wine tour yadkin valley

    With a superb combination of sun, soil and soul, Yadkin Valley wineries are ideally located in the North Carolina region that is rapidly gaining a reputation for growing high-quality grapes and producing world-class award-winning wines.  Located in the Piedmont area of the Tar Heel State, wineries in the Yadkin Valley benefit from what many winemakers consider the best terroir in North Carolina.  This Yadkin Valley Wine Trail ® website was established in 2002 to provide a single site for wine lovers seeking information about the wine, wines, wineries, vineyard, vineyards, bed and breakfasts, hotels and other lodging, restaurants and other dining, antiques and antique stores, art galleries, winery tours and other businesses selected to enhance your visit to the Yadkin Valley.     In recognition of these unique features, the federal government approved the Yadkin Valley American Viticulture Area (AVA), effective February 7, 2003.  The Yadkin Valley AVA was North Carolina's first, consisting of over 1.116 million acres located in Surry, Yadkin, Wilkes, Davie, Davidson and Forsyth counties.  Adding to the importance of the Yadkin Valley with respect to wineries, the federal government approved the Swan Creek AVA as North Carolina's second area, effective May 27, 2008.  The Swan Creek AVA consists of 96,000 acres located in Wilkes, Yadkin and Iredell counties.  Over 57,000 acres of that total lies within the geographical boundaries of both viticultural areas.  As of July 1, 2008, they were the only two designated AVAs in the state of North Carolina.  In addition, a number of wineries in close proximity have banded together to form marketing associations.  While not federally-designated AVAs, a handful of wineries listed on this site banded together as members of the Shallowford Wine Trail, the Yadkin River Wine Trail, and the Upper Yadkin Wine Trail.  There are several more wine trails in the works, all within and encompassed by the Yadkin Valley Wine Trail ® .     There is a lot of history in the Yadkin Valley, from the original native Americans, to the Moravian settlers in the 1750s, to  Daniel Boone, to the Revolutionary War, to the War Between the States, to Tom Dula (known as Tom Dooley) and Mayberry, as well as numerous wine festivals and tasting events, music festivals, craft and antique fairs.  Many of the businesses along and around the Yadkin Valley Wine Trail ® contain a wonderful combination of Americana history, culture, arts and music along with award-winning wines.  Enjoy!     (Please Note: The terms "Yadkin Valley Wine Trail," "North Carolina Wine Trail" and the North Carolina state outline with grape cluster are federally registered trademarks, and may not be used without permission and license.)

    As of June 1, 2014, there are thirty-six operating wineries and vineyards along the Yadkin Valley Wine Trail ® , open to the public for some combination of winery or vineyard tours, tasting and sales.  Wineries and vineyards along the Yadkin Valley Wine Trail ® are also flagged on our parent All American Wineries website on the North Carolina Wine Trail ® page.  Additional wineries are under construction, with anticipated opening dates in the coming months.       In addition to wineries and vineyards along the Yadkin Valley Wine Trail ® , we have included information about wine-related events and participating businesses that will enhance your visit to 'The Heart of North Carolina Wine Country.'  Click on any underlined business name to open a new browser window and transfer to their home page.  When finished viewing their site, close the window and you will be returned to this page.   Note:  Both I and the owners of the businesses listed here will greatly appreciate your mentioning that you located them via this Yadkin Valley Wine Trail ®   site.     Your comments, observations, and suggestions are always appreciated.  To provide feedback to the Yadkin Valley Wine Trail ® , click here .   A pre-addressed e-mail message will appear.  Your privacy will be respected, and your e-mail address will not be sold, bartered, or traded. Attention Yadkin Valley Businesses :       Do you want to reach the Yadkin Valley Wine Trail ® visitors who, in a typical year, click more than 19,000 times on links to local dining, lodging, recreation and other businesses who have a Subscribed Enhanced Listing on this site?  Do you know the demographics of visitors to our area wineries?  An Appalachian State University 2008 study revealed some valuable data about visitors to wineries in the Yadkin Valley and in North Carolina.  Click here to see an abstract about those visitors, their spending power and their interests, and for more information about connecting visitors to 'The Heart of North Carolina Wine Country' with *your* business. Write-ups and articles mentioning or quoting the Yadkin Valley Wine Trail ® Feb 2009 - Washington Post travel section article by Diane Daniel mentions as a reference the Yadkin Valley Wine Trail ® - Click here to read her article Apr 2004 - Carolina Country (electric cooperative magazine) features the Yadkin Valley Wine Trail ® in its article on North Caroline wineries and wine festivals Jun 2003 - The Business Journal quotes us in an article about wine tasting - Click here to read article Jan 2003 - Seattle Times wine writer Thomas Skeen quotes us in an article about the new Yadkin Valley Viticultural Area - Click here to read his article Bob Hodge, Owner AllAmericanWineries, LLC dba Yadkin Valley Wine Trail ®

This page was last updated on 07/29/2014

The Yadkin Valley Wine Trail ® thanks the following organizations for their support: Yadkin Valley Chamber of Commerce - YVWT.com is a proud member  Mt Airy Chamber of Commerce - YVWT.com is a proud member  Yadkin County Chamber of Commerce - YVWT.com is a proud member Very Surry - Explore Surry County, Dobson, Elkin, Mount Airy, Pilot Mountain and more  Town of Pilot Mountain Winston-Salem Convention & Visitors Bureau   Wilkes County Chamber of Commerce Wilkesboro Visitor Center Davie County Chamber of Commerce   Cabarrus County Convention & Visitors Bureau   Better Business Bureau of Western North Carolina - Covering the entire Yadkin Valley and western North Carolina Surry County Economic Development Partnership - Helping new businesses in the Yadkin Valley  North Carolina Grape Council  - Promoting viticulture and winery tourism in North Carolina 

When finished, click your browser's [BACK] icon to be returned to previous page or  click here for our AllAmericanWineries Home Page

The term "Yadkin Valley Wine Trail" and the North Carolina state outline and grape cluster logo are registered trademarks, and may not be used without permission.  ® 2004-2010 The term 'The Heart of North Carolina Wine Country" is a trademarked term used in commerce since August 2001.  ™ 2001-2013 

Wine Shuttle Services

Yadkin Wine Shuttle Service provides safe and convenient transportation between the wonderful wineries, distilleries and breweries of the “Yadkin Valley”. We also offer visits to the area’s Llama and Alpaca farms, where you can get up close to the animals or purchase merchandise made from their wool. The options are endless!

We will be glad to assist you in creating that special tour. We provide transportation from the hotels and B&B’s in the towns of Dobson, East Bend, Elkin, Jonesville, Yadkinville and Winston-Salem NC.

The “Wine Shuttle” is an inexpensive way to enjoy the Wineries of the Yadkin Valley without the hassles of driving and finding the Wineries for yourself.

For other services that we offer or a better description of our services, please visit the other pages on our website. 

*Providing wine tours since 2007

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The Best Wine Tasting & Tours In Yadkin Valley

Browse Through The Best Selection Of Yadkin Valley Wine Tours

Wine tasting and tour at Roaring River Vineyards

Sip your wines in the bank of river during your wine tasting and tour at Roaring River Vineyard.

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Food & Wine Tours in Yadkin Valley

Yadkin valley wine map, plan the perfect wine tasting in yadkin valley.

There are endless possibilities for customizable wine tastings and tours in Yadkin Valley, United States; we are here to help you choose! At WineTourism.com, we provide a window into the wineries and vineyards of local producers in Yadkin Valley.

Several unique wine tasting experiences are available throughout the wine region for you to discover. We have provided a list of Wineries in Yadkin Valley open to visitors with direct booking options for tastings and tours. Our wine tasting and tour map of Yadkin Valley will help guide you to the exact location of each wine experience. We hope you will get a glimpse into the beautiful world of wine, and experience well regarded wine tastings and tours in the region.

Read more about Yadkin Valley

Get more information about Yadkin Valley wine subregion located in North Carolina , USA . Explore other nearby subregions, like Northern Virginia and Madison County to discover tips and suggestions for your next trip.

Discover more experiences in Yadkin Valley

Check out the best Wine Tasting & Tours in North Carolina . If you are looking for more nearby wineries to choose from, visit the Wineries in Yadkin Valley page.

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Local Winery Serving Yadkin Valley, NC

Located right in the heart of North Carolina’s wine country is the Yadkin Valley. Home to over 45 wineries, it’s become one of the most popular regions for not only growing quality grapes but also producing world-class wine. Whether you live locally, or you’re visiting the Yadkin Valley area, make sure Weathervane Winery is one of your stops on your next wine tour.

Our local winery is proud to provide the perfect place for families and friends to unwind and have some fun. Whether you’re a wine connoisseur or not, we have the perfect selection of wines to choose from. From dry whites and rich reds to sweet fruity and floral options, we have it all. We also offer a range of food pairings to enjoy during your wine tasting . When the weather is nice, enjoy your glass of wine sitting by our outdoor fireplace or under our gazebo.

While we’re proud to offer wine tastings, we also host local bands, events , and weddings . No matter your reason for visiting our local vineyard, you’re sure to have a great time out on wine trails in Yadkin Valley. 

What is a Tasting Room?

It’s common for local vineyards in any area to have tasting rooms. A tasting room is beneficial for the customers and the owners of the local vineyard because the customers get to try the wines before buying them and the owner is more likely to get customers coming back by having space available to taste the wines. Some other benefits of a tasting room include:

A space to socialize - Drinking socially is one of the most common reasons people drink. Having a tasting room available at a local winery will bring in all the wine lovers because they will want to try all the different types of wine.

Talk about or provide food pairings - Not all tasting rooms provide little snacks or appetizers, but the person hosting your wine tasting will still speak about what foods would pair well with each wine.

More purchases will be made - It’s easier for customers to justify buying a bottle of wine once they’ve tasted it and know they like it. The most important thing is to be sure you keep track of what wines you like during the tasting. 

Schedule Your Next Getaway at Our Local Winery

Weathervane Winery is also available to host events, including weddings, anniversaries, and corporate parties. We have seating available for between 125 and 175 people.

If you’re interested in venturing out on the wine trails, check out our local winery and tasting room. Whether you’re planning a wine tour with friends or a romantic getaway with your partner, our local vineyard is the perfect place to spend your weekend. Contact us to learn more.

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All Aboard to Wine Country

on the Elkin Vine Line!

Nestled in the scenic foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the historic town of Elkin sits in the middle of North Carolina’s spectacular Yadkin Valley Wine Region. The Elkin Vine Line connects this quaint town to the beautiful vineyards and wineries surrounding it.

The Elkin Vine Line operates on preset routes or “Lines” much like a train or trolley. Our “Winery Hoppers” depart at scheduled times from a central downtown Station and run throughout the day to the wineries encircling the town. Simply reserve your seat on the Line of your choice and let us “Hop” you around to our picturesque wineries!

The Elkin Vine Line currently operates six Lines that connect to four wineries apiece. The Lines are arrayed around the town of Elkin like a compass: the Green and Blue Lines take you south and southeast to our Swan Creek wineries, our Purple and Silver Lines head north and northeast to the wineries near the base of the Blue Ridge, while our Gold Line wends its way east and our central Red Line visits the wineries closer to Elkin.

When you decide which Line you’d like to ride, just reserve your seats using our Booking page, show up to our Station on the day you selected and hop onboard with us as we explore our spectacular wine country together.

For out-of town guests staying in the area, we provide several pick up options based on travel time from our Station. If selected, we will pick you up, get you to our Station in time to board your Line, and return you at the end of the day. If you select our “Dinner Drop”, we’ll give you time to dine at one of our local restaurants before bringing you back. Let us do your driving for the day!

So, if you’re looking for an enchanting wine country getaway amongst some of the most beautiful vineyards and wineries dotting the Yadkin Valley, come visit us in Elkin and ride the Elkin Vine Line!

For more information and things to do in Elkin:

10 Wonderful Yadkin Valley Wineries Worth Visiting

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. All hosted affiliate links follow our editorial & privacy policies .

If you’re a food and wine lover and you’ve never explored the Yadkin Valley in NC, you’re really missing out!  

The Yadkin Valley region is full of wineries and vineyards to visit, with 44 Yadkin Valley wineries to choose from. 

Encompassing 1,400,000 acres, the Yadkin Valley AVA ( American Viticultural Area ) includes 7 counties in North Carolina – Wilkes, Surry, Yadkin, Davie, Davidson, Forsyth, and Stokes. 

This area was historically known for growing tobacco, an industry that has fallen into decline in the last few decades.

Many local farms have since converted their fields into vineyards, capitalizing on the region’s perfect terroir (climate, soil, and topography). 

My husband and I have lived in North Carolina’s Yadkin Valley for several years now, but we’ve barely scratched the surface of the bounty of wineries there are to visit. 

In addition to the myriad  wineries , the area is also home to various Yadkin Valley wine tours. There’s also the annual Yadkin Valley Wine Festival, which was named one of the country’s top wine festivals by USA Today .

If you find yourself driving the Blue Ridge Parkway near  Boone NC , you can get an exceptional overview from the Yadkin Valley Overlook at Milepost 289.8. 

Read on for our list of the Best Yadkin Valley Wineries to visit, which includes an overview of each vineyard’s offerings and a map to help you design your own Yadkin Valley wine trail!

READ MORE:  The 20 Best NC Wineries to Visit

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Yadkin valley wineries guide.

(Arranged Alphabetically)

• Carolina Heritage Vineyards and Winery
• Dobbins Creek Vineyards
• Elkin Creek Vineyard
• Grassy Creek Vineyard and Winery
• Haze Gray Vineyards
• JOLO Winery & Vineyards
• McRitchie Winery & Ciderworks
• Old North State Winery
• Round Peak Vineyards
• Slightly Askew Winery

READ MORE:  The 10 Best Virginia Wineries to Visit for Wine Tastings & Tours

1. Carolina Heritage Vineyards and Winery

170 Heritage Vines Way, Elkin NC • (336) 448-4781 • Official Website

The original founders of Carolina Heritage Vineyards & Winery were dedicated to making wines in the most environmentally friendly way possible,

Clyde and Pat Colwell nurtured the soil and figured out a way to grow organic grapes in a sustainable fashion. Their efforts made CHVW the first USDA-Certified Organic vineyard and winery in North Carolina .

New owners took over in 2022, but they’ve maintained that same commitment to the health of the land and its community. Their mission is to have the first fully sustainable winery in NC. 

This stunning Yadkin Valley winery can host private events, from weddings to special birthdays. They also offer private guided tours of the vineyard.

Keep your eye on their website for updates on  seasonal events throughout the year. 

