Thirty minutes south of downtown Greenville, the city gives way to rolling farmland and a 12-acre vineyard on Dunklin Bridge Road. City Scape Winery in Pelzer bills itself as Greenville County’s largest and oldest winery and vineyard, and it has become one of the most beloved wineries near Greenville, SC for good reason.
It’s the kind of place that works for almost any outing. A slow Saturday tasting with friends, a Friday date night with live music, a bridal shower on the patio, or a fall weekend spent strolling local vendor booths with a glass in hand. Here’s what to know before you go.
Born in the City, Rooted in the Country
The name is a nod to where it all started. City Scape began as a small urban winery overlooking the Greenville skyline, then moved out to the country in 2008 so a vineyard could be planted.
Today it’s run by Josh and Debra Jones, who grew up near New York’s Finger Lakes wine region. Their story with City Scape began as customers. In the fall of 2009 they walked into the winery’s supply shop looking for a way to beat a rainy-day case of boredom and walked out with their first home winemaking kit.
The hobby grew quickly. For their 2012 wedding, they made ten different wines, 120 bottles in all, and eventually turned a guest room into a temperature-controlled cellar. In late 2015 they left their full-time jobs and bought the winery they had grown to love. It’s still a family affair: Josh’s parents, Karl and Jane, pitch in on everything from taxes to crushing grapes.
Longtime visitors will remember Pinot the Pig, the winery’s mascot since 2016. Pinot passed away in January 2026, but his image still appears on the back of every bottle and in the large painting above the tasting room fireplace.
What to Expect at City Scape Winery
The Wines
The lineup runs more than 25 wines deep, which means there’s something for every palate. Sweeter, more playful pours like the Raspberry White Zin sit alongside a traditional barrel-aged Cabernet Sauvignon. Every wine is fermented, aged, filtered and bottled on site, and the list includes low-sulfite and vegan options.
The Tastings
Seated tastings are the best introduction, with options for small groups of up to six and larger groups of seven to ten. Book clubs and girls’ trips are a natural fit. Friends who don’t drink wine aren’t left out either, since a non-alcoholic option can be added when you book. The tasting menu changes monthly, so repeat visits rarely look the same.
The Food
The tasting room kitchen now serves lunch, and the charcuterie boards change with the season. Expect shareables, sandwiches and tapas-style plates, plus the winery’s own Cork & Fork food truck on select days. There’s even a kid-themed charcuterie board for younger guests.
The Setting
City Scape was designed to work in every season. Cozy indoor spaces handle cooler days, while a covered porch and a vineyard-view patio take over when the weather turns warm. Families are welcome, with two resident goats and a small swing set near the tasting room, and well-behaved dogs can join you on the patio. The tasting room, outdoor spaces and restrooms are all accessible.
Events Worth Planning Around
City Scape hosts more than 100 events a year, so there’s usually a reason to make the drive. Live music fills Friday evenings from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. and Sunday afternoons from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m. The calendar also rotates through bingo afternoons, music bingo nights and a book club meetup.
The 6th Annual Fall Festival: October 17 and 18, 2026
If you visit one weekend this season, make it this one. The winery’s Fall Festival returns for its sixth year with free admission and parking, live music all weekend, food and dessert vendors, and more than 30 local vendors each day. Families and dogs are welcome.
New this year is Vine & Dine, a ticketed strolling tasting that pairs eight bites from the winery’s culinary team with wines at stations around the property. Tickets are pre-order only through the winery’s website and include a souvenir tasting glass.
One planning note: reservations and seated tastings aren’t offered festival weekend. Wine is available by the glass, bottle or flight as you explore.
Showers, Rehearsal Dinners and Private Events
The indoor and outdoor spaces double as a relaxed backdrop for celebrations. Rehearsal dinners can seat 15 to 80 guests, and bridal and baby showers work well for groups of 15 to 50. For a personal touch, the winery also offers custom-labeled bottles, a thoughtful favor or hostess gift.
Plan Your Visit
City Scape Winery sits at 589 Dunklin Bridge Road in Pelzer, about 30 minutes from downtown Greenville and 15 minutes from Simpsonville. It’s an easy detour off the I-85 corridor for anyone traveling between Charlotte and Atlanta.
Day | Hours |
Monday | 12 to 5 p.m. (limited food; flights, glasses and bottles only) |
Tuesday | 12 to 5 p.m. (limited food; flights, glasses and bottles only) |
Wednesday | 12 to 7 p.m. |
Thursday | 12 to 7 p.m. |
Friday | 12 to 9 p.m. (live music 5:30 to 8:30) |
Saturday | 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. |
Sunday | 1 to 6 p.m. (live music 2:30 to 5:30) |
A few tips for a smooth visit:
- Book ahead. Walk-in space is limited, and reservations are highly recommended on weekends.
- Check the monthly menus. Food and tasting lineups change every month.
- Confirm before you go. Hours and events can shift, so check the winery’s website or call (864) 329-0615.
Whether you’re a Greenville local looking for an easy escape or planning a weekend in the Upstate, City Scape earns its spot on any list of wineries near Greenville, SC. Come for the wine, stay for the porch.
