We decided to stop here on the way home after hiking at Stone Mountain State Park. I only went in since we had our dog with us and they aren't dog friendly - which is their choice, some are and some aren't. It was actually a good thing that they weren't because I was disappointed with the tasting, so no reason for both of us to be disappointed. I knew going in I was not going to be a fan of their wines, so I only wanted to try their ciders. They only had two available to try. The standard cider and the sour cherry cider. So the standard cider wasn't even readily available to try. The person giving me the tasting had to tell me that I had to use my imagination as it wasn't ready, but this was the general taste that I would get. Uh okay. The sour cherry cider I thought was great, not very strong on the cherry flavor, but just enough. So essentially I paid for a cider tasting for one cider. Also disappointing that they only sell their cherry cider in growlers. As we don't drink all the time, we would prefer bottles just to have the small amount that we want from time to time, rather than having to drink a larger quantity all at once. So I left empty handed, instead of buying a package or two of bottle (which I would have done). I think they would do much better if they would sell something like cider in bottles like most cideries do. Another thing to mention, so the driveway is uphill/downhill one way. It is a short driveway, but again only one car at a time uphill/downhill. Unfortunately, as we were leaving, another car was coming in, so we had to back up going uphill back into the gravel parking lot - which has a tree with branches way too low, hit the roof of our SUV leaving and well, backing back in. Please trim your trees if you have a tree in the parking lot area. No desire to go back as they have nothing I like in the quantity for us. read more

We love this place and visit every time we're in N.C. It's so quaint and relaxing sitting under the pergola sipping wine. We always leave with a case! They really have outstanding delicious wine and the owners are both personable and knowledgeable. can't wait to go back! read more

My husband and I love McRitchie. We happened across it on a gray, rainy day. Even though there was already a large group doing a tasting, we were given plenty of attention and had a great time. The wines and cider were delicious. I just recently ordered a case of our favorites, too, and it was a great experience. The pack shipped quickly and came with a thoughtful handwritten note. Love this place! read more

This little winery is located really close to the Jones Vandrehle winery off of NC Hwy 21, the drive there really is beautiful and it was that, that made this a pleasurable experience. This a really small place but like I said a beautiful setting. We tried 4 different wines, and honestly none were that great in fact none were really that good. We did also try 3 different ciders. One was pear, one was apple, and the other was a cranberry based cider. Of the three the cranberry was the best. But be warned, the ciders here are finished in a dry style, so don't expect much sweetness there. They are pretty much off the beaten path, so do yourself a favor and enjoy the drive up there and perhaps discover something that you might like. read more

Hostess was rude and told us our party was too large to accommodate. Literally would not serve us anything. Don't want our business, we'll take our money elsewhere. read more

I was disappointed by my tasting today. All of the wine we tasted was very fruit-forward with a short finish that fell flat. The cider was decent, but I'm not a huge fan of cider... I wouldn't purchase anything for home consumption. Perhaps the last harvest was lackluster? At any rate, I'm not in a rush to return. read more

McRitchie Winery & Ciderworks - Entrance to the tasting room - Wineries Near Me - Thurmond, North Carolina

Picking up our quarterly bottles. Some of the best wines ever! The best local white wines perfect for a hot humid Sunday in the backyard with feet up grilling. read more

Every wine we tasted was good. I even enjoyed the ciders. It's a beautiful location. The decor was gorgeous. The meat and cheese board was great. We even sampled some great chocolate from Seattle. Our hostess was sweet. It's a must if you're in the area and enjoy wine. We left with 4 bottles to enjoy during our stay in the mountains. read more

McRitchie Winery & Ciderworks - bottles of wine on display - Wineries Near Me - Thurmond, North Carolina

