Hours: April - December
Wayne and Linda, who had purchased the historic Johnson County Big Dry Run Schoolhouse began renovations and the winery permitting process in 2010. Watauga Lake Winery opened to the public in November, 2012. Their mission is to grow quality fruit, make exceptional wine from local fruit, and develop a venue where customers can enjoy "la doce vita" - the good life.Â
Watauga Lake Winery produces wine for every palate. From a dry Seyval and Merlot wine to a sweet dessert wine. Watauga Lake Winery won two silver medals last year. Their "Laurel Creek Surprise" a raspberry, chocolate dessert wine received this award in competition at Finger Lakes, New York, and also in "The Wines of the South" competition. A Concordance Gold was won for their "Doe Mountain Red", a dry, full-bodied Cynthiana wine, at "The Wines of the South" competition.Â
In addition to the tasting room and wine production area, the winery offers a full catering kitchen complete with GE monogram appliances and a meeting /dining room area which can accommodate over 100 people. The kitchen is used for weddings and other events, food and wine pairings, gourmet dinners and demonstration "hands-on" cooking events. Locally grown Tennessee farm products are featured whenever possible.Â
