Happy Hour Test Drive: Plēb Urban Winery

What would it mean to you to drink clean wine from locally sourced grapes that are crafted in mindful and creative ways that best represent both the grapes and the farms in which they grew? What would it be like for your taste buds to explore wines that you have never tasted before?

If you are anything like us, you are saying, “It would be amazing,” and we ensure you, a visit to Plēb Urban Winery will be just that, nothing short of amazing. What used to be a dusty cabinetry making business is now a vibrant, artisan urban winery. Bravo!

Plēb Urban Roots

At this urban winery located in Asheville’s River Arts District, you won’t find your traditional wine menu. Instead, they produce small-batch, craft wine from locally sourced grapes with no “crap” added. Lucky for us, “[they] appreciate the wines of the world and their history and we’re just trying to build [their own] in Western North Carolina.” Lauren and Lee Turpin have truly created something magical representing the roots, growth, and harvest that brings such joy to your glass.

Kick back and relax with locally made wine sourced in our region.

The winemakers behind the scenes, Chris Denesha and Tyler Kay both originally from California have a rich history in the industry and a dynamic relationship. Our favorite memory from our tour is learning about the names they have given their tanks. The three most recent additions were named, Harry, Lloyd and the Gasman. But now, back to the wine.

Flights for days! Photo credit via Instagram: @carla.marla

Atmosphere

The atmosphere at Plēb is spacious, rustic yet adorably comfortable no matter where you decide to situate yourself. Whether you’re lucky enough to grab one of the cozy sofas or a high top seat on the patio, the scene is energetic with a sporty twist. Plēb was strategic about their planning, TV’s spaced along the wall easily transforms this spot into a fun, lively sports lover’s paradise. Needless to say, bring your friends or the entire family, there’s room for everyone!

Oh and bring the pooch. Lauren and Lee love their dogs and so does the rest of the staff. Well behaved k9’s are alway’s welcome and take it from us, love the cold concrete flooring. It’s woof approved!

Flight #1 – Slay the Rosé

On our most recent visit, on a warm summer day, we started our tasting adventure with Plēb’s Rosé flight. First of all, the name made us giggle but the descriptions had us captivated. What exactly would the Cabernet Sauvignon Rosé taste like? This vivacious, as their menu puts it, rosé will bring hints of white strawberry and watermelon jolly rancher to your pallet, yet its crunchy finish will leave you surprised.

Slay the Rosé

The Chambourcin Rosé through us for a loop not only with is captivating deep color but also with a melody of tart cranberry, sweet raspberry and lingering rose petals. We finished this flight with their Bordeaux Rosé that not only captures you with the beautiful color of a sunset but also with the taste of grilled plum, vanilla, and undertones of campfire smoke. Besides offering a diverse variety across just three selections, Plēb challenged us to rethink what Rosé actually is. Whether you steer way or always reach for this category of wine, you are going to want to explore the reinvented masterpieces crafted right here in Asheville.

Flight #2 – Neutral French Oak – Whites

Now, whenever you go to a bar, take it from us when we recommend asking the staff what their favorites are. Not only did the bartender not even hesitate at her favorite flight it also included one Executive Manager, Lauren’s favorite of the current selection. We started this flight with a glass of Vidal Bank stainless fermented and barrel-aged on lees. Sounds fancy, right? Well, it tasted fancy too! With grapes grown from Burntshirt Vineyards, this wine brings forward sweet and juicy flavors that are described in their menu as, “think of a fuzzy navel that was never made at the Frye Festival.”

Neutral French Oak flight. Photo credit via Instagram @plebavl

Next up was their Grüner Veltliner aged on lees, this white was crisp like a fall apple or pear and got five stars from our crew. Lauren’s favorite was the last on this flight, Plēb’s Cabernet Franc Blanc de Noir/ Seyval Blanc. a white wine made using red grapes. We all tasted the smoothness of macadamia nuts and floral hints mixed in with subtle fruit flavors. All we can say is, pour us another glass, please!

Standout Favorites

After falling in love with the Cabernet Sauvignon Rosé, Lauren shared with us that she loves bubbles in her wine. That is why they offer a “Pét Nat” variety of this incredible creation. Refreshing, relaxing and perfect for warm weather sipping, after tasting this, you’ll quickly want to learn more about what Plēb has planned for the future. Psst. the future may hold more Pét Nat options.

One of our Happy Hour taste testers brought home a growler of Grüner Veltliner aged on lees while the other was eager to continue her love affair with the Cabernet Sauvignon Rosé. Yet both were sure that if still available on their next visit, they would be indulging in another glass of Cabernet Franc Blanc de Noir/ Seyval Blanc.

Make is a mid-week growler stop!

Overall Review:

Why are you reading this far? Get up and go to Plēb Urban Winery now! Don’t miss their Wednesday growler special where select wines are 20% off. They also offer production tours on Saturdays at 3:00 PM for $12 where you will learn more about their team, their story, and the production process. It is worth it just to see the art behind the taproom. Speaking of the art, the second Saturday of every month, they offer a free art tour where you will learn about the murals inside and out of the building, the artists who created them and their inspiration. They also serve a small bites menu and often have fabulous food trucks parked right out front. We can promise you this won’t be a one time visit. We sure know it wasn’t for us. Not only do we want to go back from the great wine, but this small batches mean, the menu is always changing! We are already going back to fill our growlers on Wednesday!

Plēb Urban Winery

289 Lyman Street
Asheville, NC 28801
(828) 774-5062

Hours:
Monday/Tuesday, closed
Wednesday/Thursday, 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Friday 2:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Saturday, 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Sunday, 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM


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