tour Through Polk County, NC, With the Sweetest Surprise
Some tours are memorable because of the wine. Some are memorable because of the people. And every once in a while, a day brings an unexpected surprise that no one could have planned.
I recently had the pleasure of hosting a wonderful group for a bachelorette wine tour through Polk County, North Carolina. Our bride-to-be, Paige, was surrounded by her mom, aunt, sisters, and a great group of friends who had gathered to celebrate her upcoming fall wedding to Sam.
It was a warm, sunny Saturday in late August, perfect for exploring the vineyards of the Tryon Foothills. The itinerary included three beautiful stops: Mountain Brook Vineyards, Overmountain Vineyards, and Parker-Binns Vineyard.
Sydney had done a wonderful job organizing the weekend, and I was happy to collaborate with her on a relaxing day that allowed the group to stay together, enjoy the scenery, and focus entirely on celebrating Paige.
A Special Toast at Mountain Brook Vineyards
Our first stop was Mountain Brook Vineyards, a family-owned winery in Tryon known for its thoughtfully crafted wines, warm hospitality, and sweeping views.
The group settled in for their first tasting of the day and had the opportunity to meet the winemaker, who came over to greet our table. A little later, he returned with an especially thoughtful surprise: a bottle of sparkling wine for the bride and groom.
Although Sam was only with us in spirit that day, the bottle was saved for Paige and Sam to enjoy together during their fall wedding celebrations.
It was such a kind gesture and a lovely way to begin the tour. Those personal moments are part of what makes visiting our locally owned Polk County vineyards so special.
Harvest Season at Overmountain Vineyards
Our next stop was Overmountain Vineyards, a boutique, family-owned winery located on a farm in the Tryon Foothills.
Late summer is an exciting time to visit wine country because the vineyards are approaching or beginning harvest. During our visit, grapes were being brought in from the vines, ready to begin their journey from fresh fruit to a future bottle of wine.
There is something special about enjoying a glass while seeing the work behind it happening around you. We are already looking forward to tasting the wines created from that harvest.
The patio was surrounded by gorgeous blooming plants, giving the group a beautiful place to slow down and relax. Overmountain has a peaceful, unhurried quality that invites you to sit back, enjoy the view, and stay awhile.
Wine, Food, and Mountain Views at Parker-Binns
Our final vineyard of the day was Parker-Binns Vineyard in Mill Spring.
The group had a reserved table waiting on the porch, where everyone could enjoy something to eat while sampling different red wines. After a full afternoon of celebrating, the combination of good food, wine, and a comfortable place to gather was exactly what we needed.
Parker-Binns is a family-owned vineyard set on a beautiful estate in the Tryon Foothills. It is also a wonderful place for group photographs, so after a snack, we headed down to capture a few pictures with the mountains in the background.
That was when the day took a completely unexpected turn.
An Unexpected Little Passenger
While the group was taking photos, one of the ladies discovered the tiniest kitten. She was black with a few white spots and the most gorgeous green eyes.
Naturally, everyone had to stop for a cuddle.
The kitten was sweet, friendly, and very happy to receive attention from the entire group. But of all the people there, she seemed especially drawn to Penny, the mother of the bride.
After speaking with the vineyard staff, we learned that the kitten was available for adoption. As it happened, Penny had recently lost an older cat and had been hoping to welcome a new cat into her family.
Sometimes the right little soul finds you when you least expect it.
With help from the staff, we found a box and a towel to keep the kitten safe and comfortable. Our newest passenger climbed into The Regal Ride and traveled home with the group to Charlotte, ready to begin her new life with Penny.
We had started the day with a bride, a beautiful group of women, and plans to visit three Polk County wineries. We ended it with all of those things, plus one tiny kitten who had found her family.
More Than a Ride Between Vineyards
This day was a perfect reminder of what makes a private vineyard tour so meaningful.
The wine and scenery are certainly part of the experience, but the moments between the tastings are often the ones we remember most. It is the thoughtful bottle saved for a fall wedding, the laughter on the ride, the group photographs against the mountains, and, in this case, the little kitten who chose the mother of the bride.
When you book a Tryon and Polk County vineyard tour with The Regal Ride, your group can enjoy the day without worrying about directions, coordinating multiple vehicles, or choosing a designated driver. We provide transportation in company-owned, fully insured vehicles and take your group from one destination to the next.
Every tour is a little different, and that is exactly what I love about them.
Thank you to Sydney for putting together such a fun weekend and being a wonderful collaborator. Thank you to Paige and her family and friends for allowing The Regal Ride to be part of the celebration.
We wish Paige and Sam a beautiful wedding and many happy years ahead. And after the honeymoon, they will have a very special new family member waiting to meet them at Mom’s house.
Plan Your Own Polk County Vineyard Tour
Whether you are planning a bachelorette weekend, birthday celebration, girls’ day, reunion, or relaxing afternoon in Western North Carolina wine country, The Regal Ride would love to help you create a day of your own.
Call or text (828) 808-3429, or email theregalride@gmail.com, to begin planning your Tryon or Polk County vineyard tour.
You never know what kind of happy ending the day might bring.