Across State Lines:

A South Carolina Mountain Retreat

The mountaintop estate at Victoria Valley Vineyards features the winery’s large facility and tasting room. Photos courtesy of Dennis Turner|JenNis Beverage Marketing.

By Dennis Turner

The Cherokee Foothills Scenic Highway, U.S. Highway 11, curves along the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in the northwest corner of South Carolina. The drive offers amazing views of the mountains, waterfalls, gated golf communities, roadside stands, peach tree orchards and countryside farms. Tucked away just off the highway near the small community of Cleveland on a mountainside just below the base of Table Rock State Park is a hidden gem—a French chateau-inspired vineyard and winery.

Victoria Valley Vineyards was planted around 2000 by the Jayne family. Les Jayne had a passion for French wine and a desire to create something special. This endeavor was not easy but truly a labor of passion. They planted Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. The Jayne family tended the vineyards, harvested the mountainside grapes by hand, and made wine in the basement of the estate tasting room. They went through struggles but managed to have twenty-plus years of winery success.

In 2024, the Kennington family grasped the opportunity to acquire Victoria Valley Vineyards. The family is familiar with the industry as owners of the nearby Kennington Family Winery.

Victoria Valley Vineyards’ General Manager Lauren Mikdirk and Chief Operating Officer Phillip Kennington show off some recent awards from JenNis Beverage Marketing inside the winery’s tasting room. Photo by JenNis Beverage Marketing.