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2. Dobbins Creek Vineyards

4430 Vineyard View Lane, Hamptonville NC • (336) 468-4770 • Official Website

Located on Hemric Mountain, this Yadkin winery offers guests a chance to see the city of Winston Salem NC to the east and the peak of Grandfather Mountain to the west from the vineyard on clear days.

In our experience, Dobbins Creek Vineyards is a great spot to kick back in the summer , sipping delicious wine and enjoying the scenic vistas.

Come winter , you can head inside and curl up in front of the stone fireplace with your favorite vintage. 

Despite their fairly large estate, the owners of this vineyard keep their growing space limited to about 5 acres in order to ensure quality over quantity.

All of their grapes are hand-picked and put through minimal processing in order to stay true to the character and flavor of the grapes. 

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3. Elkin Creek Vineyard

318 Elkin Creek Mill Road, Elkin NC   • (336) 526-5119 • Official Website

One of our favorite Elkin NC wineries, Elkin Creek Vineyard is a special place to enjoy a glass of wine and a Sunday pizza lunch with friends or family.

Their restaurant only makes 30 pizzas per day, so you must call in advance to make a reservation. 

If you miss the pizza, stick around for a wine-tasting session in the picnic area or at the Harvest Barn. 

The site also rents out four rustic log cabins , allowing guests to retreat to the forest and surround themselves with nature and the relaxing sounds of the babbling creek.

There’s also an historic mill on the grounds, and a short walk will lead you to an impressive waterfall.  

READ MORE: The 15 Best Things to Do in Elkin NC (Blue Ridge Parkway MM 229)

4. Grassy Creek Vineyard and Winery

235 Chatham Cottage Circle, State Road NC • (336) 835-2458 • Official Website

Grassy Creek’s iconic Red Barn is where a lot of the wine-tasting action happens. They often offer live music and seasonal events in this picturesque spot throughout the year. 

All grapes used to make their award-winning wine come from their 15-acre vineyard. They’re then processed, aged, and bottled in the original farm’s  converted dairy barn.

One huge draw of this Yadkin Valley vineyard is access to the Grassy Creek Trail, which is part of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail . We hiked it on New Year’s Day, and particularly enjoyed the Grassy Creek portion of the trail. 

This 1.5-mile, moderately difficult in-and-out trail led us through a huge pine forest, past a pond and meadows, through the Byrd’s Branch Campgrounds , and on to Carter Falls. 

READ MORE:  The 10 Hiking Essentials Packing List for the Blue Ridge Mountains

5. Haze Gray Vineyards

761 Stony Knoll Road, Dobson NC • (336) 374-1072 • Official Website

Nine of the 85 acres at Haze Gray Vineyards are dedicated to growing 9 different types of grapes. So guests who visit can sip a chardonnay, pinot grigio, merlot, or cabernet sauvignon. 

The Dobson NC vineyard hosts weddings as well as live music and wine/food pairing events throughout the year. 

Haze Gray also has a newly built log cabin for rent, offering views of the vineyards on two sides. The cabin sleeps four people, with a master bedroom on the first floor and a fun open loft upstairs.

Staying at this   cabin rental puts you in a great spot to enjoy everything the Yadkin Valley has to offer. 

READ MORE:  The 20 Best North Carolina Music Festivals

6. JOLO Winery & Vineyards

219 JOLO Winery Lane, Pilot Mountain NC • (336) 614-0030 • Official Website

JOLO Winery & Vineyards is another fine place to taste Yadkin Valley wines, with a tasting room and a restaurant that offers a delicious lunch and dinner menu. 

There’s an outdoor patio seating area where you can enjoy views of the beautiful estate, plus an enclosed patio and a gazebo used for private events. 

The winery also has a cabin available for rent for visitors who want to extend their stay. The accommodation is affectionately referred to as the “Newlywed Chateau,” and it’s a great place for romantic getaways .

Check out their website for a list of upcoming events, from food-and-wine pairings to Cuvée experiences.

READ MORE:  20 Best Things to Do in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina

7. McRitchie Winery & Ciderworks

315 Thurmond PO Road, Thurmond NC • ( 336) 874-3003 • Official Website

This winery and cidery is located in the foothills of the breathtaking Blue Ridge Mountains , in the heart of the Yadkin Valley wine region just 6 miles east of Stone Mountain State Park .

This is a family-run operation that produces award-winning wines as well as hard apple cider .

The growers are dedicated to using sustainable and low-intervention growing techniques in order to keep their beverages true to the land they come from. 

In fact, the whole facility is designed to be as earth-friendly and low-impact as possible, from the way the kitchen garden is tended to how the grapes are processed. 

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8. Old North State Winery

308 North Main Street, Mount Airy NC • (336) 789-9463 • Official Website

Located in Mount Airy NC, the Old North State Winery is famous for its Fish Hippie brand of wine and apparel.

They also have a fantastic Mt Airy restaurant . My husband and I enjoyed an amazing vegan dish of roast vegetables and mushrooms, which was perfectly paired with a bottle of their Fish Hippie “Soul” (a delightful dry red).  

Rather than housing the winery in their rural vineyard, founder Ben Webb and wife Ellie wanted to bring their success  to the Mount Airy community. So they converted an old hardware store (built in 1890) into a pretty hip hangout. 

The winery hosts live music , private events, and Chef’s Table experiences, where guests can watch as their meals are cooked and plated by Executive Chef Chris Wishhart. 

With a great selection of fine wines and a stunning winery/restaurant, Old North State is a must-visit spot for your Yadkin Valley wine tour.

READ MORE:  The 10 Best Things to Do in Mount Airy NC (& Surry County)

9. Round Peak Vineyards

765 Round Peak Church Rd, Mount Airy NC • (336) 352-5595 • Official Website

Round Peak Vineyards sits at an elevation of 1300 feet, and is the northernmost vineyard in the Yadkin Valley AVA.

Guests can enjoy a wine tasting while looking out over the impressive view. If you’re feeling frisky, play a round of wine-themed frisbee golf (with wine-barrel baskets) that will have you zigzagging through the vineyard.

You can also take advantage of all that Mount Airy has to offer by staying in one of their two rental log cabins . Sip your wine on the porch in the evening, and enjoy your morning coffee surrounded by the North Carolina mountains . 

We’ve spent a lot of time at Skull Camp, this winery’s sister brewery in Elkin NC. So it was fun to explore the wine side of the local business.

It was a wet, drizzly day when we visited Round Peak Vineyards, but we were able to still enjoy the lovely view from an enclosed porch while sampling some of their best wines. 

READ MORE:  Visiting the Andy Griffith Museum in Mt Airy NC

10. Slightly Askew Winery

913 North Bridge Street, Elkin NC • ( 336) 835-2700 • Official Website

If you’re looking for a winery right in the heart of the town of Elkin NC, Slightly Askew Winery is one of our favorite wineries in the  Valley to visit.

This tasting room is located close to historic downtown Elkin, with many of the best Elkin restaurants close by. 

Slightly Askew also has a holiday rental house  right next to the winery that’s perfect for those who want to spend a few days exploring the surrounding area.

The house sleeps four people, and boasts a large deck and a hot tub!

If you’re looking for a “Designated Driver” for your visit, the Elkin Vine Line  has a hop-on-hop-off bus that passes by Slightly Askew every Saturday and Sunday as part of its Yadkin Valley winery tours.  -by Emma Gallagher; featured image via Canva

We encourage anyone who loves the Blue Ridge region to learn about the  Leave No Trace   principles of responsible environmental stewardship. 

Stay on marked trails, take only pictures, pack out your trash, and be considerate of others who share the trails and parks you explore. 

Remember that waterfalls and rocky summits can be dangerous. Never try to climb waterfalls or get close to a ledge to get a selfie.

When you're exploring the wilderness, it's better to be safe than to be a statistic!

Emma Gallagher

Born in Britain, writer/photographer Emma Gallagher lives in the Blue Ridge Mountains of NC on a permaculture homestead with her husband, Jonathon. While traveling the world for 13 years, she fell in love with the natural beauty of the Blue Ridge region when she lived at an artist retreat in Burnsville NC before moving to Brevard. Today Emma lives near Stone Mountain State Park and Doughton Park volunteers at the Surry County Fiddlers Convention, and cares for the gardens at the Reeves Downtown School of Music in Elkin. She's also a volunteer for the Elkin Valley Trails Association, which maintains segment 6 of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail.

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Yadkin Valley AVA

Yadkin Valley holds the distinction of being North Carolina’s first AVA. Moderate elevations and proximity to the Yadkin River allow a variety of grapes to thrive in this area that’s now home to dozens of wineries.

Adagio Vineyards and Winery

Adagio, a musical term meaning slowly with passion, reflects our love of classical music and wine. We craft classic and unique wines and provide curated tastings in an elegant environment.

Brandon Hills Vineyard

By staying small and through meticulous farming, we produce better grapes and, therefore, better wines. Brandon Hills Vineyard is located in the gently sloping foothills of the Yadkin Valley. Enjoy our great wines on the back porch, which offers an exquisite view of our vineyard and the rolling hills.

Carolina Heritage Vineyard & Winery

Located in the heart of the Yadkin Valley AVA, this fertile landscape is the perfect place for our organic French-hybrid & muscadine grapes to grow. Our winery produces a mix of dry & sweet organic wines for your drinking pleasure.

Cellar 4201

Cellar 4201 is a boutique-style, family-owned vineyard in the Yadkin Valley. We grow premium grapes in small lots that are producing fine wines. Come enjoy our oaked Chardonnay, stainless Chardonnay, Sangiovese, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon, outside on the patio, and bring a picnic lunch. Tours of the vineyard are also available.

Childress Vineyards

Enjoy one of the finest tasting rooms in America while sampling a stellar collection of wines. The winery is open daily for tours, tastings and lunch at the Bistro. Free weekend music series May through October plus other special events. Accommodations available adjacent to winery at Holiday Inn Express.

Christian Paul Vineyards

Here at Christian Paul Vineyards, we strive to provide a unique and highly interactive wine-tasting experience. Our wines are made from high-quality vinifera grapes grown in the Yadkin Valley of North Carolina and made in the style of various award-winning international wine producing hotspots such as France, Italy, Germany, Argentina, and Australia.

Curran Alexander Vineyards

Enjoy live music entertainment from the patio nestled in the vineyard that dates back to the 1880s. The vineyard offers a tasting room, outside shelter, patio area and fire pit.

Divine Llama Vineyards

Started in 2007 by Michael and Patricia West and joined by friends Leslie Messick and Paul Baumbach in 2019, the vineyard, tasting room and llama farm are nestled on 91 serene acres of rolling hills in the Yadkin Valley AVA. Nationally recognized for a wide variety of award-winning wines, beautiful scenery, the largest llama farm in the Southeast, and a unique and memorable experience. We look forward to sharing it with you.

Elkin Creek Vineyards

On the site of a historic grist mill built in 1896, and gracing a special spot where two creeks join together to become one, Elkin Creek Vineyard is a one-of-a-kind destination. Located one hour north of Charlotte, it is a hidden gem in the heart of the Yadkin Valley AVA. Guests can experience wine tastings in a warm and inviting tasting room.

Golden Road Vineyards

The twentieth winery in Surry County with 5 acres under vine, picturesque mountain views, hiking trail that takes you along south fork of the Mitchell river, and amazing sunsets.

Grassy Creek Vineyard & Winery

Located only a mile outside Elkin, this 212-acre stretch of land leaves one feeling secluded and miles away from civilization’s hurried pace. Our grapes receive the attention and care necessary to ensure the very best North Carolina has to offer. All our wines are estate bottled; we offer a wide range of styles.

Hanover Park Vineyard

From the soil and climate of the Yadkin Valley comes a selection of wines that could be easily confused with the wine from the Rhone Valley in France. Surprising? Not when these wines reflect the time, care, and research necessary to make the best wine that can be made in an Old World style. We have created an Old World atmosphere, from the 1897 farmhouse tasting room to the outdoor spaces under the centuries-old oaks which encourages friends and families to relax and linger.

Haze Gray Vineyards

Haze Gray Vineyards is an estate bottled winery and vineyards. Situated on an 85-acre farm in the foothills of NC, we are able to grow 9 different varieties of grapes. HGV is a Home Grown by Veterans affiliated organization. Deane served in the Navy for 30 years and is the Winemaker as well as overseeing the vineyards.

Hidden Vineyard

Healthy vines… healthy, delicious wines.

JOLO Winery & Vineyards

Nowhere will you find a winery with the pristine beauty of JOLO’s estate. The vision for the 80-acre property is to showcase its natural beauty with a focus on the breathtaking views of Pilot Mountain and Cox Lake located on the property. The fruit varieties being grown in the vineyards were carefully selected based on the rain, sun, temperature, and soil type found in and around the Yadkin Valley, and, of course, the capriciousness of the springtime weather here in the Yadkin Valley.

Jones von Drehle Vineyards & Winery

Great wine. Great times. Under Blue Ridge Mountain skies. Jones von Drehle Vineyards & Winery is a family-owned farm established in 2008 on 65 acres of former pastures and woodland tucked into the south-facing foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Our estate wines are made in our winery, built in 2012. Our tasting room and patio overlook our 30 acres of vines.

Junius Lindsay Vineyard

A Little Rhône in the Triad. Established in 2004, Junius Lindsay Vineyard serves estate-grown, nationally-acclaimed French style wines. Our grape varietals are native to the Rhône Valley and proudly grown on family land in the Southern Yadkin Valley AVA. Our open air tasting room offers breathtaking views of the vineyard and countryside. Guests are invited to bring a picnic and enjoy the wine and the beauty of the vineyard!

Lazy Elm Vineyard & Winery

Lazy Elm Vineyard & Winery resides on a beautiful 43-acre farm in the Yadkin Valley AVA with 5.5 acres of vines, mostly of French and Italian varietals. The winery specializes in dry red wines, but also has some rosés and fruit wines as well. The tasting room offers is indoor and outdoor seating, so bring some snacks, taste some wine, and relax with friends or family. The vineyard is conveniently located just off I-40 and US Hwy. 601, yet our location is as quiet and peaceful as they come.

McRitchie Winery & Ciderworks

Discover McRitchie Winery, a pioneer Yadkin Valley producer of exceptional dry European style wines and ciders. We welcome visitors to our winery in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains to enjoy the fruit of our labors in a setting in harmony with nature and focused on great wine, relaxation, and enjoyment of the simple pleasures in life.

Medaloni Cellars

Medaloni Cellars is 22 acres of rolling hills located in the Yadkin Valley. Equipped with walking trails, sunset decks, production barn/tasting room for events, and wine tastings. Our Classic Tasting and Our Premier Tasting include a wide range of varietals for you to taste and enjoy!

