ZincHouse Winery & Brewery: Durham's Premier Escape in the Heart of North Carolina
Nestled on 87 sprawling acres just outside Durham, North Carolina, ZincHouse Winery & Brewery has quickly become the Triangle area's premier destination for wine lovers, craft beer enthusiasts, and anyone seeking a luxurious escape without leaving town. Since opening its doors on October 29, 2022, this adults-only (21+) venue has transformed what guests describe as feeling like a vacation spot into a must-visit local treasure.
A Love Story Built in Zinc
The story of ZincHouse begins with founders Mike and Kimberly Tenoever, whose passion for wine, craft beer, and historic metals created the foundation for this remarkable venue. Mike, who moved to Raleigh from Ohio to start a specialty roofing company, purchased 45 acres of raw, undeveloped land in 2002. His deep appreciation for zinc—a durable, maintenance-free metal with unparalleled warmth and depth—inspired him to build his first home in 2006, completely clad in custom zinc panels on all walls and roofs. This became the original "Zinc House."
The dream of creating a winery began taking shape in 2008 when Mike and Kimberly started exploring vineyards, wineries, and breweries throughout North Carolina and Virginia. In 2010, they made their lifelong commitment to each other while floating in a hot air balloon over California's Russian River Valley in Napa—a fitting location for two people whose shared passion would eventually blossom into one of the Triangle's most beloved destinations.
For over 12 years, the Tenoevers refined their love for wine and craft beer while slowly transforming their land into the stunning venue that exists today. The property now spans 87 acres complete with vineyards growing muscadine grapes, multiple event spaces, and massive roof decks offering incredible views of the vineyard and estate.
What ZincHouse Offers
An Extensive Beverage Selection
ZincHouse boasts an impressive selection of over 400 exquisite wines, ranging from their own ZincHouse brand to bottles from around the world. The venue also features local craft beers on tap, with plans to expand their own brewing operations. For bourbon lovers, the Z-House of Bourbon & Cigar Bar offers a robust collection of premium spirits paired with fine cigars—creating a sophisticated experience for connoisseurs.
Multiple Unique Spaces
The venue features three main buildings, each offering its own distinctive atmosphere:
The Main ZincHouse Building: Spanning 14,000 square feet of air-conditioned space plus 7,300 square feet of roof decks, this three-story structure houses multiple bars and diverse seating options. Guests can explore different levels, each offering its own vibe and spectacular views.
The Pavilion: Adjacent to the main building, this space features a music stage and the Z-House of Bourbon & Cigar Bar. Two smoking verandas out back come complete with fire pits and those same captivating vineyard views.
The Carriage House: Tucked away near the neighboring Falls Village Golf Course's 13th fairway, this intimate venue hosts private dinners, exclusive wine tastings, and special events in a secluded, elegant setting.
The architectural design beautifully blends Tuscan-classic styles with modern elements. The fountain courtyard serves as a stunning centerpiece—a favorite spot for photos and peaceful moments with a drink in hand.
Boutique & Coffee Cove
Beyond beverages, ZincHouse has expanded to include a boutique offering unique finds and a Coffee Cove for those who want to start their visit with a caffeine boost or enjoy a non-alcoholic option while taking in the scenery.
Events & Entertainment
ZincHouse has established itself as more than just a place to drink—it's a vibrant hub for entertainment and community gathering.
Live Music
The venue regularly hosts live music performances, with bands playing on select nights throughout the week. From local favorites to touring acts, the music stage at the Pavilion creates the perfect backdrop for enjoying a glass of wine or cold craft beer under the stars.
Open Mic Nights
ZincHouse offers open mic nights, giving local talent a platform to showcase their skills while guests enjoy the relaxed, creative atmosphere. These events typically run from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM and provide an intimate setting for discovering new artists.
Wine Tastings
Signature wine tastings are held every Wednesday at 7:00 PM by reservation only. These curated experiences guide guests through different wines, highlighting various flavor profiles and styles with the help of knowledgeable staff.
Additional Events
The venue's event calendar includes:
- Comedy nights
- Yoga sessions (offered on select weekends)
- Food truck gatherings featuring diverse cuisines
- Themed tasting nights
- Corporate events and private functions
- Wedding celebrations
Guests are encouraged to check ZincHouse's Facebook page or website for their full events calendar, as they continuously add new experiences throughout the year.
The Food Experience
While ZincHouse doesn't have an in-house kitchen, they've partnered with a rotating selection of food trucks that offer everything from pizza and hibachi to vegan options, empanadas, and grilled meats. Popular food truck vendors include The Blue Window, Empanadas & More, and The Flat Drum. Guests are also welcome to bring their own food, making it easy to customize your experience.
The Atmosphere & Experience
What truly sets ZincHouse apart is the sense of escape it provides. Visitors consistently describe feeling like they've left town entirely—as if they've traveled to a winery in Virginia or upstate New York. The combination of expansive vineyards, tree-lined drives, rolling hills, and carefully designed spaces creates an atmosphere that's both upscale and welcoming.
The venue offers something for everyone: intimate corners for quiet conversations, lively areas with live music, cozy spots by fire pits, and rooftop views that stretch across the estate. With heaters throughout outdoor areas, guests can enjoy the space comfortably even during cooler months.
The crowd is notably diverse and friendly, with a laid-back vibe that encourages both socializing and relaxation. Despite its size and popularity—especially on weekends—the 87-acre property and multiple buildings ensure that even on busy nights, guests don't feel crowded.
Planning Your Visit
Location: 6225 Wake Forest Highway, Durham, NC 27703
Hours:
- Monday-Tuesday: Closed
- Wednesday-Thursday: 3:00 PM - 10:00 PM
- Friday-Saturday: 12:00 PM - 11:00 PM
- Sunday: 12:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Important Notes:
- Must be 21+ (no infants, toddlers, or children allowed)
- Dog-friendly venue
- Parking can be limited during peak times
- No outside alcohol permitted
- Free water cups available
Contact: (833) 494-9463 | Marketing@zinchouse.com
Social Media Presence & Community
ZincHouse maintains an active presence on social media, particularly on Facebook and Instagram, where they regularly update followers about upcoming events, new offerings, and special promotions. With over 13,500 Facebook followers and a 94% recommendation rate from reviewers, the venue has built a strong community of loyal visitors.
Recent social media activity shows the venue celebrating their third anniversary in 2025, a milestone that speaks to how quickly they've become a beloved fixture in the Triangle area. The Tenoevers' vision of creating a unique space where people can unwind, connect with others, and enjoy life's simple pleasures has clearly resonated with locals and visitors alike.
Looking Ahead
The Tenoevers aren't resting on their success. Future plans include building smaller rental homes on the property to complement the ZincHouse theme and venue experience. They're also converting one of the existing houses—rumored to be haunted—into a distillery and cigar bar. Additionally, pickleball courts and wooded trails throughout the property are in development, furthering ZincHouse's transformation from a simple winery and brewery into a comprehensive destination resort.