The Deep Creek Winery

Why go: Deep Creek Winery is a small-batch family winery tucked into the hills above Bryson City, pouring award-winning handcrafted wines in a converted barn with mountain views from the covered deck, open Friday through Sunday for table-service tastings.

About Deep Creek Winery

Deep Creek Winery is a family-owned winery operated by Robert and Heather Acton, set in a converted barn on Johnathan Walk above Bryson City. Robert has been making wine for over a decade, and together the Actons produce small-batch handcrafted wines in 60-gallon batches to maintain consistent quality, aroma, and flavor in each bottling. Grapes are imported from premium growing regions around the world, including California, France, Italy, South Africa, and South America, and the wines have earned recognition at both the Finger Lakes International Wine Competition and the Asheville International Wine Competition.

The tasting experience is unhurried and personal. All service is table-seated, with five-taste flights, wine by the glass, and bottles to go, alongside charcuterie boards featuring Amish cheese and crackers with an optional local salami addition. The covered deck offers mountain views that reward lingering, and a monthly Wine of the Month in limited quantities gives returning visitors a reason to check what is new. Winery tours through the fermentation and finishing rooms are available on request. Wines also ship nationwide through Vinoshipper for those who want to take the experience home after their visit.

Getting to Deep Creek Winery

Deep Creek Winery is not in downtown Bryson City. It is located off Galbraith Creek Road on a one-lane residential road with gravel patches, and the final approach is up a dirt drive to the winery. Signs are posted along the way to guide you. The drive is accessible by standard passenger vehicles but is not recommended for motorcycles or wide vehicles. From Highway 19, turn onto Galbraith Creek Road, continue approximately two miles to Stone Pile Road, turn right, then take an immediate right onto Johnathan Walk by the mailboxes, and follow the Johnathan Lane sign up the dirt drive.

If you are coming from downtown Bryson City, take Highway 19 toward Cherokee and follow the directions above. If you are coming from the Deep Creek area, you can take the fire road over to Galbraith Creek, where the first left is Stone Pile Road. Allow extra travel time and check the winery’s website or Facebook page for any access updates before your visit.

Why Choose Deep Creek Winery

Deep Creek Winery offers something genuinely different from a standard tasting room experience. The barn setting, the mountain views, the table service, and the winemaker’s presence create a visit that feels personal in a way that few wine destinations manage. Reviewers who enjoy wine consistently describe tasting every wine on the menu and enjoying all of them, which speaks to the quality and range of what Robert produces. For couples or groups of adults looking for a quieter, more intimate afternoon in the mountains, this is one of the most distinctive stops in the Bryson City area.

• Award-winning small-batch handcrafted wines with medals from the Finger Lakes International and Asheville International competitions
• Five-taste tasting flight for $14, spanning the full range from sweet to dry
• Table service for all tastings, by the glass, or by the bottle
• Charcuterie boards with Amish cheese and crackers, with optional local salami
• Monthly Wine of the Month in limited quantities
• Winery tours through the fermentation and finishing rooms available on request
• Covered deck with mountain views
• Wines available to ship nationwide through Vinoshipper
• Adults 21 and over only; no reservations needed

Meet the Wines

• Southern Hospitality. A peach-infused California Chardonnay that earned a Bronze Medal at the Finger Lakes International Wine Competition. Sweet and crisp with a distinctly Southern character, it pairs well with soft cheeses and light appetizers. A strong first pour for guests who prefer their whites on the sweeter side.
• Thomas Falls White. A central California Pinot Grigio with a medium body, fruity finish, and dry close. Earned a Silver Medal at the 2018 Asheville International competition. Pairs with cured meats, chicken, and cream sauces, and drinks well on the deck on a warm afternoon.
• Black Bear. A California Merlot infused with blackberry, earning a Silver Medal at the 2018 Asheville International competition. Light and approachable with berry-forward character, it bridges the gap for guests who enjoy fruit-forward reds without heavy tannins.
• Smoky Mountain Mist. South American Malbec grapes bulk-aged in a special oak combination to produce a smoky finish alongside traditional Malbec flavors. A standout wine that reflects the winery’s location and creativity.
• Chateau Du Roi. A multi-blend of French Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre, and Cinsault, flavored with elderberries and oak. Big and complex, with berry and cherry aromas. Pairs with BBQ, lobster, and steak, and is the wine to order if you want something substantial.
• Razzle Dazzle. A raspberry-infused California White Zinfandel that is one of the most-mentioned wines in visitor reviews. Fruit-forward, easy drinking, and a natural pairing with the charcuterie board’s cheese selection.

What to Expect

Deep Creek Winery is an adults-only venue with no exceptions for children or pets. No reservations are accepted; the policy is first come, first served, and seating is limited, so arriving early on weekend afternoons is wise during peak tourist season. The covered deck with mountain views is the heart of the experience, and the pace is relaxed by design. This is not a high-volume tasting room; it is a small family operation where the focus is on the wine and the conversation.

The access road is a genuine consideration. The final stretch to the winery is a one-lane residential road with gravel sections and a dirt drive at the end. It is navigable by standard passenger vehicles but not well-suited for motorcycles, large RVs, or wide-bodied vehicles. Follow the posted signs from Galbraith Creek Road and take your time on the approach. The experience at the end of the drive is worth the effort.

Other Breweries and Restaurants in Bryson City

• Byson City Brewing. A downtown brewer with a full kitchen next to the railroad tracks. Outdoor seating and great food.
• Mountain Layers Brewing Company. Bryson City’s original downtown craft brewery on Everett Street, for those who want to round out the afternoon with a pint after the wine tasting.
• Wize Guyz Grille. Indoor and patio seating with wings, pizza, burgers, pasta, and a full bar in downtown Bryson City.

Explore More

• Food & Beverage Guide
• Attractions Travel Guide
• Outdoor Adventure Travel Guide