MenaRick Vineyard & Winery

MenaRick Vineyard and Winery is family-owned located on 33 acres in the foothills of the Yadkin Valley. We are a unique winery specializing in Spanish and Portuguese varietals. MenaRick is built from the traditions and cultural experiences we had during our travels around the world. We invite you to come, relax and enjoy the view from our vineyard, have a glass (or a bottle), and bring a picnic! A bem-vindo! Bienvenido! Welcome!

Native Vines Winery

Located in Davidson County near the Waxhaw Indian Trading Trail, we are the first American Indian owned winery in the country. Open since 2005, we produce a full line of Award Winning vitis vinifera and artisan fruit wines.

Old North State Winery

Housed in a former Hardware store built in 1890 on Main Street, Ben and his wife Ellie have successfully created a fun, hip, upbeat atmosphere combining wine-tasting tours, a cool ambiance, outstanding food, live entertainment, and events to create a true entertainment and dining destination. Dining is available for lunch and dinner featuring locally grown and freshly prepared specials.

Rayson Winery & Vineyards

Welcome to Rayson Winery and vineyards, where passion meets heritage. Nestled on a property graced by vines planted 23 years ago, we are a family-owned and veteran-owned and operated establishment. The name is derived from our two sons, Joey and Logan Ray, who are the sons of JW and Kristen Ray, hence the name “Rayson”. Our journey is rooted in a commitment to crafting wines that not only reflect the distinct terroir of our unique location but also celebrate the individual varietal characteristics of our grapes.

Roaring River Vineyards

Nestled in the foothills, near the Blue Ridge Parkway and Stone Mountain State Park, exists a French-inspired vineyard and vacation resort beckoning all to quench their thirst for life. Enjoy our wines while taking in the magnificent vistas and rhododendron-covered riverbanks flanking one of the best trout fishing streams in the area. Roaring River Vineyards embodies the Appalachian spirit, honoring our history and inviting you to share in our unique creation. Our vineyard venue is unique and breathtaking for any occasion.

Round Peak Vineyards

Round Peak Vineyards is located in the Yadkin Valley American Viticultural Area, sitting at 1300 ft. in elevation in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. We currently have 12 acres of vineyards producing 8 French and Italian varietals. All of our award-winning wines are estate bottled, using only the grapes grown in our vineyard. We’re a pet-friendly winery, too!

Sanders Ridge Vineyard & Winery

Sanders Ridge is a 150-acre century-designated farm offering 16+ varieties of estate grown wines available year-rough. Our selections include both sophisticated dry wines as well as fun & fruity sweet wines. Our tasting room and restaurant is open from 12-5 everyday April – Dcember, and Thursday – Sunday Jan thru March.

Shelton Vineyards

Experience North Carolina’s finest wines at Shelton Vineyards, the largest family-owned estate winery in the scenic Yadkin Valley. Our expertly crafted estate wines, reflective of the valley’s unique “terroir,” are among the region’s best, available for tasting 7 days a week. Enjoy informative tours and tastings, Southern comfort dishes at our acclaimed Harvest Grill restaurant, and nearby accommodations at our award-winning Hampton Inn.

Stony Knoll Vineyards

We are a multi-generational family farm that converted from tobacco production to growing grapes and making fine quality wines.

Weathervane Winery

We have developed 19 great wines and each of our wines is hand-made! Nothing is mass produced, no filtering and no huge storage tanks for aging. Everything is done by hand, assuring that each bottle has the best taste. Weathervane Winery gets its name because of the huge influence the weather has on wine production. From grape development to the final phase of fermentation, weather is key to great taste!

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There is always a great reason to take a wine tour with a group of colleagues, family, or friends. Below is some information that should answer a lot of your questions:

• Tour Length: 7 Hours (Typically from 10:30 AM to 5:30 PM)
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Pricing for custom tours varies based on wineries, number of attendees, length of time, and more. Please contact us so we can help determine a price per attendee. We also partner with Not-for-Profit Organizations to provide fund-raising wine tours and to raise money and awareness for their initiatives.

Make sure to complete the form on this page and submit it to request a custom tour for your event/group. Want to visit a specific winery? Request special food or entertainment? Just let us know the custom tour that you'd like by sending this request form. We'll soon be in contact with you with a quote for your custom tour.  PLEASE NOTE: You need to be as accurate as possible when letting us know HOW MANY PEOPLE will be coming on the tour as that 1 factor impacts the cost per person a lot.

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A Guide To All 20 Wineries In Yadkin Valley, One Of The East Coast’s Best Wine Regions

There's 200 wineries in North Carolina alone and our state ranks 10th in wine production in the country. For that reason, we wanted to highlight Yadkin Valley, one of the most prominent wine regions on the East Coast.

Dreaming of a weekend, wine escape?

Napa isn’t the only region in America known for its wine, and that’s because North Carolina is actually a mighty contender when it comes to fresh and crisp vino . There’s 200 wineries and 400 vineyards in North Carolina alone, and it ranks 10th in wine production in the country. Because Yadkin Valley is so extensive in the North Carolina wine region, we decided to highlight all of the wineries you can find in Yadkin Valley. The region of Yadkin Valley is one of the most prominent wine regions on the East Coast with a ton of unique wine trails and wineries that you can try. We recommend calling ahead to make sure the wineries are open before making the trek, but with so many in the area, you’re bound to have a fun-filled day of wine tasting and vineyard exploring. Here’s a guide to all 20 of Yadkin Valley’s wineries and how they compare.

1. Adagio Vineyards

A winery named after the musical term, “slowly, with passion” pairs wine with violent duets from 1:30-3:30, highlighting two notes you can hear and taste. This winery is perfect for lovers of both classical music and fine wine.

Where : 139 Benge Drive, Elkin, NC 28621

2. Carolina Heritage Vineyard & Winery

Carolina Heritage is North Carolina’s first solar-powered winery and the first USDA Certified Organic Vineyard as well. They also serve vegan friendly and gluten-free wines for people with different palates. Enjoy their space, complete with a beautifully renovated farmhouse that looks over the vineyard.

Where : 170 Heritage Vines Way, Elkin, NC 28621

3. Elkin Creek Valley & Vineyard

Elkin serves award-winning wine in a stunning location, complete with an overlook of Elkin Creek and the historic Elkin Creek Mill. They even offer rental cabins if you’re going on a romantic getaway or weekend trip with friends!

Where : 318 Elkin Creek Mill Road, Elkin, NC 28621

4. Golden Road Vineyards

Golden Roads is a picturesque winery set against the backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Sip from their numerous wine types–merlot, petit verdot, or petit manseng in their outdoor tasting area surrounded by fire pits, or head inside to the rustic and cozy indoor tasting room.

Where : 542 Golden Road, State Road, NC 28676

5. Grassy Creek Vineyard & Winery

Grassy Creek is an old dairy farm-turned-winery, with an old red barn to match, where you can enjoy a scenic walk before or after your wine tasting. Try out their delicious and bodied Merlot or Syrah or go for something crisper, like a Sauvignon Blanc. Either way, you won’t be disappointed with this award-winning winery. On occasion, they even have live music.

Where : 235 Chatham Cottage Circle, State Road, NC 28676

6. Haze Gray Vineyards

Haze Gray is an 85-acre former corn and tobacco farm near Blue Ridge Mountains. From whites like chardonnay and pinot grigio and reds like cabernet franc and tannat. One of Haze Gray’s specialties are their wine slushies that come in different flavors: piña colada and peach bellini are just two examples.

Where : 761 Stony Knoll Road, Dobson, NC 27017

7. Herrera Vineyards

Herrera Vineyards is set in the heart of Yadkin valley with a southwestern villa exterior and an inviting interior of wood and iron. The grounds include two 75-foot wide terraces and a waterfall. They offer a wide variety of dry, semi-sweet, and sweet wines to choose from and even have a couple of restaurants nearby to get dinner after a fun afternoon of tasting.

Where : 283 Vineyard Lane, Dobson, NC 27017

8. Hidden Vineyard

Hidden Vineyard is a cozy, farmhouse-style winery that offers a variety of different wines to sample. Have a flight inside the luminous tasting room or grab a rocking chair and sip while overlooking the lush vineyard. Hidden Vineyard also collaborates with small and local pop-ups, like Little Havana Humidor , that offers a unique cigar-experience as well as cigars to buy for home.

Where : 125 Hidden Vines Ln., Dobson, NC 27017

9. JOLO Winery & Vineyards

JOLO is a high-end, boutique winery and vineyard framed by Pilot Mountain. JOLO offers 12 award-winning wines that were made with the area’s micro-climate in mind. They offer two sparkling, two white, one rosé, five reds and two dessert wines. They’ve also got a nice new deck area to make your visit to JOLO as relaxing as ever.

Where : 219 JOLO Winery Lane, Pilot Mountain, NC 27041

10. Jones von Drehle Vineyards & Winery

Just a little off path, but still among the Yadkin Valley wineries, is Jones von Drehele. Their 30-yard vineyard focuses on classic wine grapes like Merlot or Chardonnay, and they’re known for their dry white wines that are often on the menus of finer restaurants in North Carolina.

Where : 964 Old Railroad Grade Road, Thurmond, NC 28683

11. McRitchie Winery & Ciderworks

Similarly to Jones Von Drehele, McRitchie also operates a little outside the county. They specialize in artisan wines but also in ciders. They’re 30-acre vineyard is also based near Blue Ridge Mountains, where they’re grapes are ethically and sustainably sourced.

Where : 315 Thurmond Post Office Rd., Thurmond, NC 28683

12. Old North State Winery

Old North State Winery is a winery in downtown Mt. Airy with both hand-crafted ales and amazing wines. What’s even better is that they hav a restaurant on-site serving lunch and dinner. They often have live entertainment so check out the website for a calendar of events.

Where : 308 N. Main Street, Mount Airy, NC 27030

13. Pilot Mountain Vineyards & Winery

This family-owned boutique winery is surrounded by the stunning Pilot mountains in the heart of Yadkin valley. One of the newest in Yadkin Valley (opening in August 2020), this winery has a variety of different types. From Riesling to Syrah to Pinot Gris, get a flight and sample them all.

Where : 1162 Bradley Road, Pinnacle, NC 27043

14. Round Peak Vineyard

If you’re a fan of French or Italian wines then you’ll love Round Peak, where they specialize in dry and sweet. With an 18-hole golf course and overnight cabins, this is the perfect vineyard to spend a weekend near Charlotte.

Where : 765 Round Peak Church Road, Mount Airy, NC 27030

15. Serre Vineyards

Serre Vineyards is a cozy farm-house style winery surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains and Fisher River. Guests are encouraged to take a bottle of wine and hike down the river on the three-mile trail system. Among their whites and reds, they also offer wine slushes and non-alcoholic beverages. If you’re up for an extended stay with wine and wilderness, check out the rental cabin on-site.

Where : 364 Beast Trail, Mount Airy, NC 27030

16. Shelton Vineyard

Shelton’s is the largest family-owned estate winery in North Carolina. On top of their renowned winery, they also have the Harvest Grill restaurant, an amphitheater where they hold special events in the summer, a gift shop, and picnic areas.

Where : 286 Cabernet Ln, Dobson, NC 27017

17. Slightly Askew Vineyard

Slightly Askew specializes in sweet wines, and they offer a wide selection of it. Their fruit wines have fun names such as their Peachy Keen, Numb Knutz, and Bubba Lou’s Choice. If you’re not a huge fan of reds, they also have traditional red and white. Don’t forget to check out their Vacation House.

Where : 913 North Bridge Street, Elkin, NC 28621

18. Stony Knoll Winery

Another winery with a lodge house, this time a renovated farmhouse that overlooks the beautiful vineyard with the mountain backdrop. Enjoy a flight in the tasting room before your stay, or enjoy a drink on the outdoor brick porch. The perfect spring or summer day.

Where : 1143 Stony Knoll Road, Dobson, NC 27017

19. Divine Llama Vineyards

A special shout out goes to Divine Llama Vineyards. Llamas and wine. Is there a more unique duo? This winery, along with their tasty semi-sweet wines, also occasionally has food trucks to enjoy.

Where : 4126 Divine Llama Lane, East Bend NC 27017

20. Surry Cellars

Surry Cellars is a unique winery in that it operates on the campus of Surry Community College, where students are hard at work creating wines for you to enjoy. Try their rainbow of rosés they offer if you’re interested in something a little different.

Where : 630 South Main St., Dobson, NC 27017

[featured image by Shelton Winery via Facebook]

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6 Picturesque Yadkin Valley Wineries with Dry Wines in NC

It's mind-blowing that we've lived in North Carolina for years and it took that long to make our way to visit Yadkin Valley wineries. People always talk about the mountains and beaches in North Carolina – and those are great too.

But we believe that the Yadkin Valley has so much to offer when it comes to its scenery and dry wines. People should be saying they love the wineries in NC in addition to its mountains and beaches!

We loved it so much, that we were comparing it to other amazing wine regions in the United States all weekend, like Napa Valley in California, and Loudoun County in Virginia.

Please note: We thank the NC Wines and Tabletop Media for generously hosting our tasting. We also may make a small commission from affiliate links in this post but all opinions are ours and we bring you genuine content with real facts, photos, thoughts and recommendations. Always . As Amazon Associates, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Post Contents

Our Three Day Schedule, Visiting Six Wineries

We visited six fabulous wineries during our weekend getaway. Four of them are considered part of the Swan Creek Wine Trail , and two others are Italian wineries with their own vineyards right next door to each other.

We've listed the wineries below in the order we experienced them, which was carefully and purposefully planned:

• Piccione Vineyards
• Raffaldini Vineyards
• Windsor Run Cellars
• Shadow Springs Vineyards
• Laurel Gray Vineyards
• Dobbins Creek Vineyards

Where are the Yadkin Valley wineries?

It just takes about two hours to get to this area in the Piedmont region of NC from downtown Raleigh. You will see beautiful views of the Blue Ridge Mountains from a few of the wineries (read on to find out which ones) and it's an easy drive to get to all of them.

And it's a pretty drive, at that, as you meander through the North Carolina countryside from the highway to your vino destinations.

The Yadkin Valley and its wineries are west of Raleigh and east of Asheville . If you're driving from Charlotte, it's just over an hour north of the Queen City , or the Lake Norman area.

Method to Our Order of Yadkin Valley Wineries Visitation

The order we visited is what we recommend if you want to visit them all in three days, Friday to Sunday. And yes, particularly those three days of a weekend, because they're only open on certain days.

