It’s no surprise the winery voted Best in the State for 2018 (by readers of The State newspaper) is located in the Sandhills of South Carolina. A silt-based soil is known for having some of the best growing conditions for grapes the world over. So it’s only natural that the state’s best winery is where there lies some incredibly fertile (sandy) soil. What does come as a surprise is this winery and its five (yes, FIVE) vineyards are about as urban as it gets for a winery of this quality.
The Winery Mercer House is located on 12 acres tucked quietly into the landscape of Lexington, South Carolina.
It was founded in 2007 and grows an impressive 50 varieties of grapes as well as a many fruits and vegetables used in making, or flavoring, their many wines.
And there ARE many. The owners of The Winery Mercer House (The Mercers) have been making wines since 1991.
Don't be surprised to find some that are off-the-charts for creativity. Their Bloody Mary Wine is the only one of its kind — ever. And their Jalapeno-infused wine are two extreme examples.
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For those with a more traditional taste, The Winery Mercer House does that, too.
They have a penchant for recreating vintage wines. Their five vineyards located on their 12 acres in Lexington each provide a slightly different growing condition so their 50 different kinds of grapes can thrive and the different wines can flow.
One of the best things about visiting The Mercer House Winery (besides the amazing hospitality of The Mercers and tasting their many wines) is the estate itself.
One of the five vineyards is located immediately behind the tasting room. Now more than a decade old, it's in full view and a visit makes a lovely addition to pair with any tasting experience.
You'd never know you're only a few minutes from downtown Lexington on this secluded urban estate.
You'll board a touring cart and travel a full mile as you make your way over two creeks, past a couple of scenic ponds, and fields and fields filled with grape vines, fruit trees and vegetable gardens. The estate actually spills over to both sides of the highway. To book a tour, visit the Facebook page (link below). Tours last approximately two hours.
When you're ready to check it out in person, you'll find a wealth of Old World charm at this urban winery.
The best place to keep up with the business hours, the events, and the wines offered at The Winery Mercer House is on their Facebook page here. Many of their wines are available at local and regional shops, but the tasting room at the winery affords a personal connection to The Mercers and a chance to sample the wines before you buy.
The tasting room is open five days per week. The hours are: Wednesday/Thursday from 3 p.m. – 6 p.m., Friday from 2 p.m. – 6 p.m., Saturday from 11 a.m. – 6 p.m., and Sunday from 1 p.m. – 5 p.m. Vineyard tours are by appointment only and can be scheduled by clicking the Vine and Wine Tours link on the Facebook page. You can also learn more about the winery on their official website.
Address: 397 Walter Rawl Road, Lexington, SC, 29072
While you’re over in Lexington, consider a walk about this refuge to see the newest natural landmark in South Carolina!
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