HIGHLANDS PRIVATE FIELD GUIDE
Private Highlands Wine Tasting: A 2.5‑Hour Drive Through Mountain Vistas and Vintages
A private, 2.5-hour guided wine-tasting tour from Highlands to nearby vineyards run by Highland Excursion—this guide lays out what to expect, what to bring, and who it suits.
Private Highlands Wine Tasting: A 2.5‑Hour Drive Through Mountain Vistas and Vintages.
This is a private, 2.5-hour outing from Highlands that pairs mountain driving with a stop for wine tasting at either The Vineyard at High Holly or High Country Wine Provisions (depending on availability). Expert guides handle the mountain driving; the route threads scenic stretches of the surrounding Nantahala National Forest and passes mountain vistas and local waterfalls. Groups are capped at 30 people, guests purchase their own food and beverages, and the itinerary is accessible to a wide range of mobility abilities.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Nantahala forest vistas and waterfall views
Most of the tour is scenic driving through woods and along mountain roads that offer striking views of the Nantahala Temperate Rainforest and nearby waterfalls—an easy way to take in Highlands’ high-country scenery without strenuous hiking.
Curated tastings at nearby vineyards
Each private tour includes a stop at a local tasting venue—either The Vineyard at High Holly or High Country Wine Provisions depending on availability—where guests purchase their own food and beverages and sample local wines.
Relaxed, guide‑led mountain driving
The trip is built around safe, guide‑led driving: the operator handles the mountain roads so groups can relax, learn fun facts about Highlands, and enjoy a stress‑free outing with minimal walking required.
What the day feels like
How the private tour feels
The flow is straightforward: a guided drive out of Highlands, short stops for viewpoints and waterfall glimpses, and a scheduled tasting stop at one of two regional wine venues. The outing is mostly driving with some easy walking; guests buy their own food and drinks at the tasting stop while the guide handles navigation and background commentary.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this private wine tour works for—and who may want something different.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Wear hiking or tennis shoes and bring a light rain jacket. Guests purchase their own food and beverages at the tasting stop.
Private tours accommodate up to 30 people; if your group exceeds 12, contact the operator ahead of time to confirm arrangements.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the tour?
The private wine tasting tour runs approximately 2.5 hours.
What is the price and are food or drinks included?
Price is $110 per person; food and beverages are not included—each guest purchases their own food and drinks at the tasting stop.
What is the maximum group size?
The operator caps private tours at 30 guests. If your group is larger than 12 you should call the operator to coordinate.
Are dogs allowed?
Yes—customer dogs are allowed on the private tours.
Is the tour accessible?
Yes. The tour is described as accessible to all mobility abilities and is mostly driving with some easy walking.
Which vineyards will we visit?
The tour visits either The Vineyard at High Holly or High Country Wine Provisions depending on availability.
Are there age or drinking restrictions?
Guests must be of legal drinking age to consume alcohol; promotional notes reference 21 as the drinking age and a 50% off first wine flight offer is noted in operator materials.