By Julie Matthews
In the scenic rolling hills of West Jefferson, Old Barn Winery offers a year-round wine tasting experience that is above and beyond. Set on a family farm owned and operated by Greg and Robin Sexton, along with the help of their three sons, the winery has been serving a variety of tasty wines for the last three years and has become a central hub in the community.
“This is a happy and pretty place to be,” says Robin. “The scenery is beautiful and then there’s the welcoming atmosphere and live music—it’s a good way to spend your day!”
While Old Barn Winery opened its doors in 2022, Sexton Farms (SextonFarm.com) has been deeply rooted in the West Jefferson community since 1960. Today the farm continues as a fourth generation Christmas tree farm that also grows pumpkins and, of course, grapes. (For more information about Frosty’s Choose and Cut, visit GoFrostys.com.)
Old Barn Winery features a selection of white, red and sweet wines as well as occasional ciders and meads. Wine is available for purchase by the bottle, glass or flight, which offers a tasting of four wines. There are also several non-alcoholic options. “We have wine for every palate and everybody,” says Robin. “There are sweet options including slushies and sangrias to dry sophisticated wines for wine connoisseurs.” In addition, since the winery’s opening, non-alcoholic options have been offered as well, because the Sextons want all of their guests to have a good time and feel included.
This family- and pet-friendly destination experience offers loads more than libations and Christmas trees. Its incredible outdoor patio offers stunning views of Mount Jefferson, which is especially spectacular when covered by colorful fall foliage. The winery’s spacious barn building has plenty of indoor seating, which is perfect for anytime of the year. Guests are encouraged to bring the entire family, including dogs, which are welcome to join their owners either outdoors or inside.
The winery also features live music on weekends most of the year and during the week the winery hosts a variety of fun activities like family game night, book club, fashion shows as well as classes, from painting to cookie decorating. Old Barn even holds vendor fairs on certain holiday weekends. As food options, guests have the opportunity to purchase tasty foods from local food trucks and the winery sells high-quality snack items from local businesses, including more than 20 kinds of Ashe Co. Cheese and other charcuterie-type foods.
Supporting the community has been important to the Sexton family reaching back to its business’ first generation, where supporting fellow farmers was inherent. Today the family continues this practice by buying supplies from and utilizing the services of other local businesses whenever possible. With this sentiment at its core, it’s no surprise seeing t-shirts at the winery displaying its heartfelt motto “Friends. Family. Farming.”
Wanna Go?
OldBarnWinery.com
2152 Beaver Creek School Road
West Jefferson, NC 28694
336-846-6060
