Locally Listed: Top Three Wineries for Autumn Brews

1) Bella Terra Vineyards ~ Hunker

Bella Terra is a young winery compared to others in the area, but it’s definitely my favorite! The outdoor seating is beautiful, and they always have entertainment on their stage. You can also commonly find a food truck waiting for you right outside the front entrance!The owners also just built a completely new building with a car and indoor seating, and it’s such a comfortable environment. You can bring your own food and snacks—anything you want, except outside alcohol. It’s a great place to spend a relaxing afternoon. My favorite wine of theirs is the Diamond Rio—it’s a sweet pineapple wine.

2) Greendance Winery ~ Mount Pleasant

Greendance Winery is a great place to go if you and some friends are looking to pass a weekend afternoon. There’s tons of outdoor seating, and it’s beautiful there when the leaves start to fall.Also, because they’re located on Sandhill Berries property, there are always fresh desserts, like pies and pastries and ice cream sundaes (try the raspberry pie!) They also have a small outdoor cafe with lunch foods.

3) Stone Villa Wine Cellars ~ Acme

Stone Villa has a decently large wine selection, especially if you like sweet wine (like me). My favorite of theirs is Christmas Rose, which is available in the autumn and winter months. Like Bella Terra, you can bring outside food and picnic lunches to sit at their pavilions, but no outside alcohol is allowed. It’s nice that they let parties of five or more make table reservations, but they do charge you, and they don’t refund you if you cancel or can’t make it. (You get a gift card instead).

These are all great places to go for quality wines and great experiences this fall, but be safe and have a designated driver if you decide to hang around and pop some corks.