Victoria Valley Vineyards (https://victoriavalleyvineyards.com/), owned by Victoria and Wes Payne, has somehow kept their existance on the down-low for a long time. As we talked to Brittany Jayne and her boyfriend John (an advanced Sommelier), we were both shocked to learn the vineyard began planting vines 24 years ago and started soft opening events 22 years ago!
“If you don’t go to very difficult roads, you will only reach places where everyone reaches!” ― Mehmet Murat ildan
The roads leading to Victoria Valley aren’t “very difficult” at all – just small, curvy, back roads in the hills of Update South Carolina. But ildan’s quote holds true as far as it being a place that not everyone will reach. It’s just a short forty five minute drive southwest of Hendersonville, NC. Your GPS will get you there. Just watch for the light-colored stucco and brick French Chateau on the high side of South Saluda Road.
Barrie and her husband discovered this gem last October and went again in November. She and I (my first visit) went this past Friday, March 18. Surprisingly, there were still lots of plants & flowers in bloom then, as well as trees in the distance showing off gorgeous Fall colors. You’ll notice in the gallery there are some pictures from Barrie’s November visit and some from our time there on Friday, so you can compare seasonal views. Even though all those blooms and changing leaves weren’t there on Friday, the scenery was still terrific!
They’ve put together a nice Lunch Menu (scroll down on their web page). Everything we had was very good. They even cook the corned beef for their Reuben sandwiches themselves in the full kitchen downstairs.
As far as their wine goes, you’re going to love it! One of us preferred the 2019 Signature Merlot ($21.99 a bottle and $7.25 a glass) and the other liked the 2018 Signature Cabernet Sauvignon ($24.95 a bottle and $8.29 a glass). Shhh. Don’t tell anyone, but note those prices!
Don’t miss the additional Epicurean Notes below the gallery.
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Epicurean Notes:
- Pretty much anything made of wood – except chairs – but including the building, was built by owner Wes Jayne.
- Vines were planted, some in 1999, but mostly in 2000 by the Jayne family of six.
- Try to be at the vineyard for sunset in the Summer and Fall. We’ve heard it’s spectacular!
- Unable to produce enough wine from their forty seven acres to meet increasing demand, they have plans to add wines from other countries: France, Italy, and others.
- VVV has a full kitchen in which they cook their own house brined & braised corned beef. Definitely try their Reuben!
- Plans going forward include events, a new large firepit, live music, and Friday-Saturday dinner service that will be expanded if all goes well.
Victoria Valley Vineyards
1360 S Saluda Rd
Cleveland, SC 29635
(864) 878-5307
This place is the real deal. I truly feel like I’m in Europe when I’m there. A hidden European chateau feel in the middle of nowhere! And the prices are fantastic!