For instance, some of the wineries are closed on Sunday, which is partially why we saved Laurel Gray and Dobbins Creek for a Sunday: those two are the Yadkin Valley wineries of the six open Sundays.

There's another reason we know now, in retrospect , that our schedule was great. It was thoughtfully planned with the proximity of the wineries in mind. But how we experienced them from a topographical standpoint also worked out because of the views.

It was wonderful to enjoy a stunning view to start, for instance, at Piccione Vineyards, as an introductory winery for the Yadkin Valley. They had a phenomenal view of the Blue Ridge Mountains in the distance, past rows of vines on their hill.

We continued with a stunning view the next day at Raffaldini Vineyards, which also overlooks the mountains. The next two wineries we went to on Saturday gave us a break from mountain views (Windsor Run Cellar and Shadow Springs Vineyards) but it was a nice change of scenery.

Finally, we ended the weekend with more beautiful views at Laurel Gray Vineyards and Dobbins Creek on Sunday, though very different from Raffaldini and Piccione.

We'll elaborate on the views within the information we've included for each winery below.

🍷 1. Piccione Vineyards

Piccione (pronounced Pitch-ee-own-nee) is a small, beautiful winery with a breathtaking view. It's one of two Italian wineries we visited the weekend we explored Yadkin Valley wineries (the other was Raffaldini).

We drove up the hill to Piccione and were in awe of its acres of vineyards. We couldn’t believe it was in our home state! A small structure (that looks like a ranch-style home) overlooks the rolling hills and the Blue Ridge Mountains in the distance. Flower beds decorate patio areas in the immediate area where guests can sit outside, on two terraces. 

Spring was a wonderful time to be in the area; we visited in late April. Though the vines hadn’t fully blossomed (and unfortunately they had suffered some frost damage in the weeks prior to our visit) the roses, lavender, ivy, and perennials were in bloom at Piccione. 

History of Piccione Vineyards

This Italian vineyard was established in 2010, by Dr. William Piccione and his sons, Billy and Steven. Giuseppe and Vita, Dr. Piccione's grandparents, immigrated to the United States in 1921, straight from Marsala, Italy. Giuseppe found employment in NYC after entering the states through Ellis Island, as most immigrants from Europe did in those days.

Despite working in the garment industry, Giuseppe Piccione made wine at home. (You can take the man out of Sicily but you can't take the Sicilian out of the man!) His grandson, Dr. William (or Bill) Piccione, had fond memories of watching his grandfather make wine with a hand press, small oak barrels, and a manual bottling machine.

After Dr. Bill Piccione retired from 20 years of Cardiovascular Thoracic surgery (whoa!), he studied wine and earned a sommelier certification. What was the logical next step for him? Opening a winery with his sons!

Healthy hearts are still a priority just in a different way for Bill and his sons at Piccione Vineyards. As they say in Italy, “ In vino, salute. ” In wine, is health. (Maybe red wine helping the heart is true!)

Wines at Piccione Vineyards

We went inside the tasting room to place our order. I got a flight, which includes four wines of your choosing. Dan ordered a glass of Cabernet Sauvignon, a household favorite. 

The wines at Piccione Vineyards were tasty and dry – the way we like them! The plastic cups they used for their tasting were perhaps a result of changing ways because of COVID. They’re not very photo-worthy, which is why the image below shows a full glass of wine (Dan’s) and my taste of 2 oz. of wine. (It was one of the flight cups that I poured into my wine glass.) 

Their frosé looked delightful and when we asked a group of people sitting next to us if it was good they replied it was really good and not too sweet. Well balanced.

I may have ordered some if not for the wind that was sweeping through the hills that Friday afternoon, which made it a bit chilly. Another factor in my decision not to get it was wanting to go “classic” for our first Yadkin Valley wineries tasting that weekend, so I stuck to pure wine.

I ended up craving a glass of cold, slushy wine from that point until we found some more frozen options the following day. 

Hours: Open daily, 12:00pm to 6:00pm (last call at 5:30pm); Closed Tuesdays

Address: 2364 Cedar Forest Rd., Ronda, NC 28670

🍷 2. Raffaldini Vineyards

Our afternoon at Raffaldini Vineyards was our favorite stop of the entire weekend. If we could only stop at one winery, this would be it for us. It reminded us a lot of stopping somewhere like Pippin Hill in Charlottesville .

Raffaldini Vineyards  is just next to Piccione Vineyards. We saved our visit to Raffaldini for the next day, however, because of the wineries' operating hours. So instead of going there Friday after we got to town and after Piccione, when all the wineries were closing, we made it our first stop on Saturday, when it opened. We arrived at 11:00am and maximized our time there.

The Views at Raffaldini

If a picture is worth 1,000 words just look below. You park your car in the local lot at Raffaldini then step along the walkway to go to the tasting room and the image below is your view. Wow.

Acres of vineyards roll down the hill towards the forest and the Blue Ridge Mountains in the distance. And it's all perfectly framed by the greenery around Raffaldini upon your “vista” approach too.

Learning about the Vines at Raffaldini Vineyards

The head winemaker, Chris Nelson, gave us a took a tour of the vineyards. He often hosts events at the vineyard, including a winemaking class during their September Annual Festa Italiana , or even a playful wine blending competition in November.

Anyone who visited Raffaldini Vineyards can book a tour and tasting through their online reservation partner, Tock.

We walked just a portion of their acres of vines together (they have over 100 acres) and we learned so much from Chris. Our education began, learning that prior to Jay Raffaldini planting some Italian grapevine varietals in the United States, no one was planting them! That was back in 2001.

Their Italian vines are why Raffaldini, a family-owned winery, is sometimes referred to as “Chianti in the Carolinas.”

Dry Italian Wines at Raffaldini and Learning about the Vineyards

The wines at Raffaldini are dry (and delicious) and all Italian, including reds like Sangiovese Classico (the same grapes used in Chianti), Montepulciano Riserva, Sagrantino and Grande Riserva. Their notable white is Vermentino.

We inspected the vines with him during our April trip and saw some clusters of berries growing. He shared how we could identify frost damage like he did that month.

Unfortunately, they lost about 50% of their vines due to frost in April 2021, whose harvest will affect the product two years down the line. Whatever grapes they get this year will be harvested the first week of August through October.

He also taught us about the types of grapes that were best for making wine. They want a small and compact cluster of grapes with a higher skin to juice ratio, which is the opposite of table grapes.

When you snack on grapes, you want a high juice-to-skin ratio, meaning more juice and less skin. And most people like a large juicy grape to eat as a dessert or for baking. ( NC's muscadine grapes are very sweet, plump, and juicy. But they're a different beast than the grapes in the Yadkin Valley, which are entirely different.)

Also, grape seeds are okay in wine production; it's one of the prime sources that produce tannins. And tannins are part of why red wines taste dry.

He also showed us inside their wine-making area. This is where we saw vines sitting in blue buckets with water, ready to be planted.

Learning about Wine Productions at Raffaldini Vineyards

Winemaker Chris Nelson had been out in California's wine country making wines for many years before coming back to the east coast to head up the wine production at Raffaldini.

We absolutely loved that while Chris was wearing a Tar Heels hat, for the University of North Carolina, he had a laid back and chill California vibe. (And we love California, particularly San Diego where Dan used to live.)

Growing grapes and making wine in California versus North Carolina is totally different. While it's very dry in California most of the time, there is too much rain in North Carolina for the vines. He shared information about the locations and wine production thereafter as the three of us stood in the facility pictured below.

His teaching style was approachable and understandable. He took us outside to show us where the Appassimento process or the partial drying process of the grapes happens. This is to make their wines more concentrated with flavor.

Then we went inside, where he showed us the stainless steel fermentation tanks wines go into, the oak barrels some wines are put into age, and Raffaldini's wine labeling machine.

Enjoying Raffaldini Vineyards Property

After our tour, we sat down to enjoy a full tasting with four glasses of wine. The tastings at Raffaldini are a little different than the other vineyards we visited that weekend.

Instead of picking four wines off their list, you choose one of their preset wine-tasting menus. This would be either a Bianco (white) tasting, Rosso (red) tasting, or Rosa (rosé) tasting.

In addition to wine tastings, Raffaldini has assorted snacks you can purchase. We nibbled on a charcuterie and cheese plate (we brought our own NC cutting board for a photo opp, knowing they had these snack options).

The pimento goat cheese was local, from Heritage Homestead , and so good I still dream about it. We had water to stay hydrated as we responsibly drank our dry wines (I was driving so Dan had most of my wine!) and even got a pizza to share from the “food truck” that was on si te that day , which was truly more like a portable brick oven the pizza makers had.

It was great and, all the while, we were within eyesight of an astounding view.

(Want a cute cheese board like our NC State outline board? There are plenty of state cheese boards on Etsy that also make amazing housewarming gifts !)

Raffaldini's Operating Hours

We left truly excited to return again soon. And as if all the beauty we saw while we sat and sipped wine wasn't enough, we exited to a gorgeous view of the villa in the background and pond with a fountain in front of us and saw a field of stunning yellow wildflowers just shortly after we exited the gates.

Hours: Sunday, 12:00-5:00pm, Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday: 11:00am to 5:00pm, Tuesday: Closed

Address : 450 Groce Road, Ronda, NC 28670

🍷 4. Windsor Run Cellars

This winery is much, much smaller compared to Raffaldini. But going from Raffaldini to Windsor Run Cellars was a nice change.

Windsor Run Cellars isn’t trying to be Raffaldini – it’s its own thing. That is apparent as soon as you reach the somewhat “roadside” destination, not just in the landscape and tasting room but also the wines. 

There aren’t hills here. Instead, there is a small plot of land under vine with a brown house behind it that serves as its wine-tasting room. It has a few seats on a side terrace and some out front under its covered porch. There aren’t seats inside, which is likely a result of COVID restrictions. (We imagine there were pre-COVID and they will add seats again inside one day.)

They have a total of 40 acres of vineyards, but just 15 are onsite at the winery. The rest are located off-site.

Tasting Wines at Windsor Run Cellars

I mentioned that I had been craving frosé since we saw it the day prior at Piccione Vineyards. Luckily, I could partake in a frozen option at Windsor Run Cellars! They had two to choose from, and I chose the Cherry Slush, which has alcohol in it. Their slushy flavors rotate; they often have a sangria slushy too.

Dan got a flight of four of their wines , always sure to include a Cabernet Sauvignon option (a favorite in our home).

The mantle above the fireplace in their tasting room had dozens of bottles with awards. We spent some time reading them and were intrigued by their unique creations, including their Mighty Mojito wine cocktail.

It won a bronze award at the Dixie Classic Fair, a Mid-Atlantic Southeastern Wine Competition in nearby Winston-Salem. They also have a G&J in the tasting room, which is a gin and juice-inspired wine cocktail.

If you want a souvenir from your day of wine tasting at Yadkin Valley Wineries, there's a small area near the bar with wine-themed trinkets and gifts.

Windsor Run Cellars also has a Distillery

If you're not into wine then this is a great place to visit because they also have a distillery. The distillery is only open to visitors on Saturdays and you can only see it with a tour guide. Space is limited so we recommend making a reservation in advance . They have them regularly on the hour from 11:00am to 4:00pm. 

Hours : Wednesday to Saturday 10:00am to 5:00pm, Sunday 1:00pm to 5:00pm; Closed Tuesdays. Distillery open Saturdays only.

Address : 6531 Windsor Road, Hamptonville, NC 27020

• Shadow Springs Vineyard

We drove less than five minutes to Shadow Springs . It's practically across the street! Windsor Run Cellars and Shadow Springs are both owned by the Johnson family.

Shadow Springs Vineyard was planted on old tobacco land (tobacco was a huge crop in North Carolina, many years ago). White and red grapes are grown on the eleven acres of land under vine at Shadow Springs.

Their tasting room, pictured below, was opened in 2008. They have a small gift shop inside along with some indoor seating on their lower level.

Tastings at Shadow Springs Vineyard

Like Windsor Run Cellars, Shadow Springs has both wines and slushies. Their frozen alcohol options, when we visited, included a Shadow-Rita (drinks like a margarita) and a Shortcake, made from strawberries.

The person helping us in the tasting room said people like to mix the two for a Miami Vice kind of mixed blended cocktail!

We each got a tasting with slightly different wines – our one common denominator is usually a Cabernet Sauvignon! The tasting blocks are nearly identical to the ones at Windsor Run Cellars, though the wine offerings differ.

Detailed Description of Each Wine We Tasted at Shadow Springs

Here are the wines Dan selected for his tasting: 

• 2017 Cabernet Franc : medium-bodied red with aromas of cherry and oak. Lively acidity and fruity finish.
• 2017 Chambourcin : aged in oak for 18 months, silky tannins and long finish. Hints of black raspberry, dark sugars, and blackberry.
• Tangled Oak Select : Cab Franc, Chambourcin, Cab Sauv, Merlot, and Petit Verdot aged in our Shadow Hawk brandy barrels. A bold wine with a smooth luxurious finish.
• 2016 Petit Verdot : full-bodied red with hearty flavors of plum and cherry aged in premium oak barrels. Perfect match for smoked meats or grilled veggies.

And here are the wines I tasted: 

• Rose : dry rose blend with aromas of fruit cocktail, raspberries, and soft florals. Mouthwatering acidity balances the perception of sweetness.
• 2019 Seyval Blanc : stainless steel fermented, light, crisp, and clean off-dry wine. Drinks like a softer Sauvignon Blanc. Dinner party crowd-pleaser.
• 2014 Meritage : Bordeaux blend of Cab Franc, Cab Sauv, Merlot, and Petito Verdot with nearly 2 years in barrel. A classic wine with complex flavors.

You can take your drinks – whether slushies, glasses of wine, or a wine tasting – outside to their “backyard” space and enjoy it all from outdoor tables or Adirondack chairs by their pond.

Hours : Wednesday to Saturday: 10:00pm to 5:00pm; Sunday 1:00pm to 5:00pm 

Address : 5543 Crater Road, Hamptonville, NC 27020

🍷 5. Laurel Gray Vineyards

On Sunday morning we had breakfast in Winston-Salem at Young Cardinal Cafe, as we awaited the time our last two wineries of the weekend would open.

We drove to Laurel Gray Vineyards and were amongst the first visitors there on Sunday, at 1:00pm, its opening time. The land has been in the Myers family for 10 generations since Queen Charlotte of England gave the family a land grant in 1773.

Over time, the original 400 acres she granted have become 85 acres. Ten and a half of those acres have are under vine with French grapes.

