Cat’s Paw Winery in Blacksburg, SC is the only winery in Cherokee County, and it might be one of the most family-friendly wineries in the Upstate. We’re breaking down what the wine flights cost, what your kids can do while you sip, and whether it’s worth the drive from Greenville.
I’m a wine fan and a cat person, so when I heard about a cat-themed winery in Blacksburg, SC, I had to check it out. And let me say: Cat’s Paw Winery is a cute little spot that’s cozy, quirky, and surprisingly family-friendly. It’s the kind of place where parents can actually relax with a wine flight while the kids play outside. And yes, there are cats everywhere. Well, cat decor everywhere. Artwork of cats enjoying wine. A logo of a cat drinking from a wine bottle. It is delightful.
Quick Facts: Cat’s Paw Winery
- Location: 210 E Cherokee St, Blacksburg, SC 29702
- Hours: Wednesday to Saturday, 12 pm to 8 pm
- Phone: 864-987-8618
- Wine flight: $20 (five 2 oz pours of your choice)
- Kid-friendly? Yes! Train playground outside for ages 2 to 5, plus non-alcoholic rainbow slushies
- Dogs: Well-behaved dogs welcome on the patio
- Reservations: Not required; call ahead for groups of 6+
- Website: catspawwinery.com
What Makes Cat’s Paw So Charming
Cat’s Paw Winery was founded in 2016 by John Burks in Rock Hill, SC. He started making wine for friends and family, and they loved it so much they talked him into opening a winery. Good call, because Cat’s Paw earned the #1 ranking in South Carolina from Choice Wineries. In 2025, the Brinson Family acquired the winery and moved it to 210 E Cherokee Street in Blacksburg, right in the heart of Cherokee County.
The cat theme is woven into everything, and it’s genuinely charming rather than cheesy. Cat artwork lines the walls. The wine names lean into the theme (Purrr-Fectly Peach, anyone?). Even the pour sizes have cat names: a “Float the Cat” is a 6 oz glass, and a “Drown the Cat” is a 9 oz pour. They also display info about adoptable cats from a local animal shelter, which is one of those small touches that makes a place feel like it has real heart.
The vibe is relaxed and welcoming. You can sit at the bar, grab a table inside, or head out to the patio. There’s a retail area with wine-inspired gifts, local goods, and Cat’s Paw merchandise. I left with a souvenir wine glass, because of course I did.
The Wine Menu (and That Rum Tum Tuggler)
Cat’s Paw offers 18 varieties of whites and reds, all made in true small-batch craftsman style. Their wines are made with natural well water and real fruit juices, with only two additives and no extra tannins or sulfites. That means you can sip without worrying about a wine headache the next morning. They import their juice from all over and do all the fermenting, bottling, and labeling on site.
I opted for the five-sample wine flight, which is $20 and lets you choose any five wines from the menu with a 2 oz pour of each. It’s a great way to try the range from sweet to dry. My bartender Micayla was wonderful and guided me through the selections.
Sweet Wines Worth Trying
- Coconut Citrus Chardonnay: Lime and mandarin orange with coconut sweetness. Best served chilled.
- Watermelon Bliss: Tastes like a fresh slice of watermelon. Refreshing and light.
- Purrr-Fectly Peach: Luscious ripe peach flavor in a crisp Chardonnay.
- Strawberry Sensation: Fresh strawberry aroma with a crisp, delicate finish.
- Blue-Eyed Blue Berry: Made from 100% blueberry juice with no grape base. Packed with antioxidants.
For the Dry Wine Lovers
- Cabernet Sauvignon: Rich, dark, smooth finish. A customer favorite.
- Famous Amos’ Sangiovese: Their boldest variety, with a unique cayenne pepper finish.
- Malbec: Medium-bodied red with a hint of spice and oak.
But honestly? My favorite thing I tried was the Rum Tum Tuggler cocktail. It was tropical, like a little beach vacation in a glass. If you’re not sure where to start, ask your bartender for a recommendation. They know their stuff.
