If there’s one thing we’ve learned about wine tasting trips, it’s this: you need a solid game plan. Thankfully, we had Tracie—the master winery investigator and mapper— leading the way. She scoped out the best stops, made sure each one had the kind of wines we love, and helped us avoid the typical sweet-heavy pours that sometimes pop up in the South.
Our first winery of the day—and ultimately one of our favorite(s) of the trip—was Souther Williams Vineyard in Henderson County, North Carolina. Tucked in the Hoopers Creek area.
When you turn off the road into the winery the gravel road has a drastic drop and for a minute you can’t see ahead of you, but then you realize everything is fine.
A Bit of Background
Souther Williams is set on land that’s been in the same family for over 200 years. In 2016, Ken Parker, his wife Angela, and their granddaughter Ashleigh opened the vineyard and tasting room. The name honors Ken’s grandparents—Carrie Souther and J.K. Williams—and the family roots run deep.
Their motto, “Gardien de la Terre” (Caretaker of the Land), isn’t just branding. Every part of this place—from the layout to the wine selection to the roses at the end of the vines—reflects thoughtfulness and care.
Arrival & Atmosphere
We were the first to arrive and had the whole place to ourselves for a bit.
Souther Williams has an open-air tasting room with a mix of tables, chairs, and cozy seating areas—no formal bar seating. You place your order and ask questions at the bar, then take your tasting and find a spot to relax.
We found a sunny sofa outside of the table area near the chalkboard sign.
Loved this simple sign breaking down how to taste—especially the final step: slurp! That one cracked me up.
A Wealth of Winemaking Knowledge 🍇
Our host was more than just a pourer—she was a wealth of knowledge. She walked us through the vineyard’s lineup of European vinifera and American hybrid grapes like Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Saperavi, Blaufränkisch, and Regent, all grown 100% on-site . She explained how each thrives in the unique Crest of the Blue Ridge AVA—highlighting the mountain elevation, cooler nights, and rocky soil that give structure and balance to their wines
Our host handed us a tray with a single wine glass and four small pour bottles—not labeled, but lined up to match the tasting sheet. She explained the order: start with the top row, left to right, then move to the second row. It was such a cute setup, and it made the whole thing feel easy and relaxed.
Tim & Glenn found us a grouping with a small sofa and chairs. Glenn was busy fighting a few large carpenter ants who were trying to visit, he kept them at bay. Tracie & I brought the individual kits to our table. We sat in the sun, it was still morning and not to hot. We sat, relaxed and enjoyed the different wines. It was fun to compare, and chat.
The lineup:
Cabernet Franc 2018 – Bright, medium-bodied, with subtle smoke and berry. Petit Verdot 2022 – Bold, dark, and structured. A standout. Heart and Soul 2018 – A Merlot/Petit Verdot blend—earthy, smooth, and one of our favorites. Twin Sins CSM 2021 – Bourbon barrel-aged. Rich, warm, and a perfect finish.
We walked out with bottles of Heart and Soul and Twin Sins—but honestly, all four were strong. There wasn’t a weak one in the bunch.
While we sipped, a few giant carpenter ants wandered across the patio. Totally harmless—and oddly entertaining. It added to the rustic charm of the space. Just another reminder that we were on land that’s been lived on and loved for generations.
Favorites & Final Touches
After we do a tasting I like to check out the merch. If the t-shirts are soft, I will take a second serious look. Not only are they soft they had lots of colors and sizes. They also had clever signs and I had to buy one.
As we were heading out, we stopped to ask about the roses planted at the end of each grapevine row. Our host told us they’re not just for looks—roses are more sensitive to pests and diseases, so they act as a kind of early warning system. If something’s wrong with the roses, it’s time to check the vines. Practical and beautiful—like everything else at Souther Williams.
Final Thoughts
Souther Williams set the bar high. It had everything we want in a winery: intentional wines, relaxed pacing, welcoming people, and a peaceful setting. We didn’t feel rushed, and we didn’t feel like tourists—we felt like guests.
And the wine? As good as anything we’ve had in bigger-name regions. This was the perfect kickoff to our Henderson County wine day—and one we’ll absolutely come back to.
Happiness is Possible 