Benny and Kim Myers have owned and operated Laurel Gray Vineyards for over 20 years. Today, the tasting room is in the remodeled structure that was once an old milking parlor.

Wine Tasting Experience at Laurel Gray Vineyards

I ordered a flight of wine and Dan ordered a glass of the 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon wine inside the tasting room at Laurel Gray Vineyards . We then carefully carried them outdoors to their patio.

My tasting included the Cab Sauv Dan chose for his glass, the 2018 Barrel Fermented Chardonnay, 2019 Charlotte rosé, and the 2018 Bourbon Barrel Aged Cabernet Sauvignon. The bourbon Cab Sauv is aged in bourbon barrels for an additional five months. (If you're wondering, the two Cabernet Sauvignons did, indeed, taste different from one other.)

It feels as if you're in someone's beautifully designed backyard on their covered patio, complete with attractive gray and black furniture with potted flowers and tropical plants around you. We imagine their outdoor fireplace is lovely in the fall when the temperatures drop but people still want to enjoy their lovely outdoor environment.

They also have umbrella-covered tables out front within their white picket fenced-in area, surrounded by a garden.

Enjoying the Laurel Gray Vineyards Property

We chose to sit in two Adirondack chairs and turned them out to the pond to face the growing vines. What do ya know, we actually enjoyed a bit of bird watching there too! It was truly a lovely spring afternoon and a most enjoyable place to be together.

Next time we'll be sure to pack some picnic food – we saw a few couples who were smart and thought to bring all sorts of snacks in coolers. Laurel Gray even has some great recipes online that would be perfect for making at home and bringing to the winery to enjoy onsite.

However, if you're hungry and didn't bring anything to eat, they have Ashe cheese (one of our favorite North Carolina cheese companies), beer (if you want a non-wine option), crackers, and the like inside for purchase.

They also have a small gift shop by the tasting bar, with things like wine charms and cocktail napkins, and even wine sauces. This included options such as a Chocolate Cabernet wine sauce and Caramel Chardonnay wine sauce. They reminded us of the sauce options available for purchase at North Carolina's Seven Springs near Warrenton .

Hours : Open Monday from noon to 4:00pm, Wednesday to Saturday from 10:00am to 5:00pm, and Sundays from 1:00pm to 5:00pm

Address : 5726 Old U.S. 421 W., Hamptonville, NC 27020

🍷 6. Dobbins Creek Vineyards

The final stop of our trip was Dobbins Creek Vineyards, which was the perfect place to wrap up our weekend exploring Yadkin Valley wineries. The log cabin tasting room is everything you'd want in a cozy, welcoming space to taste wines, especially if it's cold outside.

The weather the day we visited was ideal, so we opted to sit on the porch after our tasting to enjoy the serene views and chat with other visitors.

Wine Tasting at Dobbins Creek Vineyards

We each did a tasting inside at the bar. The person who helped us was young but incredibly knowledgeable about wines. It was fun to do a tasting with him at the bar at Dobbins Creek Vineyards , enjoying that ambiance first, then choose our favorite glasses for us each to take outside to sit and simply enjoy the day.

The wine tasting included a sampling of all of their wines currently available. Dan and I loved the Ram Cat Red, a 2018 Bordeaux style blend; we each ordered a glass of that after the tasting to enjoy on the porch.

We sat there for about an hour, enjoying our glasses of red wine and being grateful for the weather, scenery, and a wonderful weekend together exploring Yadkin Valley wineries.

To finish up our time at Dobbins Creek Vineyards, we walked in the vineyards and looked back at the tasting room. It was a lovely walk through the crop and land that provides such a wonderful harvest and product with the help of human hands. What a tribute to our human connection to the land!

Hours: Friday from 12:00pm to 5:00pm; Saturday from 11:00am to 5:00pm; Sunday from 1:00pm to 5:00pm

Address : 4430 Vineyard View Lane Hamptonville, NC 27020

🍷 6. Swan Creek Wine Trail

We want to note that four of the wineries we went to are part of the “Swan Creek Wine Trail.” It's called this because they are part of the Swan Creek American Viticultural Area (AVA) of North Carolina.

This includes the following wineries:

Knowing this won't affect anything during your visit! We simply wanted to note it because you may see it referenced during your trip or as you research a Yadkin Valley wineries weekend. And you may be a wine connoisseur who enjoys additional background information about North Carolina viticulture and geology.

The Swan Creek Wine Trail website states, “The Swan Creek AVA was established in 2008, making it the second federally designated wine-growing region in NC (behind the Yadkin Valley AVA).”

They're not the only four wineries in this AVA area, but they're the ones who have partnered to distinguish themselves as an associated group of wineries, hosting some events together throughout the year.

Where We Stayed for our Yadkin Valley Wineries Weekend

While Yadkin Valley wineries are fabulous, the pickings are slim for places to stay there. We saw a few rustic cabins on Air BnB and VRBO, but ultimately nixed the idea. They're not really our style, even though we love a modern log cabin.

We need the assurance of strong wifi or a good cell phone signal when we're away because we own our own businesses and need to access email regularly, when possible.

We always stay at one of two hotels:

• Kimpton Cardinal Hotel
• Hotel Indigo

Elkin, NC is probably the closest small city to the wineries we visited. However, the closest big city near Yadkin Valley wineries is Winston-Salem. And when it was between there or Elkin for hotels, there was no question we'd head to Winston-Salem because we love it. We have a blast every time we visit Winston-Salem. It's such a fun area.

Another benefit of staying in downtown Winston-Salem was we had our choice of things to do after the wineries closed, which was around 6:00pm if not earlier. This is the time the wineries close even on weekends. DStaying in Winston-Salem meant we could return to our hotel and refresh after a day of wine tasting, before heading out to dinner at one of Winston-Salem's restaurants .

For instance, after tasting delicious dry wines on Saturday, we retreated to Winston-Salem for an hour of rest and enjoyed live music that evening at Earl's, where we also had a casual dinner. There's no way we would have been able to have that same experience if we had stayed in Elkin.

Other Things to Do in Downtown Winston-Salem

If you've never been to Winston-Salem, please see our First Timer's Guide . Visiting Winston-Salem breweries is also a must! They are open later than wineries on the weekends, so you could potentially do both if you're ambitious. (Please drink responsibly!)

Elkin Vine Line: Yadkin Valley Wineries Shuttle Service

Speaking of safe drinking and driving, we noticed the Elkin Vine Line while we were out and about. It's a car service to ensure safe drinking and (not) driving. It picks you up from Elkin after you reserve a space in advance. The Vine Line spends the day running between wineries to safely transport visitors.

It's a super smart system and the way to go if you plan on getting drunk, whatsoever, and don't want to have to worry about your driving. Expect to spend five to six hours exploring the wineries for the day you sign up.

The Vine Line starts at a spot in Elkin's downtown historic district, where you park your car. It's a bit past the wineries if you're driving from Winston-Salem, but on the way, if you're driving from Charlotte, a city west of the wineries and Elkin. Regardless, there's no substitute for being responsible even if you need to drive 20 minutes past the wineries from Winston-Salem to do so.

The Vine Line costs between $40 and $46 per person, depending on which of their five lines , or routes, you choose to do. Choose their blue and green lines if you want to visit the wineries we spent time at.

Disclaimer that we haven't used it ourselves, but it seems like a great option worth looking into!

Love wine and wineries? Also check out:

• 5 of the Best Wineries to Visit in Virginia’s Charlottesville Area
• Where to Eat, Play and Stay in Loudoun County, Virginia
• All About North Carolina Muscadine Grapes

Thank you for this blog! Very detailed and helped me to determine my NC wine tour! 🙂

So glad to hear that, Amanda! Let us know how your trip goes!

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Home » North America » USA » 11 Yadkin Valley Wineries Not to Miss

11 Yadkin Valley Wineries Not to Miss

By Author Laura Longwell

Posted on Last updated: October 9, 2022

Infinitely winding roads curve over streams and beside vast stretches of vineyards that used to be tobacco fields. They pass hillsides dotted with foliage just starting to show the colors of the season and wrap around a myriad of family-run wineries in mid-harvest. Sooner or later, these roads lead you to a small town main street, a lively tasting room, or maybe a wide spot in the road where locals have been cooking their prized barbecue for generations. This is North Carolina’s Yadkin Valley, a natural beauty full of some of the state’s finest vineyards and most skilled winemakers.

Across North Carolina, the wine industry is booming. In only 20 years, the number of wineries has quadrupled to well over 100. From boutique vintners focused on small batches to larger operations selling their best offerings across the South, over one-third of these producers are Yadkin Valley wineries this.

The Yadkin Valley was North Carolina’s first American Viticultural Area (the term for a designated wine grape-growing region). It covers a staggering 1.4 million acres. Here, and across the state, the industry has two focuses — native Muscadine grapes and European-style grapes referred to as vitis vinifera . Muscadine grapes, cultivated in North Carolina since the 16th century, tend to produce a very sweet wine. This is partly because sugar is added during the winemaking process. Vitis vinifera grapes — such as Viognier, Pinot Grigio, Sangiovese, or other varieties often identified as European — may be used to make sweet or dry wines that often have more structure and complex flavor.

With so many different wineries and various kinds of wines to try, it’s hard to know where to focus your time. Here’s a look at 11 Yadkin Valley wineries where you’re sure to find some of the best that North Carolina has to offer.

Childress Vineyards

Native vines winery, junius lindsay vineyard, weathervane winery, raylen vineyards & winery, shelton vineyards, old north state winery, piccione vineyards, mcritchie winery and ciderworks, raffaldini vineyards, carolina’s vineyards & hops.

Childress Vineyards is a destination winery in the Yadkin Valley. From its vast tasting room to its showcase restaurant to its regular outdoor music, Childress Vineyards has all the things that will make you want to relax and stay for a while.

Owned by former NASCAR driver and race team owner Richard Childress, Childress Vineyards is more than just beautiful grounds and a striking event space, however. Winemaker Mark Friszolowski specializes in European grapes such as Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier, Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Petit Verdot. He has crafted more than 30 world-class wines – red and white blends and single varietal wines, specialty wines, and a few select sweet wines.

Since opening its doors in 2004, Childress Vineyards has expanded its offerings and grown into a significant player in North Carolina’s wine industry, with its wines known across the state and beyond. Tours and tastings are available daily.

Lunch is also available every day in the upscale restaurant, The Bistro at Childress Vineyards, which serves high-quality seasonal specialties with the bonus of sweeping views of one of the vineyards. This is a place to grab a glass and lose yourself in the perfection of a North Carolina day.

You only have to hear the name to know there is something unique about Native Vines Winery . Set back from the highway down a dirt road on land that has been in the family for over 200 years, the winery is housed in a building previously used as the family stable. Here, over the last 20 years, owner and winemaker Darlene Gabbard has evolved something that began as a hobby into a distinctive, thriving business.

Native Vines Winery is the first American Indian-owned vineyard in the United States. A member of the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina, Gabbard has an environmentally sensitive approach, minimizing pesticides and avoiding the addition of sulfites to create the purest product possible. Even the wine labels reflect the earth and Native American heritage. They feature arrowheads, which are still found on the property.

The winery is one of the oldest on the Yadkin Valley wine trail. It began in the late 1990s as a way to use the apples and blackberries growing on the family’s 36-acre property. From there, grapes were added, including Chenin Blanc, Riesling, Pinot Noir, and other European varieties.

Gabbard didn’t stop at the traditional. She also uses various teas as the bases for her specialty wines. (“You can ferment anything!” she says, with a smile). With a variety of red, white, sweet, and fruit wines, Native Vines Winery has something that will please just about every palate.

At the end of a gravel road that separates the vineyard from the field stands the open-air tasting room of Junius Lindsay Vineyard . Many weekends, this land is full of music and flowing with French-style wines as visitors enjoy the casual setting and upscale offerings.

Beginning in 2004, Michael Zimmerman planted this ground — part of his family’s century-old farm. He named the Yadkin Valley vineyard for his grandfather who grew grains, hay, and sweet potatoes on the land decades ago. Drawing on Zimmerman’s experience in France as part of the U.S. Foreign Service, the land is now home to a variety of Rhone Valley grapes, including Viognier, Roussanne, and Syrah.

Junius Lindsay Vineyard, a boutique winery, serves estate-bottled wines. Their Old World-style of production focuses on blends that bring forward the particular character or their terroir in this region, resulting in complex flavors and sophisticated wines. It’s a little bit of France in North Carolina.

An increasingly common theme in the industry, Weathervane Winery developed out of hobby winemaking. This time, it was in owner Sid Proctor’s basement. Since then, the company has grown to produce a variety of 19 red, white, and sweets wines that are now sold throughout North Carolina.

With a specialty in sweet wines, Weathervane Winery prides itself in its hands-on approach. In their words, nothing is “mass produced” or held in large storage tanks for aging. Instead, everything is done by hand with estate-grown and local grapes to ensure that each bottle is the best it can be.

The winery is a hopping place. On any given Friday, you can find them hosting “Wine-Down” Friday night, featuring food, wine (of course), and fun. They also host weddings and other events on the property.

With 35 acres under vines, RayLen Vineyards is one of the premier wineries of the Yadkin Valley. They focus on European varietals, including Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay, and Merlot. Almost all of their grapes are estate grown, so they control every step of the process in producing their award-winning wines.

One of the charter members of the Yadkin Valley AVA, RayLen has been at the forefront of the North Carolina wine industry for over 20 years. It shows in their single varietals and proprietor’s blends. We particularly enjoyed their barrel reserve Chardonnay.

RayLen is open daily and features live music regularly. They also host special events ranging from charcuterie workshops to seasonal markets. There are lots of places around the property to spread out and enjoy the views, especially at sunset.

Walking up to Shelton Vineyards , the first thing you notice is the sheer size of the place. The massive 400-acre estate in Dobson is home not only to the vineyards but also to the Harvest Grill – the property’s upscale bistro restaurant – and a seemingly endless amount of beautifully landscaped open space for visitors to enjoy.

When Shelton opened, it was at the forefront of the booming North Carolina wine industry as only the second of the Yadkin Valley wineries. Now one of the largest wineries on the East Coast, they still pride themselves on their family-centric approach, with the second generation overseeing the operations of the winery.

Drawing on its mineral-rich soil and a climate similar to some of the best wine-growing regions in Europe, Shelton Vineyards focuses on European-style wines. Estate-grown grapes include Cabernet Franc, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Riesling, among many others.

Once pressed, the juices make their way through the winery’s state-of-the-art gravity flow system before being aged or bottled on-site. Each action is done with an eye toward producing the best quality product, which has propelled Shelton to international success.

