More Than Vines and Wines

Years ago, the 28-acre property at 37 High Holly Road IN SCALY Mountain was used for growing grapes and hosting the occasional wedding. One family was already in love with the beauty of the area, so when the opportunity arose to buy this vineyard, they jumped at the chance. Today, this destination is known as The Vineyard at High Holly, and the goal is to serve as a venue for events of all kinds or a simple escape for visitors wanting a place to linger and unwind, whether for a short time or an extended stay.

“We always knew from day one that not only did we want to host amazing weddings but every other type of life event,” says Lesley Galloway, who owns The Vineyard along with her husband Eric and parents Jim and Connie Mercer. “We wanted guests of all ages to have something to do and explore while they were on property. Whether someone is coming on a family vacation for a week, spending the weekend for their wedding, or just stopping by for an hour to have a glass of wine and lunch, we want people to feel like they are welcome, and they soon become part of our Vineyard family.”

The Galloways and Mercers purchased The Vineyard three years ago and immediately began working to create something special.

“The moment we came on the property, the wheels began to turn,” Galloway says. “We want to have something for everyone. Bring your kids, your partner, or girls’ or guys’ trip. We truly think it’s magical for everyone. As you make your way around property and explore everything we have to offer, we want people to be surprised and unexpected at every turn.”

Lodging was already part of The Vineyard, so some upgrades were all that was needed to offer overnight options that can accommodate 52 guests on the property.

“We want our guests to feel like they are at their home away from home,” Galloway says. “They can snuggle up on the sofa and see mountain vineyard views out their window, enjoy a nice bottle of wine or cup of Nespresso coffee on their private patio, explore the property and sit by one of four large fire pit areas, play tennis, bocce ball, cornhole, walking trails, shopping, and the list goes on and on.”

The Vineyard is located halfway between Clayton, GA, and Highlands, NC, so it is a good centralized landing spot, she adds.

“Both towns are absolutely beautiful, so our guests can spend time hanging out at The Vineyard and then have very easy drives up or down the mountain to explore everything the area has to offer,” Galloway says.

About a year after buying The Vineyard, the new owners opened a restaurant, an amenity that was brand-new to the property. Barrel & Vine offers light bites, entrees, and desserts along with a full bar featuring The Vineyard’s own wines as well as other varieties from all over the world.

The Vineyard’s owners work closely with their in-house chef to come up with tasty shareables and dishes such as cheese and charcuterie platters, Korean spring rolls, and Wagyu burgers.

“We have some amazing options that pair so well with our wines,” Galloway says. “However, we focus on pairings during our specialty wine dinners about six times a year. We limit the number of guests, and we really focus on learning about different wines, food, and of course each other.”

You don’t have to be an oenophile, however, to enjoy Barrel & Vine, she adds.

“We have so many guests that may not be wine drinkers, but they come to enjoy food or our full bar with fun cocktails,” Lesley says. “Of course, we always try our best to get them to taste a few things just to give them a little bit of a wine experience.”

While The Vineyard has evolved far beyond its viticultural roots, wine remains at the heart of the operation. Chambourcin, Riesling, Traminette, and Norton grapes are currently grown on the grounds, and visitors will find 75 wine varieties in the wine shop, including many from North Carolina. The Vineyard’s Rosé recently won a Double Gold award from the Southeast Regional Winemaker Challenge, and the Red Blend will be released at The Vineyard’s The First Pour event on April 25.

“It was important to us to focus on growing amazing grapes and making beautiful wines for our guests to enjoy,” Galloway says. “The beauty of the vineyards and gardens is what draws our guests, but once they arrive it is about the entire experience and everything the property has to offer.”

The Vineyard is family-friendly and pet-friendly. In addition to wine and food, guests may enjoy an award-winning dahlia garden, a pond, waterfalls, walking trails, tennis courts, and the Vineyard Wellness Spa.

“We love to hear people say, ‘We've never been to a vineyard that has so much to offer,’” Galloway says. “It is the best feeling in the world. Honestly, the most important thing to us is the peace that The Vineyard brings to everyone that enters. Just being able to sit back and enjoy the views and the amazing company is what The Vineyard experience is all about.”

The Galloways and their children live at The Vineyard full-time, and they credit their success to this daily presence and involvement in every aspect of the business.

“This journey has taught us a lot of patience,” she says. “Everything takes time, but the most important thing we have been reminded of is the importance of family. Our business involves grandparents, parents, and children all participating in daily decisions and hard work. We have become closer than we could have ever imagined over the last few years, and we wouldn't trade this journey for the world. I can't even imagine what The Vineyard at High Holly will become when we look back 5, 10, 20 years from now. It’s exciting to even think about.”

For more information about The Vineyard at High Holly, including upcoming public events or options for hosting a wedding, birthday party, corporate retreat, family reunion, or other private event, visit www.thevineyardathighholly.com or find them on Facebook and Instagram.