Good to know: Bottles are $22 for standard wines and $30 for dessert wines. Buy 12 bottles and get one free (non-dessert wines only). No membership or club card needed for the discount.
Yes, You Can Bring the Kids
This is the part that really sets Cat’s Paw apart. So many wineries feel like adults-only zones, but Cat’s Paw leans into the family-friendly angle. Outside, there’s a train-themed playground for ages 2 to 5 with several train cars the kids can climb in and explore. It’s the kind of setup where your little ones are entertained and visible while you enjoy your flight on the patio.
For kids who want their own “grown-up” drink, Cat’s Paw offers a Vrainbow Slushie, which is a non-alcoholic slushie. Adults can get wine slushies too ($13 for 9 oz), and the flavors rotate monthly.
They’ve also partnered with Boston Annie’s to offer charcuterie lunch boxes ($15) and a light finger menu that’s family-friendly. So you can make an afternoon of it without anyone getting hangry.
Tips for Your Visit
- Start with the wine flight ($20 for five pours) before committing to a full glass or bottle. It’s the best way to figure out what you like.
- Ask your bartender for guidance. Micayla was fantastic and knew exactly how to match my preferences.
- The patio is the best spot if you have kids or dogs. You can keep an eye on the playground while you sip.
- They ship wine to SC, FL, DC, RI, and MN, so you can restock your favorites from home.
- Grab one of their logo glasses ($10) as a souvenir. Trust me, you’ll want one.
- Call ahead if you have a group of 6 or more so they can make sure they’re properly staffed.
What I Enjoyed Most
Cat’s Paw Winery is a gem. I went in as a wine fan and cat person, and the whole experience just clicked. The wines are genuinely good, not just novelty-sweet (though the sweet options are great if that’s your thing). The staff was warm and knowledgeable. The cat theme is playful without being over the top. And the fact that my kids could play on the train playground while I actually relaxed with a glass? That’s rare.
It’s the only winery in Cherokee County, so there’s nothing else quite like it in the area. Whether you’re planning a date afternoon, a girls’ day out, or a family outing where everyone is happy, Cat’s Paw delivers. It’s cozy enough for a quick stop and fun enough to spend a whole afternoon.
Plan Your Visit
Cat’s Paw Winery is open Wednesday through Saturday from 12 pm to 8 pm, rain or shine. No reservations needed for a casual visit or tasting, but call ahead at 864-987-8618 for groups of 6 or more. Note that a 20% gratuity is typically added for parties of 8 or more.
You can find them at 210 E Cherokee St, Blacksburg, SC 29702.
For more details, visit catspawwinery.com or email info@brinsonspirits.com.
Looking for more fun day trips from Greenville? Check out our guide to The Best Summer Day Trips Near Greenville, SC.
Need a date night idea that doesn’t involve a babysitter dilemma? Our list of Unforgettable Date Ideas in the Summer: Greenville, SC has you covered.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cat’s Paw Winery
Is Cat’s Paw Winery kid-friendly?
Yes! There’s a train-themed playground outside for ages 2 to 5, non-alcoholic rainbow slushies for kids, and a family-friendly food menu. It’s one of the most kid-friendly wineries in the Upstate.
How much does a wine flight cost at Cat’s Paw Winery?
A wine flight is $20 and includes five 2 oz pours of your choice from their full menu. You can mix sweet and dry wines.
What are the hours for Cat’s Paw Winery in Blacksburg, SC?
Cat’s Paw Winery is open Wednesday through Saturday from 12 pm to 8 pm. They’re open rain or shine. No reservations needed, but call ahead for groups of 6 or more.
Can I bring my dog to Cat’s Paw Winery?
Yes, well-behaved dogs are welcome on the patio.
Does Cat’s Paw Winery serve food?
They offer charcuterie lunch boxes from Boston Annie’s ($15) and a light finger menu that’s family-friendly. Wine slushies and non-alcoholic slushies are available too.