Right in the middle of downtown Mount Airy stands Old North State Winery . With its slick tasting bar, food offerings, and regular open mic and musical performances, Old North State is a one-stop shop for fun in this small town.

Founded in 2002, Old North State Winery offers a wide selection of red, white, and sweet wines. The wines are produced and aged below the tasting room — a unique set-up for a city-based winery that shows the company’s attention to finely-crafted wines.

Piccione Vineyards is a family-run winery in Swan Creek. Drawing on their Sicilian heritage, they produce high-quality European wines, including Montepulciano, Vermentino, and our favorite Sangiovese.

All the wines at Piccione are produced from estate-grown fruit on the 100-acre property that has beautiful views of the surrounding area. It’s the perfect place to spend an afternoon wine tasting.

There is live music almost every weekend plus food trucks and plenty of special events.

In two unassuming buildings off Highway 21 stands McRitchie Winery and Ciderworks . These twin structures aren’t the family home as they appear but rather they are the base of a high-efficiency, highly-skilled winemaking operation built on decades of experience.

Sean McRitchie began learning the ropes of making wine in childhood, as his father was a winemaker in Oregon and California. After gaining experience in the U.S. and Europe, Sean and his wife Patricia planted their first vines in North Carolina in 2004. By 2006, the McRitchie Winery and Ciderworks was open.

Using low-impact methods, the McRitchies strive to yield the best and purest products from their North Carolina raw ingredients. Their grapes, including European varietals such as Chardonnay and Petit Verdot, are estate-grown or sourced from around the valley. Their cider apples are grown at an orchard in the Brushy Mountains that has been family-run for three generations. These sustainable efforts and local products have resulted in award-winning artisan wines and hard ciders that are a must try on any trip through the Yadkin Valley.

Despite a slight drizzle outside, the tasting room at Raffaldini Vineyards was already buzzing with guests just after opening on a weekday. With its scenic views and expertly crafted wines, it’s no wonder why this Italian-style winery is one of the most popular wineries in the Yadkin Valley–and, indeed, in North Carolina.

Situated on the hill above a 40-acre vineyard, the stone-covered Raffaldini Vineyards villa could easily be mistaken for any property in Tuscany. Its aesthetics not only make for a lovely environment for a morning of wine tasting but also echo the Raffaldini family’s Italian heritage. The family can trace its roots back over 600 years in northern Italy — a history that informs much of what they do today.

The Raffaldinis’ heritage and knowledge of Italian winemaking is present in everything from the choice of the Italian grapes grown here (Sangiovese, Montepulciano, and Pinot Grigio, among others) to the labor-intensive method of drying the fruit through a process called appassimento . By carefully choosing grapes that will thrive in the inhospitable Yadkin Valley soil and applying time-tested techniques, the Raffaldini family creates bold reds and delicate white wines with complex structure and flavor that are still accessible to all wine drinkers.

From the outside, it looks like many other bars in downtown Winston-Salem . But once you walk through the door and see the self-service wine dispensers and taps in the wall, you know Carolina’s Vineyards & Hops (CV&H) is definitely not typical.

The tasting bar carries only products produced in North Carolina. That means that everything from its cheeses and charcuterie to its many wines and draft beers are all the definition of local, sourced from producers across the state.

A stop at CV&H allows visitors to see a snapshot of the best of what’s available in North Carolina without having to drive miles to get it. And since the menu rotates every two weeks, there is always something different to try. The company’s mission is to educate consumers about the great products made in North Carolina, and they’re succeeding at every turn.

In addition to its partnerships with the over 100 wineries in North Carolina, CV&H has also begun making its own line of wines. They feature a red blend, a Pinot Grigio, and a sparkling white, with more slated to be available soon. Their tasting room-only sangria, based on a family recipe from Spain, is also one of my personal favorites. If you’re interested in a fun, easy way to try the finest products from Yadkin Valley wineries and beyond, get here quickly.

Laura Longwell is an award-winning travel blogger and photographer. Since founding Travel Addicts in 2008, she has written hundreds of articles that help over 3 million people a year get the most out of their travel. In that time, she has visited nearly 60 countries on 5 continents, often returning to favorite destinations over and over again. She has a deep love of history, uncovering unexpected attractions, and trying all the good food a place has to offer.

In addition to Travel Addicts, Laura runs a site about her hometown of Philadelphia—Guide to Philly—which chronicles unique things to do and places to see around southeastern Pennsylvania. Her travel tips and advice appear across the web.

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Mike Toste | Realtor® & Wine Lover

Wednesday 25th of May 2016

Wow! What a guide! Love this! Great pics! Great rundown, certainly a go-to guide for area wineries! Thanks for posting, Laura!

Friday 13th of November 2015

Visit us next time, too!

Laura Longwell

That would be great :)

Jenn's Vin North Carolina Wines LLC

Wednesday 11th of November 2015

You overlooked my top selling NC wines from our Yadkin Valley AVA, Jones Von Drehle. Exceptional! Malbec, Tempranillo, Cabernet Franc, Viognier, Petit Manseng and Steel B. Fermented Chardonnay...?

Thursday 12th of November 2015

I wasn't able to visit everywhere, but it's always good to have a reason to come back to North Carolina!

Yadkin Valley Wine Festival

Join Us At Our Next Event!

May 18th, 2024

Festival of Wine, Food, Music, Craft and Memories in Western North Carolina

Welcome to the Yadkin Valley Wine festival in Elkin, North Carolina, a delightful celebration that combines the rich flavors of local wines, tantalizing culinary delights, captivating arts and crafts, and the enchanting rhythms of live music. Set in the picturesque town of Elkin, known for its stunning vineyards and warm hospitality, this festival promises an unforgettable experience for wine enthusiasts, foodies, and arts lovers.

My Adventures on the Yadkin Valley Wine and Shine Trail

by Jo Clark

I set out to explore the Yadkin Valley Wine AVA (American Viticultural Area.) The Yadkin Valley AVA consists of seven counties in western North Carolina, with the Yadkin River as its Southern border. Nearby towns are Elkin, Dobson, Mount Airy, Pilot Mountain, and State Road (yes, that is the town’s name!) Believe me, visiting the Yadkin Valley is a real treat! Plus, it is a short drive from Charlotte or Winston-Salem. In less than four hours, you can easily drive to Elkin from points along the east coast like Charleston, Charlottesville, Myrtle Beach, Augusta, or Roanoke.

You can jump on the Yadkin Valley Wine Trail for a day trip or a long weekend getaway! Yadkin Valley wineries and vineyards appear here mostly in the order we visited them–it just seemed like the best way to honor them all!

Table of Contents

Where did we go.

Frequently, I say, “So many wineries, so little time.” That was certainly true on this trip! I mean, who knew –  44 wineries!! And, all for me! * sigh * But, we had only four days to taste them all. My travel buddy, Audrey, and I are over-achievers, but even  we  couldn’t manage it! We did visit many fabulous wineries, most in Surry County, and the Elkin area. We stayed in historic cabins in vineyards; sipped sweet wines on the porch, and watched the sun as it sank behind grape vines in North Carolina’s wine country. And, all along, we just kept telling ourselves, “This gives us an excuse for another trip along the North Carolina Wine Trail.”

The native grapes of the area are Muscadines, which include scuppernong. These are the same grapes that grow throughout the South, especially in the coastal area near me. You’ll hear wine industry people talk about Carlos and Noble and other varieties used to make muscadine wine. Still, all are large grapes full of flavor and fruity. However, other grapes do well here, especially the European style and French-American Hybrids from France, such as Chambourcin, Petit Verdot, Petit Manseng, and Traminette (more on those later!)

Yadkin Valley Wine at the Golden Road Winery

Chad and Crista at Golden Road Winery are such a welcoming couple; one of the first things they said to us was, “If you’re drinking, I’m pouring!” We certainly weren’t turning down a glass of wine, and we kind of took that as a challenge for the week!

Chad and Crista haven’t owned the winery very long, but somehow, they found this hidden gem and made it their own! Their tasting sheet has the requisite wine names and descriptions, and additionally includes notes on what palate tastes to expect and  where  on the palate you will achieve it. In addition, it has pairing recommendations, so I’m happy to have it as a cheat sheet at home. Have some smoked gouda or a pizza? Open that Bumping Holler (a Merlot aged in bourbon barrels)! Spicy Asian food? Better uncork that Traminette!

The Cabernet Franc was my favorite, with a peppery finish. I found myself wishing for a nice, thick steak to go with my tasting. And tasting the whites left me wanting more Mountain Park Mist, their refreshing porch wine made from Traminette grapes. 

Grassy Creek Vineyard

Grassy Creek Vineyard is an old winery, they pour their tastings in an old barn, and they make their wines in an even older barn! Owner Jim Douthit was an amiable host, sharing wines, barns, stories, and cabins with us! His wife Cynthia was off on an adventure when we visited, but Jim and Red Barn Tasting Room server Carisa took great care of us! Grassy Creek was originally Klondike Farm, a dairy farm home to Guernsey cows (notice the names of wines and even the water bottles.) This winery was the 23rd North Carolina winery; now there are over 100! Sherman’s Travel ranked Grassy Creek the #1 winery in NC –for good reason!

The 2019 Barbera has three international medals dangling around the bottle’s neck, and the Red Barn Blend of Merlot, Syrah, and Sangiovese took first place in 2005. Red Barn was one of my favorites, but so was To the Max, which is an equal blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Syrah, which happen to be a few of my favorite things.

The tasting bar also has North Carolina food products for sale, including Ashe County cheese, San Giuseppe Salami, and Accidental Baker’s crackers. Local food and Yadkin Valley Wine – who could ask for more?

After Tasting Yadkin Valley Wines

In addition to the health benefits of red wine drinking, you can also amble down the trail in the nearby forest or wander down to the gorgeous lake on the property to get in a bit of exercise. Take a bottle along—that’s what we did!

When traveling, you can count yourself fortunate if you stay in a cabin like this! The Playhouse Cabin was built in the 1930s. The cabin was very comfortable—as a matter of fact, I slept like the proverbial “bug in a rug”! Grassy Creek’s partner at Klondike Cabins handles the cabin bookings.

The fire pit on the patio had fire logs stacked at the ready and overlooked the winery. That bottle of Grassy Creek wine and a mesmerizing fire might have contributed to my sleepiness!

Tasting tips:

Mix some Guernsey Red (moooooo) with Sherry or Bourbon!

Haze Gray Vineyard on the Yadkin Valley Wine Trail

At Haze Gray Vineyard , you will enter a building painted the color of a Navy ship (haze gray!) Deane Muhlenberg, a 30-year naval veteran, and his wife, Becky, founded HGV. Of course, Haze Gray is one of North Carolina’s certified Homegrown by Heroes farms! HGV has nine acres planted with nine different grape varietals in the Yadkin Valley wine region.

Remarkably, all the wine at HGV is estate bottled, meaning that they grow the grapes, make the wine on the property, and bottle it on site, all the while using only their grapes. Oh, and by the way, stainless aged means the Chardonnay is not aged in an oak barrel, but instead it is allowed to rest in a stainless steel tank, which keeps the wine from being flavored by oak..

Haze Gray Vineyards is one of the Yadkin Valley’s newer wineries on the Surry County Wine Trail. HGV honors veterans with a wall covered in photos of family, friends, and customers who served in the United States military.

Military honors appear in the names of HGV wine blends, too. Award-winning Boot Camp Red, Two Bells, Aces, Aviator Red, and White Glove are sure-fire crowd-pleasers (pun intended!) And, HGV believes in giving back–still serving our country, the vineyard donates one dollar from every blend sold to veteran organizations like The Headstrong Project and the USO ! Thank you for your service, even after retirement!

Becky shared some scrumptious recipes with me, which happen to feature Deane’s wines! One is relatively easy—when making a Devil’s Food Cake, use Black Cherry to brush on the cake after baking, and add a bit more to the frosting. Yum!

Ask Becky for her Parmesean Risotto and Cajun Shrimp recipe (or check at the bottom of this article!) and buy a bottle or two of the Stainless Steel Chardonnay to take home (like I did!!) And be sure to ask about the wine and BonBon pairings…just sayin’!

Yadkin Valley Wine at Stony Knoll Vineyards

What do you get when you combine mountain roads, vineyards, and a cabin built in the 1860s? The perfect Stony Knoll Vineyard weekend in North Carolina’s Yadkin Valley! Spend a few nights in the historic family cabin, with your head resting in a brass bed. Sip some wine and rock on the front porch, while you listen to the crickets chirp. Watch the stars come out in the inky black sky. Sound like heaven? It’s not; it’s the Yadkin Valley!

Our visit with Jonah at Stony Knoll Vineyards was fun, tasty, and educational (my favorite combination!) Oh, my! What a great personality for a winemaker and vineyard owner! Jonah is the passionate and articulate son-in-law of vineyard owners Van and Katy Coe. He quickly tells you that the goal at Stony Knoll is the future generations. Lucky for him, his ancestors had the same goal! He and his wife have already done their part; now, if those children just grow up to be farmers…

Stony Knoll makes a luscious stainless steel Chardonnay to taste-test against their barrel-fermented Chardonnay. Don’t be shocked…but I liked both! (Usually, I’m not a fan of oaky Chardonnay, but Stony Knoll could make a believer out of me.)

But I am a huge fan of Chambourcin. When you visit Stony Knoll, try the Master Exquisite Black Oak Stick Chambourcin. It is on the Reserve list—I say it is reserved for real winos—like me! An additional taste treat we enjoyed was comparing two different versions of Chambourcin. One Chambourcin was aged in a neutral oak barrel; the other aged in Hungarian and neutral French oak barrels, then blended. This Chambourcin was the winner in my book, but I’d love to hear which one is your favorite!

Yadkin Valley Wine – Farm History

Jonah can tell you WHY the grapes (and, as a result, the wine) taste the way they do. And, he loves to share the vine and wine story and educate his visitors. Stony Knoll also plants grape varieties developed in cooperation with Cornell; grapes like Corot Noir and Arandell are mildew-resistant, high-yielding varietals. Jonah explains that by growing grapes suited to the area, he can use fewer pesticides, which also means less expense and less labor!

Stony Knoll is a certified NC Century Farm. This designation means this tobacco farm has been in the same family for over 100 years. Now remember, Jonah is the son-in-law…but he is the son of a local family with agricultural roots, and owners of a NC Century Farm! Jonah certainly has farming in his blood. And his degree in Business isn’t wasted, either!

Interestingly, Syrah is a grape that Jonah says, “wants labor. It is thin-skinned and doesn’t stand up to hurricane rains.” What he’s saying is, growing Syrah grapes is labor-intensive, and you risk losing the entire crop if you have nasty weather, which we often do in the late summer.

