As part of the newly established Crest of the Blue Ridge AVA in Hendersonville NC, Marked Tree Vineyard is one of seven wineries contributing to Hendersonville’s emergence as a premier wine destination. But beyond the vines, this community is built on a spirit of collaboration—where farmers, winemakers, and artists come together to create an experience that’s as enriching as the land itself.

“Hendersonville has always been on our map. Growing up in the southeast, coming up here on vacation, going to the Biltmore, it was always a special place. One of the cool things about Hendersonville is we have a great elevation. We’re a farming community and we have a new AVA. There are seven wineries in this AVA, and there are seven AVAs in the state.”

Marked Tree thrives in a community that values support and collaboration. The wineries in Hendersonville work together to promote the region, each offering unique varietals that flourish in the high-elevation climate. Visitors experience not just wine but also the local arts, outdoor adventures, and farm-to-table dining that define the area.

“One of the cool things about being in a farming community that has a new wine region establishing is that you get to support one another. And that’s what we do here. And that’s what is kind of the spirit of Hendersonville, is that we all support one another. We love our visitors, and we love them to come to this area to see this farming community. We all grow different varietals, and the cool nights and warm days create ideal conditions. Hendersonville is a special place for both farming and winemaking.”

Marked Tree carefully selects varietals suited to the Blue Ridge climate, producing dry, European-style wines with minimal oak influence. Visitors can enjoy thoughtfully curated local food pairings, including cheese boards, pimento cheese, and local chocolates, enhancing the tasting experience.

“We grow eight varietals, including Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and Grüner Veltliner. Our wines are crafted to reflect the land, with a focus on balanced flavors.”

Tim expresses his love for the community and says, “The other thing that’s really cool about Hendersonville is its vibrant arts community. It has an amazing symphony, several art galleries, and great places to eat with views of the mountains. If you want to take a break and be outdoors, this is the place to do it. There’s tons of hiking, outdoor experiences, great restaurants, a thriving arts scene, and a farming community, all while enjoying a glass of wine.”

Hendersonville is a place where creativity and nature blend seamlessly. With its thriving arts community, including an impressive symphony and a variety of galleries, visitors can indulge in both culture and scenic beauty.

Hurricane Helene put Marked Tree to the test during the 2024 harvest. With the support of their team and volunteers, they completed the harvest and reopened quickly, reinforcing their commitment to the community.

“Hurricane Helene came and we were about halfway through our harvest at Marked Tree Vineyard. As soon as the hurricane passed, our team came together along with many volunteers and helped us harvest the remaining half of our harvest for 2024. We had no water, so we were cooking meals with everyone who came from our team to our amazing volunteers, to anyone that happened to come by. We were cooking three meals a day and rallying together to get the harvest in. I’m happy to report we were able to get the harvest in, and we are excited to see what will happen with our 2024 vintage.”

Because of the hurricane, Marked Tree was able to support businesses that they may normally not partner with. “One example would be Stepp’s Hillcrest Orchard. After we reopened, we were able to carry their donuts, both pumpkin and apple cider, and our guests exposed to their business, creating more visibility for them down the road when they were able to reopen.”

“All our food comes from local producers, from pimento cheese to trout. It’s important to us to uplift other small businesses.”

Whether visiting in person or ordering wine online, there are many ways to support Marked Tree Vineyard. Guests are encouraged to explore the vineyard year-round, enjoy the local flavors, and immerse themselves in Hendersonville’s vibrant wine culture.

“Come visit! We’re here, we’re open, come and stay here, have a great time, come visit some farms, go to a couple wineries, and you’ll be supporting a lot of businesses, not just ours.”

What began as a retirement dream for a father and his wife has blossomed into a family-owned vineyard and winery dedicated to crafting wines of exceptional character. Inspired by the celebrated wine regions of Bordeaux and Burgundy, their journey started with a bold idea: to create wines that rival those from across the globe, right here on their carefully chosen site. The foundation of Stone Ashe lies in the belief that great wine is not defined by geography but by the harmony of land, climate, and meticulous care.

Nestled on steep slopes with rocky soil and an ideal growing climate, Stone Ashe Vineyard was established to prove that excellence knows no borders. Each vine on this remarkable property is tended with precision, channeling energy into producing fruit that yields wines of distinction. With the recent completion of the production facility, the vineyard proudly embraces its identity as a 100% estate-grown and estate-bottled winery—an achievement rarely seen on the East Coast.

Stone Ashe is more than a vineyard; it’s a place where tradition meets innovation. From the crisp notes of Sauvignon Blanc and Riesling to the complexity of Bordeaux blends, every vintage tells a story of dedication to the craft. And with a firm belief in vintage variation, no two years will ever taste the same—a testament to the unique qualities of each season and the land itself.

 “The name Stone Ashe is a reference to the Ashe soil series that we have here on site,” shares Heath Little, co-owner of the Vineyard. The soil, known for being rocky, deep, and well-drained, is perfectly suited for viticulture. The vineyard’s steep slopes and ridges, paired with an elevation of 2,300 feet, create an ideal microclimate for cultivating premium grapes.

“At one point, this was a wooded mountainside, after grading, road construction, and land rehabilitation, we’ve transformed it into a site we believe is very special and unique for grape growing.” The vineyard boasts a temperature range of 80–85°F during the day and 60–65°F at night, fostering balanced fruit with exceptional character.

Stone Ashe grows and produces seven varietals, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Merlot, Riesling, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc. Everything is estate-grown and estate-bottled, ensuring meticulous control over the winemaking process. “Our goal is to move water away from the root zone as quickly as possible, so the vine puts all its energy into ripening fruit—not producing leaves.”

This dedication to quality extends to partnerships with local artisans. Visitors can enjoy wine pairings with treats from Marble & Steel Chocolatier, pimento cheese from Mother Noble in Brevard, and curated charcuterie boards.

The Little’s were drawn to Hendersonville for its unique terroir and vibrant community. “The reason we chose Hendersonville is twofold,” Heath notes. “We were looking for a site where we could make wines of character and needed a region with some rainfall—just like in France, Italy, and Germany. The steep slopes here perfectly align with our viticulture and winemaking objectives.”

Hendersonville’s charm extends beyond the vineyard. With seven other wineries within a 15-mile radius, it’s a haven for wine enthusiasts. The area’s historic architecture, thriving culinary scene, and pedestrian-friendly layout make it a standout destination for visitors seeking authenticity and local flavor.

Stone Ashe invites guests to embrace the nuances of winemaking in North Carolina, where “no two vintages are the same.” Visitors can explore the newly completed winery and tasting room, experiencing firsthand the fruits of a journey that began in 2016.

The team also encourages exploration of the broader Hendersonville AVA, fostering a deeper connection to the region’s winemaking community. “We would love for people to come back year after year to experience the vintage variation and everything this special area has to offer.”

For those looking to immerse themselves in the heart of Hendersonville, Stone Ashe offers more than just wine—it offers an experience rooted in the land and spirit of the community. “Hendersonville is a self-sufficient town with historical architecture, a thriving culinary scene, and a very localized community. When you visit, you’re supporting local businesses and families.”

Whether it’s savoring a glass of Riesling, marveling at the picturesque landscape, or enjoying a glass of wine, Stone Ashe promises an unforgettable journey.

“We really do think Hendersonville is a very special area for visitors. We would love to have you!”