Slightly off the beaten path, McRitchie Winery & Ciderworks is a unique, beautiful destination. I absolutely love the scenery at McRitchie. The countertop of the bar is absolutely beautiful, the tasting room is decorated in a vintage, rustic fashion. McRitchie offers wines and ciders in their tasting. I prefer dry wines and I enjoyed the Fallingwater White (Traminette blend) and the Ring of Fire Red (a blend of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot.) I liked all of the ciders, but the cranberry was my favorite. The ciders are available for purchase in growlers, and of course by the glass to drink on-site. There is very limited seating and space, but I have been several times and there has never been an overwhelming crowd which adds to the intimate, personalized experience with the friendly and knowledgeable staff. Overall, it is a great place to visit! Add in a visit to nearby Jones Von Dhrele Winery, and you have a perfect day trip of wine & cider. read more

McRitchie Winery & Ciderworks - orange azale - Wineries Near Me - Thurmond, North Carolina

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Such a quaint and inviting place on a cold day! We enjoyed an excellent tasting and especially enjoyed the seasonal cranberry cider! Much more intimate than some larger wineries in the area. A definite must see if you're in the area! read more

We stopped by McRitchie for their anniversary party & new red blend release. They weren't prepared for the crowds, were obviously stressed out & took it out on their guests. We went to the bar where they provide tastings, not knowing there was a wait list. We were not directed as to where to go or what to do & eventually the lady behind the bar yelled at us. Once it was our turn for a tasting, that's all we got was the pour. She didn't speak to us, tell us about the wine or anything. They were not friendly at all. We met another couple there who had the same experience. Additionally, we had brought a friend along with us who had previously had a bad experience at this vineyard but had agreed to give them a second chance. Needless today he was disappointed with his decision. read more

We ventured on the Blue Ridge Parkway to find McRitchie Winery and Ciderworks. We knew it would be hard to find when the GPS co-ordinates are posted on the website. Here is the address; 315 Thurmond PO Road Thurmond NC 28683. The bucolic setting of the tasting building is peaceful and lovely. We were here to check out the Ciderwoks. Three Ciders were available for tasting. I went home with a small growler of semi-dry and sour cherry, nothing at all like the typical bottled hard cider found in grocery stores. Interesting art work in the main building. Two very relaxing and pretty areas to sit and sip your purchases. read more

My wife and I visited on a quiet winter Saturday and had a wonderful time. Tanner welcomed us warmly, gave interesting background information and generous tasting pours. We really liked the Ring of Fire red. On the way out I bumped into the owner, Sean. He was a delightful host, chatted about wine, boats and life. Highly recommend a visit! read more

Great family run place with very friendly atmosphere. Have visited multiple times in 2010 and 2011 and hope to get back in the summer of 2012. Wines are the best in North Carolina. Especially like the Ring of Fire red. Great blend Bordeaux varietal wines with an NC touch. Also, liked the Mt. Foggy Chardonnay. I have tried all of the wines and while some are better than others, they are all great. We also think the sparkling dry cider is a great addition. Very relaxing, easy place to hang out. Very, very knowledgeable. We spent a few hours on each trip, hanging out and talking about the wines. Even got into the vineyards to learn a bit of the horticulture of grape growing. Terrific, hospitable people. Made you feel like at home and much less ostentatious than larger wineries. Highly recommend a stop at the McRitchie place if you are in the area. read more

Got lost in NC and followed the road signs to this little gem. I met the owners who were all working, including their kids! The owner has an amazing background, broadly educated in France, Oregon, northern California and Australia. He really knew his stuff and took the time to talk to me, explain his methods and his styles. The whole set up is designed to sustain and be sustainable. Hard Ciders are phenomenal! read more

Actually was there while they were bottling wine! Very cool. IMHO best wine in NC. Great winemaker and charming setting. Husband and wife team do all the work. I highly recommend visiting and trying the wine it's the gold standard in NC. read more

The Merlot is the best I have tried out of 46 NC. wineries I have been to so far. The dry cider is great tasting and not sweet like other ciders on the market. McRitchie's is a wonderful place to sit and relax with a bottle of great wine. The place is homey but professional and the ladies at the tasting bar are very helpful and knowledge about the wines. read more