Another thing we learned is “Chemically, wine naturally wants to go toward vinegar with an influx of oxygen—so keep the tanks/barrels topped off, or you’ll have a great deal of vinegar—or a great nail polish remover!”

When you go, ask Jonah to tell you how he met his wife! (I’m not tellin’!)   #lovestory !

Yadkin Valley Wine Made Organic-style at Carolina Heritage Vineyards

Established in 2005,  Carolina Heritage  is North Carolina’s first USDA-certified organic vineyard and winery. They grow organic French-American hybrids and muscadines to make dry and sweet organic Yadkin Valley wines.

Pat and Wendy McNabb purchased the winery in 2022 from founders Clyde and Pat Colwell. They continue operating the vineyard with a passion for the environment and organic farming.

Our tastings included the Cynthiana Rose, Magnolia, the C-C Blend (Chambourcin and Cynthiana), and Glogg (a traditional Scandinavian spiced red wine). Of course, we wrapped up with a glass of Apple Pie! And yes, wine made from fermented apples, mulled with almonds, cinnamon, and raisins, really does taste like your Mama’s Apple Pie!

Shelton Vineyard

Shelton Vineyards is North Carolina’s largest family-owned estate winery. This 1,000-acre estate spreads across the rolling hills of Dobson in Yadkin Valley—on Cabernet Lane, of course! Unbelievably, there are 136,000 vines on the farm. The Sheltons planted the first vines in 1999. With over 20 wines, everyone should find tempting tastes to take home! And I don’t mean just wine; the candy counter in the tasting room would put a candy store to shame!

While you’re there, take a guided winery tour; the history of Yadkin Valley wine is fascinating, and you will enjoy a behind-the-scenes view of the barrel room. Plus, there is a rich history here because the Yadkin Valley wine region was designated North Carolina’s first AVA in 2003, primarily due to brothers Charlie and Ed Shelton, the driving force behind that first AVA designation.

The on-site Harvest Grill restaurant will pack a picnic to enjoy in the vineyards. So you don’t miss out on this treat, plan and pre-order! Not many wineries boast a gourmet restaurant on their property, but this one does. In addition, Shelton has a variety of events throughout the year, from chef and winemaker and murder mystery dinners to New Year’s Eve celebrations and concerts on the grounds.

JOLO Winery and Vineyards

Okay, you know I had to try the winery with my name in it – JO LO – in Pilot Mountain (yep, the namesake for Mount Pilot on the Andy Griffith Show.) And, I love the size of the glass, too!

JOLO Winery and Vineyards is north of Winston-Salem, in the foothills of the Yadkin Valley. It is veteran-owned and family run. JOLO has an excellent restaurant, with both indoor and outdoor seating, and a variety of wine tastings. You can have a traditional tasting, or a vertical tasting (sampling different vintages of the same wine), or even a reserve tasting (the best of the best.)

JOLO creates Yadkin Valley wines in the dry style, as well as luscious dessert wines. In Africa, I fell in love with Meritage wines, and JOLO has their own version of a blend—JOLOTAGE—that has been winning awards nationwide and internationally since 2015!

Roaring River Vineyards

One of the unique features of the Roaring River Vineyards is the river out back! The Vineyard offers an oaked Chambourcine-Norton blend of that hybrid and native grape combination that is perfect for an evening by the fire pit!

A more picturesque spot would be hard to imagine:  with a rolling riverfront, a waterfront winery, and blue skies above! You can enjoy sampling wines on the riverside porch or in the tasting room. And beer drinkers will find a selection of artisanal local beers for their drinking pleasure. A bonus for those visiting with campers is the Roaring River RV park .

Elkin Creek Vineyard & Winery

Visiting Elkin Creek Vineyard & Winery was a delightful way to end our Yadkin Valley Wine day. The cute names for their wines will put a smile on your face. I especially appreciated the Adequate Red, a blended table wine that is MORE THAN ADEQUATE when paired with food or to serve when celebrating any occasion! The vineyard grows Sangiovese, Cabernet, and Merlot grapes, and uses local Yadkin Valley wine sources for other grapes.

Their Vin Doux is a port-style dessert wine made from Cabernet Sauvignon and aged in French Oak for three years. It was a Double-Gold Medal Winner at the Mid-Atlantic Wine Competition.

The winery is at the intersection of Big Elkin Creek and Grassy Creek. There is a lovely waterfall at the site of the grist mill, just a short walk from the tasting room. And you will find house-made sourdough bread on the menu, along with Bacon Brie, and Brick Oven Pizzas!

Linville Falls Winery

In the Blue Ridge Mountains,  Linville Falls Winery  was a fabulous find! A tour of the acres of vines, complete with wine tastings as we walked—was on tap for us–what could be a better start to an afternoon?

The owner, Jack Wiseman, is that handsome gentleman posing with me in front of the fireplace; his daughter (a good wine witch–only because we visited on Halloween weekend) kept the cauldron stirred, and his charming granddaughter led our tour. Linville is a three-generation family-run winery…another granddaughter was away the day we visited. You could almost call it a five-generation vineyard since his Grandma Ida taught him how to make wine when he was just a child, growing up in these same North Carolina mountains.

Jack was living in California near Napa after the Korean War and thought… why not?  He moved to Charlotte, married, started a family, and eventually loaded up the truck and moved the family to Linville Falls…in the Appalachian High Country, that is! First, he grew Christmas trees, then after adding grapes, he found his calling—growing two things guaranteed to put a smile on people’s faces!!

Jack’s Cherry Bounce is a drink dating back to the Revolution! It was found in the pockets of many freedom-fighting “Overmountain Men,” warming them as they marched across these rugged mountains.

Insider tidbit:

Rumored has it this cherry wine was our first president’s favorite—clearly a man of discriminating taste! Enjoy yours with a piece of dark chocolate by the fire. Oh, and by the way, if the Lobster Dogs food truck is at the winery– get in that line!

More tasty treats await you at Linville Falls Winery, like their Merlot, Brandy Barrel Aged Cabernet Sauvignon (how could that not be delicious?), Rieslings (both sweet and dry), and Cascade, a blend of estate Seyval Blanc and another Yadkin Valley wine surprise, Pinot Gris grapes. It is dry but crisp, with a hint of apricot, and very refreshing, like its namesake, nearby Cascade Falls. One of my favorites was the Trillium (maybe because of the name—I do love the wild Trilliums that bloom on the mountainsides every spring!) And with a vineyard sitting 3,400 feet above sea level, their slogan “Elevate your taste” is quite apropos!

It was a perfect day! *sigh* We were treated to live music, dancing, three birthday girls enjoying a game of Scrabble, food, local chocolates, and a two-handed pourer for our tasting! And, we learned that you can even travel by trolley car instead of driving!

The Winery Hopper was pulling into Linville Falls Winery as we did. My first thought was, HOW FUN!! Shuttle owners Shannon and Denny Lazar say, “We want to move people to happy places.” They’re onto something here! Hauling passengers to wineries and breweries certainly fits that bill. The couple owns  Elkin Vine Line  and runs the Winery Hopper, transporting guests to 18 wineries and breweries throughout the Yadkin Valley.

The Vine Line offers four different routes: through Surry and Wilkes County and to Jonesville. Visitors can hop on and off the Hopper *giggle* at will, and each route has a planned food stop. Plus, the Hopper supplies water and snacks onboard. On my next visit, I plan to leave the driving to them! And, believe me, I intend to make it there for the annual Grape Stomp!

In downtown Elkin, Raechel and Ken made sure we had plenty of treats to try. Named for nearby Skull Camp Mountain, the Yadkin Valley wines from Skull Camp range from their dry white Anticipation to the winery’s Sweetest Thang. A unique selling point here is that the wines are canned! Now, before you turn up your nose, give them a try. The cans were designed just for wine, with a lining that keeps the wine from reacting with the can. And cans are light and easy to tote along while keeping out sunlight and oxygen (both natural enemies of wine). So North Carolina’s first canned wines are welcome poolside and while boating.

Skull Camp Social House has a beer menu that will keep beer drinkers smiling. The first page lists all Skull Camp beers, and the second page has German beers, light, dark, pale, IPAs, hard ciders, and seltzers. I prefer wine, but I happily downed my beer samples before moving on to the serious job of wine tasting! Apparently, I was in the mood for cherries since three of the six I chose were Tart Cherry, Sweet Cherry, and Blackberry Cherry!

The owner of Skull Camp also owns Round Peak Vineyards in Mount Airy (yes, think Andy Griffith and the Snappy Lunch), one of the many spots on the list for our next trip to Yadkin Valley. When you go, be sure to pose for a selfie with Andy and Opie at the TV Land statue!

Lodging Available

An additional bonus at Round Peak are the two cabins available to rent. Each sleeps eight, plus the cabins have screened porches perfect for viewing the spectacular Blue Ridge sunsets. The 33 acres of vineyards and woods will also provide plenty of space for wandering.

I guess they did too good a job, since Scull Camp is currently in negotiations to be purchased by Locally Minded Brewing; be sure to check their website before you visit.

Old Nick Williams Distillery

To put the “shine” on this trip, we had an adventure ahead of us. Being a Virginia country girl, I thought distilleries would be easy to find. Well, not so much! I couldn’t find a distillery anywhere! Finally, near Winston-Salem, we found Old Nick Williams Distillery , and the Busted Barrel Cocktail Bar .

The Williams family started making whiskey in England—well, okay, in North Carolina when it was a British colony. Over 340 years ago, John Williams was born in Wales and settled in York County, Virginia, in the 1690s. (I knew Virginia would turn up in this bootlegging story!) Anyway, he was involved in distilling whiskey. He died before the American Revolution, but not before moving his wife and eight children to North Carolina.

Fast-forward to 1766, and Col. Joseph Williams proudly served his country with General George Washington. Fast-forward again, and we find Nicholas Lanier Williams (Old Nick) in 1851, moving the distillery to a location along Panther Creek and building a cabin for his family. Today, his great-great grandson resides in that same two-story cabin.

While Nicholas Lanier Williams and his son Joseph ran the distillery, it was still called the Joseph Williams Distillery (fighting with GW, remember?) Young Joseph introduced the whiskey “Old Nick” in honor of his father.

Always staying true to their history, when North Carolina made it legal to have a bar inside a distillery, much thought went into the name of this new venture. Back when prohibition started in 1919, revenuers busted all the whiskey-filled barrels—dumping 28,000 gallons of liquor. Now that distilled liquor has come full circle, the Busted Barrel seemed the perfect name!

The Busted Barrel & Distillery Libations

Tastings of the distilled products are close at hand, and the cocktail bar serves up whiskey and bourbon cocktails like a Spicy Old Fashioned, Peach Fuzz, and Pumpkin Pie Martini. They have shots, mocktails, local craft beers, as well as local and not-so-local wines. Plus, snacks are available, so you needn’t worry about starvation!

Other Adventures Along the Way As You Explore the Yadkin Valley Wine Trail

Don’t miss the farm stands you see. Especially the  Gonzales Produce stand in Dobson, a family-run farmers market. They have plants, produce, decorative items (like pumpkins, gourds, and Indian Corn), hard candy (and I mean the old-fashioned  real  hard candy), fatback (if you have to ask, well…), in short, they have it—even if you don’t know you need it!)

And you definitely need to visit Linville Caverns , North Carolina’s only show cavern, which is located a mere four miles from Linville Falls. I suggest visiting both  before  you visit the Linville Falls Winery.

For over a quarter-century,  Altapass Orchard  has been an education center, heirloom apple orchard, heritage music venue, and a restaurant, all rolled into one! Throw in an entertaining host, and you’ll be there all afternoon! Oh, and let me tell you, I earned my bumper sticker, “Honk if you survived a dance with Ben Carson!” *grin* They are working hard to “save the good stuff.” Please stop by and support their efforts!

The  Reeves Theater  provides local and touring bands a place to perform in the region year-round. It also serves dinner and drinks Wednesday through Saturday.

Or you could go to Switzerland! Little Switzerland, that is, and the Switzerland Inn. This inn is located directly on the Blue Ridge Parkway, and accommodations range from casual hotel-style rooms in the Main Lodge to rustic cottages. There is fine dining on the property and a variety of shops. More shops are just down the road, and you should visit the bookstore. I warn you, though, you’ll need a map to get out of that place, or a helping-hand from Harry Potter!

Looking for the Trail?

Yadkin Valley has the  trail  you want. Besides my Yadkin Valley Wine and Shine Trail, the Blue Ridge Craft Trail is something new in Surry County, taking you to meet artisans while discovering handmade crafts you will want to take home. There are also Trout Fishing Trails boasting 36 miles of trout rivers. Then, too, you will find hiking and biking trails and a map of cycling trails. Elkin even has access to the Mountains-to-Sea Trail.

And what about festivals? The area is home to a Harvest Festival, Grape Festival, Pumpkin Festival, and Autumn Leaves Festival—and that’s just on the  Yadkin Valley  fall calendar! 

Before you think the valley is all drinking and eating, let me tell you about  Rio Doce Gem Mine . You can prospect to your heart’s content in Spruce Pine, and they offer lapidary instructions in week-long increments to make up the six-week course in gemstone jewelry making.

Are frescos more your thing? The Rockford Methodist Church was built in 1914. In 1989, Tony Griffin painted the fresco “Come Unto Me” for Rockford’s Bicentennial. Griffin was born in Monroe, NC, but attended school in Florence, Italy, from the time he was twelve. After finishing the American School of Florence, he apprenticed under internationally known fresco artist Ben Long, who happened to be his brother-in-law.

Hikes (and waterfalls)

Woodland hikes are calling your name, and some will even lead to waterfalls! The shortest Carter Falls hike is from the Carter Falls Trailhead. This trail shares parking space with the Powerhouse Trailhead. The lot holds about 30 cars, but it quickly fills up on a busy day.

The trail begins on the right side of the parking lot and takes you down a shady path. There are a couple of switchbacks; then you reach the trail along the top of the falls (“Upper Falls”). This trail provides the most picturesque view of Carter Falls, and the best view is to follow the steep descent to its base. Proceed with caution on this path, remembering that proper footwear is a bonus here.

Are You Hungry Yet?

You’re sure to work up an appetite, so it’s good to know that there are plenty of places to pull up a plate. There is Yellow Door Café , a-not-to-be-missed treat! French cuisine, meets Soul Food!! Time it right, and you can have brunch on Friday or Saturday. Yeah, you know where I was…drinking wine!! But I turned up in time for dinner, and that’s what counts. *smile* This Southern girl was happy I didn’t miss dipping the Collard Green Wontons in that Thai chili sauce!

