Located at the southern end of Route 151, Hilltop Berry Farm and Winery is nestled among treetops on a peak that offers scenic views of the Three Ridges and Pilot Mountain. The farm was initially founded as a pick-your-own berry farm. In 1998, the operations expanded to produce 32 seasonally made berry wine and mead varieties. While you can still pick your own blackberries in July and August, the main attraction at Hilltop Berry Farm and Winery is the handcrafted mead and berry wine.

If berry wine sounds like Appalachian folk tradition, you’re on to something. Winemaking was an excellent way for homesteaders to preserve abundant harvests and have something to lift their spirits during the cold winter months. The tradition of mead making, or brewing with honey, dates back to many ancient cultures, including the Celts, Vikings, Egyptians, and Greeks. As a nod to this heritage, you will find some fun decor in the tasting room, including a broadsword and a wood-carved tableau of mounted battle. Visit in early spring to see baby goats or in July for the annual Blackberry Harvest.

Drinks

Take advantage of the opportunity to taste four or eight different fruit wines or meads, each with unmistakable flavor and grown on the 30 acres of farmland surrounding the winery. The fruit wine menu highlights are blueberry, blackberry, raspberry, peach, plum, and elderberry. Bottles range from $13-$22. A recent popular addition is the Madison Peach Sangria ($5/$22). Try the classic Herald or the more adventurous hot-pepper mead, Jolly Dragon, for the mead lover. Meads are all $5/glass or $22/bottle.

Menu

Build-your-own charcuterie boards are available: Choose several items from the shop, and the tasting room will provide a board. On weekends, pre-made charcuterie boards are available. Locally made summer sausages are available on a seasonal basis.

Pros

Handcrafted and hyperlocal, casual, unique to the area, kid and dog-friendly

Cons

These are not for the “seen and be seen” crowd; they are humble digs for down-to-earth folks.

Alternatives

Flying Fox Vineyards, Blue Mountain Brewery, Brewing Tree

FAQ

Is Hilltop fun for kids?

Yes! Ask at the tasting room for a bag of animal feed. Kids will love interacting with the goats on the farm.

I’m not a big fan of sweet wine. What should I try here?

Go for the Pollinator mead, described by the owners as “off-dry,” or the Herald mead, a hearty brew aimed at the red wine lover.

Why should I care about mead and berry wine?

Not only is this a great chance to support a small business that perpetuates local traditions, but it’s also a great way to support the bee populations needed for honey production and fruit tree pollination.