Description

Wellborn Winery

Wellborn Winery embodies the spirit of traditional winemaking in the scenic Blue Ridge Foothills of Western South Carolina. Owned and operated by the Beninati family, it encapsulates a deep love for artisanal winemaking, rooted in Italian tradition and driven by a passion for creating well-crafted wines.

History and Background

• Opened on July 4, 2018, Wellborn Winery started as a project by the Beninati family, whose name signifies "Wellborn" in English, a nod to their commitment to producing superior quality wines.
• The owners identify as "garagistes", a term used for small-scale craft vintners, focusing on limited production with high quality.
• Notable achievements include prestigious awards in regional wine competitions such as the 2018 Wines of the South Regional Wine Competition where they won one gold and two silver medals.

Vineyard Details and Wine Production

• The winery comprises three key vineyards: the South Vineyard, the Terrace Vineyard, and the Carriage House Vineyard.
• Over 70% of the grapes and fruits used in their wines are grown either on their own vineyards or sourced from nearby SC farms, emphasizing the winery's dedication to local produce and quality.
• Wellborn specializes in French-American hybrid and native American grapes, and their winemaking process includes traditional methods like fermentation in stainless steel tanks with minimal oak exposure to preserve fruit integrity.
• A standout wine, Lily White, was awarded as the Best Estate-Grown South Carolina wine, a Chardonel-based wine noted for its unique blend of vintages and crisp, fruit-forward flavors.

Visitor Information and Experiences

• Location: 254 Mush Creek Road, Travelers Rest, SC 29690-9231, US
• Regular Open Hours: Fridays and Saturdays (Note: Seasonal closure during January and February, reopens February 28, 2025)
• The Tasting Room offers a variety of experiences:
  • Tray of Six 3/4oz samples for $8
  • Flight of Four 3 oz glasses for $15
  • Any Glass of Wine for $7
• Wines are available for purchase ranging from $16-$22 per 750ml bottle.
• Special arrangements such as bottle pickups during off-season breaks are available for returning customers.

Notable Wines or Specialties

• Lily White: Best Estate-Grown South Carolina wine, featuring estate-grown Chardonel grapes, noted for its off-dry profile with crisp citrus and apple notes complemented by a round finish of pear.
• Deep Purple Lenoir and Red Clay Rosé: Both received silver medals, showcasing the variety and quality of Wellborn's production.

Contact Information

• Phone: (407) 808-4711
• Email: tonybeninati@hotmail.com

Each bottle from Wellborn Winery is indeed "well-born", reflecting the family's commitment to quality and the rich terroir of the upstate land. Experience the uniqueness of South Carolina vineyards through Wellborn's exquisite and carefully crafted wines.