Skyward at Marked Tree Vineyard Elevates Wine in Flat Rock
Just when you thought living in Hendersonville couldn’t get any more delightful, Flat Rock raises the bar—literally and figuratively. Nestled in the scenic Crest of the Blue Ridge AVA, Marked Tree Vineyard has debuted their newest masterpiece: Skyward. This 13,000-square-foot venue is more than a tasting room; it’s a love letter to the wine lovers of Western North Carolina and a must-visit for anyone curious about the local wine scene.
If you’ve been dreaming about moving to Hendersonville or planning a weekend getaway, Skyward offers a reason to stay a little longer. With sweeping mountain vistas, immersive wine education, and elegantly designed spaces, this venue redefines what it means to savor a glass of wine in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
A Space Built for Discovery
Owners Tim Parks and Lance Hiatt are no strangers to vision. Since founding Marked Tree Vineyard, they’ve blended hospitality with a passion for North Carolina wine, and with Skyward, they’ve crafted an experience that appeals to connoisseurs and curious newcomers alike.
The journey begins in The Lounge, Skyward’s warm and inviting hub for private tastings and club events. But where the experience truly shines is in the Tasting Room, where guests are guided by a knowledgeable wine educator. This is wine tasting reimagined—as educational as it is enjoyable. You’ll learn about fermentation stages, varietals, and everything that turns a humble grape into a world-class vintage.
The Library and Barrel Room
Skyward isn’t just a celebration of the present; it’s an ode to the past. The Library is an exclusive room where two cases of every Marked Tree vintage are stored for vertical tastings. Paired with curated cheese boards and hot apps, it’s a culinary and educational indulgence ideal for anniversaries or milestone celebrations.
Then there’s the Barrel Room, where the wine is sampled before it’s even bottled. It’s like shaking hands with your wine before its debut. Occasionally hosted by winemaker Justin Taylor, these sessions are intimate and packed with insight.
Versatile Events with a Southern Edge
If you’re planning an event—a wedding, corporate gala, or a birthday bash—Skyward delivers. The indoor Crush Pad connects to breezy patios and terraces with panoramic mountain views, creating a seamless indoor-outdoor experience. From symphonies and wine-and-dine weekends to exclusive gatherings, this space is made to impress.
Event amenities include:
- Seating for up to 144 guests
- 18 round tables
- Full catering kitchen
- Priority parking for ticketed events
Talk about show-stopping.
Crafted Wine, Locally Bottled
Perhaps the most exciting development for wine aficionados is the Tank Room. For the first time, Marked Tree is fermenting and aging wine entirely on site. This ensures a tighter control on quality from vine to bottle and allows for a richer, fuller representation of North Carolina’s unique terroir.
The facility includes specialized tanks for white wines and the use of a peristaltic pump, which gently moves grapes without bruising them. As co-owner Lance puts it, “We’re not aiming for supermarket shelves—we’re aiming to create the best North Carolina wine and share it right here with wine lovers who care.”
Community and Connection at Its Core
Marked Tree and the Skyward space go beyond the pour. From day one, Tim and Lance have focused on community—championing the arts, collaboration, and local impact. Skyward has already hosted music events like Cider, Wine & Dine Weekend, along with retirement parties and charity events. It’s a space where guests come to connect, learn, and grow alongside the community they’re now part of.
Those moving to Hendersonville will find Skyward to be a symbol of what’s great about this area: intentional design, local flavor, and heartfelt hospitality. It perfectly captures what it’s like living in Hendersonville—where culture, nature, and community meet.
A Reason to Stay a Little Longer
In a region already bursting with charm, Skyward adds another jewel to the crown. For locals, it’s a gift. For visitors, it’s a reason to come back. And for anyone looking to relocate to Hendersonville, it’s another sign you’ve found the right place to call home.
So whether you’re a seasoned wine enthusiast or just discovering the pleasure of a good vintage, put Skyward at Marked Tree Vineyard on your list of must-experience things to do in Hendersonville. Raise a glass, take in the view, and toast to the elevated life here in the Blue Ridge Mountains.