Be sure to end your night at  The Wisdom Table  for desserts and a glass from the wine bar. The Wisdom Table is a wine bar, but they also have a retail shop with 100 local wines and even more choices from the international winemaking community. Six available wine flights change weekly, so you can go often and not be bored! In addition to wines, they also carry North Carolina craft beers.

Boards, small plates, a daily entree, and unique desserts are available, too. If I had known that, I’d have gone hungry! *grin* But I made room for their Apple Tart! Since it came with an apple cider glaze and a helping of house-made apple butter, you know I wasn’t saying “No!”

You Can Cook Like Our Chef!

Becky’s Parmesan Risotto with Cajun Shrimp with Yadkin Valley Wine

Recipe should feed 4 people

You will need:

½ medium onion, finely diced

4 cloves minced garlic

1 T olive oil

4 C stock (I use chicken, but you could use vegetarian)

¼ C dry white wine (Haze Gray Vineyards’ Stainless Steel Chardonnay)

(and pair that with dinner, so you’ll need a couple of bottles!)

1 C Arborio Rice

1 C Parmesan cheese grated plus extra for serving (not the canned)

3 T Parsley, chopped (in a pinch you could use dry, but then just add 2 T)

Instructions

Heat stock and keep warm on stove

In large skillet, melt butter and olive oil over medium heat

Add the onion and cook until tender (do not let brown)

Then, add garlic and cook 1 minute longer (do not let brown)

Finally, add Rice and toss to coat

Stir in wine until it is absorbed

Add 1 ladle full of stock and stir until absorbed until you have used almost all the stock. Make sure you are continually stirring

Repeat this until you have used almost all the stock.

Should be about 17-25 minutes

When you add the last ladle of stock, also add the parsley. * This is the perfect time to start cooking the shrimp!

When stock is absorbed about ½ way, add the cheese.  Let it absorb until creamy and thick, but not soupy.

Serve and arrange the shrimp on top. Sprinkle with fresh parmesan.

*For the Shrimp, peel and devein about 24 large shrimp (large is 16 to a pound). Warm 1 T olive oil over medium heat in a skillet, and add shrimp. They only take a few minutes to turn pink, and they’re ready to eat! Sprinkle with a bit of Cajun spice.

Ready to Plan Your Next Trip?

For more exciting vacations, try these locations!! You could travel to  Georgetown , visit  Funky Floyd , or cruise off to  Alaska ! Then, of course, there are  Chocolate Tastings  in Tofino, on beautiful  Vancouver Island !

Jo loves to find ‘off the beaten path’ places, quietly observing the area and animals, taking photographs, and enjoying the scenery. Jo is an award-winning photographer and loves learning about the history of a place, its food, and its wine! She often says, “I love food and I’ll eat anything that doesn’t eat me!” Follow more of her adventures on Instagram-you’ll find her at JoGoesEverywhere.

Nice, informative, fun story on my favorites – wine, food and hiking.

Right, Bruce? With those on the check list you don’t need anything else! I hope you enjoy the Yadkin Valley as much as we did!

Six28 House is a lodging participant in this years Winter Wine Passport 🍷… A traditional guesthouse B & B, 3 guestrooms, a fresh baked welcome plate greets you upon arrival and a made to order breakfast is what you rise to each morning… http://www.six28house.com

This sounds like a wonderful place to stay – I’ll have to come for a visit! 🍷

I had no idea all this was in an area I often passed through on trips! And …a recipe.

This is an AMAZING area – as you can tell from my article! You’ll have to go back and “do it right!” LOL! So much wine, so many fabulous people!!

Thanks for the good tips!

Stacey, it’s an area worth visiting for wine lovers!

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The Best Vineyards In The US For A Vintage Wine-Tasting Vacation

Posted: April 20, 2024 | Last updated: April 20, 2024

Early Mountain Vineyards, Shenandoah Valley, Virginia

One of the hottest emerging wine regions in the country is Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley, which owes its great growing conditions to high-elevation vineyards and limestone soil. Located at the foot of the Blue Mountains, Early Mountain Vineyards is a stunning spot to unwind and try some of the area’s delicious wines, which range from French-style Cabernet Franc and Merlot varieties to newer grapes and blends. Pop in for a tasting flight, which features four different wines, or try a 'Best of Virginia' selection to see what makes the local viniculture so special.

Malene, San Luis Obispo, California

Rosé lovers should look no further than Malene in San Luis Obispo, which focuses almost exclusively on pink wines (there's one token red) with differing complexity and depth. Among the delicious options to try here are a classic, Provençal-style wine; a rosé made from old-vine Grenache; and a delicately meaty Mourvèdre. The setting couldn’t be better either: the outdoor bar is housed in a converted Airstream and you can soak up the sunshine at outdoor picnic tables as you sip.

Bluemont Vineyard, Bluemont, Virginia

We can think of worse places to relax with a glass of vino than at Virginia’s Bluemont Vineyard , overlooking the stunning Blue Ridge Mountains. But it’s not just great scenery on offer here. As well as a range of tours and tastings of Albariño and bold red blends, Bluemont offers more unusual experiences like wagon rides through the orchards and fruit-picking. You can even book a seat at the chef’s table to dine on dishes made from homegrown produce, served with expertly-paired wines.

Malibu Wine Hikes, Malibu, California

If you like your wine with a side of adventure, check out Malibu Wine Hikes ’ 4x4 tours, which allow you to explore California’s stunning Malibu Wine Country in style. That’s right: you get to board a 4x4 off-road vehicle, journeying through the 1,100-acre Saddlerock Ranch and stopping along the way to sample locally-grown blends. Or if you’d like something a little less off-road, try their VW Wine Bus Tour, where you’ll be guided around in a gloriously nostalgic vintage VW bus, stopping at locations in Saddlerock Ranch as well as Malibu Canyon.

Riverwood Winery, Kansas City, Missouri

Tucked among Missouri’s green hills and pancake-flat plains you’ll find a young and thriving wine industry, where makers are combining old-school techniques and new flavors.  Riverwood Winery , located north of Kansas City, is a great place to start. Best known for its sustainable, small-batch wines aged in Missouri oak barrels, it’s also one of the biggest independent producers of Whisky in the state. Try either (or both) at its scenic bar, which offers a bargain '8 for $8' tasting experience, accompanied by live music and freshly made flatbread pizzas. 

Yamhill Valley Vineyards, McMinnville, Oregon

Oregon’s Willamette Valley is a well-loved wine destination best known for its earthy, berry-tinged Pinot Noirs. At Yamhill Valley Vineyards , located near downtown McMinnville, all wines are estate-grown and bottled – and it isn't just about red. The cool climate makes these slopes ideal for growing Riesling grapes which produce a honeyed white with a refreshing bite of acidity. Try this and others on a tour with barrel tasting, or paired with a cheese and charcuterie board.

Duchman Family Winery, Driftwood, Texas

Italian-inspired wines have found an unlikely home in Texas’ Hill Country at  Duchman Family Winery , a proud Texan producer founded in 2004 by Lisa and Stan Duchman. This family-run outfit largely uses fruit produced in the Texas High Plains, which is said to have an ideal climate for growing Italian grapes to create blends such as Vermentino, Sangiovese and Dolcetto. Sample these varieties and more by paying a visit: private tours and tastings include the chance to try six wines with food pairings. Book in advance to avoid disappointment. 

Napa Valley hot air balloon tour, Napa Valley, California

Known for its hundreds of hillside vineyards and world-class vintages, California 's Napa Valley is as glorious to look at as its wines are to sip. Experience America's iconic wine country like never before by taking a Napa Valley hot air balloon tour . Rise early for a sunrise hot air balloon trip to savor the splendor of the landscape, before touching down to sample some of the region's best bottles.

Vineyard Villas, Seneca Lake, New York

New York’s Finger Lakes region is popular for its charming towns and stunning scenery – but it’s also a fabulous wine region. Rather than trying to cram in a visit to all the best vineyards in one day, why not make a trip out of it? At Vineyard Villas , located on the east side of Seneca Lake, you’ll find idyllic villas overlooking the lake and surrounding wineries, which can be booked for two to six people. We can’t think of a much prettier place to unwind with a glass of vino. 

Maysara Winery, McMinnville, Oregon

Environmentally-conscious wine lovers should head to Oregon, as the state is responsible for more than half of America’s total biodynamic wine output. Biodynamic refers to a process which views the farm or vineyard as a whole organism and aims to create a self-sustaining system, doing away with chemical pesticides and fertilizers in favor of time-honored natural practices. There are lots of fantastic vineyards to choose from, but Maysara Winery , whose tipples are made by a female-led team, is among the best. 

Carter Estate Winery, Temecula, California

For a good dose of glitz and glamor, check out California’s Temecula Valley. It’s been likened to Vegas, thanks to its wealth of casinos and upscale hotels, yet has the subtle luxury you’d associate with Napa. At Carter Estate , you’ll find Champagne-method bubbles, poured in the sleek tasting room and paired with canapés prepared with ingredients from the kitchen garden. To soak it all up, stay the night in a suite overlooking vines planted with Malbec, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.

Macari Vineyards, Long Island, New York

You might expect New York’s best vineyards to be found upstate, but  Macari Vineyards  is a biodynamic wine-growing hub nestled on the North Fork of Long Island. The Macari family, who have been involved in viniculture for generations, set up camp here in 1995 and have been producing trailblazing blends ever since – it was named one of Reader's Digest’s top 25 wineries in the country last year, so you know they’re onto a good thing here. To experience the best this vineyard has to offer, book a Barrel Cellar Experience, where you’ll get to try five wines each, plus a cheese and charcuterie board. 

California Wine Tours, Napa Valley, California

No oenophile worth their salt would miss a visit to California’s Napa Valley, which is surely one of the most famous wine destinations in the country – and rightly so. The area’s climate, soil and terrain make it the perfect place to grow a wide variety of grapes, so there are plenty of high-calibre vineyards to explore here. Do so in style with a custom-made tour courtesy of  California Wine Tours , which offers a range of options to explore Calistoga, Rutherford, Oakville, St Helena and other key points along the wine trail. 

Tank Garage Winery, Calistoga, California

For great wine in an unusual location, try paying a visit to Calistoga’s Tank Garage , a trendy producer housed in a former Napa Valley gas station. Grapes sourced from various vineyards are used to craft small-batch blends poured and sold exclusively here. Sample bottles, such as an orange wine made with white grapes fermented in their skins, while standing amid white-and-spearmint gas pumps. Alternatively, enjoy your tipple over a game on the vintage arcade machines, or in the copper-plated speakeasy room.

Ponzi Vineyards, Willamette Valley, Oregon

Expect ultra-eco-friendly wines at Oregon’s Willamette Valley, where biodynamic and organic methods reign supreme. One of the best is family-run  Ponzi Vineyards , which has been producing a range of award-winning bottles for more than 50 years and  was recently acquired by the family behind Champagne Bollinger . For the full experience book onto a Signature Wine Tasting, where you’ll get to sample five current releases at their chic and modern tasting room, for $45 per head – the fee is waived if you spend more than $100 when you visit. 

Cinder Wines, Boise, Idaho

Thanks to its volcanic soil and semi-arid climate, Idaho has the perfect conditions for winemaking. And women are at the forefront of the scene here: the state has the highest number of female-led wineries in the country , according to the Idaho Wine Commission. One spot you definitely shouldn’t miss is Cinder Wines in Garden City near Boise, which is headed up by chief maker Melanie Krause. It’s well worth popping into their tasting rooms, which are open 1-7pm Wednesday to Sunday, to sip a glass of dry rosé, aromatic viognier or delicate fruit-flavored chardonnay – all of which are made in the Snake River Valley. 

Vivác Winery, Dixon, New Mexico

New Mexico's winemaking history goes back some 400 years, to when Spanish missionaries began growing grapes near the banks of the Rio Grande. And if you’re after somewhere picturesque to taste world-class vino, head to Vivác Winery in Dixon. At 6,000 feet (1,829m) in elevation, it’s one of the highest-altitude wineries on the planet, which also means the views from its tasting room are world-class. Prices are reasonable too, with a standard tasting flight featuring four wines coming in at just $12 a head. 

Domaine Drouhin, Willamette Valley, Oregon

The clue’s in the name: at  this Oregonian winery , you can expect French-style blends crafted on an idyllic 235-acre estate in the Dundee Hills. The Drouhin family, who are at the helm, have roots in France’s Burgundy region – in fact, they began making wine there more than 100 years ago, before setting up business in the US in the 1980s. Today, you need an advance reservation to visit the gorgeous vineyards and try their palate-pleasing blends, with tastings held daily between 10am and 3pm.

Hill Country Wine Tours, Fredericksburg, Texas

Combining great wines with a quintessential road trip experience, Texas’ famous 290 Wine Road is the perfect place for a tour on four wheels. Running through the heart of Fredericksburg, this route features an abundance of brilliant wineries offering stylish tasting rooms, live music, picturesque vineyards to tour and a good dose of southern hospitality. To see as many as possible try booking a tour with Hill Country Wine Tours . These custom-made, all-inclusive day tours typically feature a visit to three vineyards plus tastings and lunch – perfect for a special occasion. 

Napa Valley Wine Train, Napa to St Helena, California

Love wine? Love train travel? Then you’ll really love the Napa Valley Wine Train , a luxurious journey between downtown Napa to St Helena. The train’s vintage carriages have been sensitively restored to evoke the glamor of vintage train travel, with velvet seats, mahogany paneling and brass, while the landscapes you’ll glide past are nothing short of spectacular. There are a range of packages to choose from, from half-day tours with tastings to onboard dining experiences and special events. 

Colterris Winery, Palisade, Colorado

We can’t think of many wine-growing locations that are more beautiful than Colorado’s Grand Valley. Occupying an especially panoramic spot within this region is  Colterris Winery , a proudly Coloradan business which produces 100% estate-grown bottles. Try a seated tasting for $25 a head, where you’ll get to sample seven wines, or opt for something a little different by booking a horseback ride and private tasting, which will allow you to ride through the gorgeous vineyards before sampling produce in a stunning courtyard. 

Light at Sen­so­rio, Paso Robles, California

If you’re after a more unusual way to experience California’s wine country, check out Light at Sensorio . Created by England-born artist Bruce Munro, it features two twinkling installations stretched across the landscape: Field of Light and Light Towers. The former sees 15 bucolic acres covered in a rainbow of fibre-optic stems, while the latter comprises 69 tow­ers made from bottles, also aglow in bright colors. Wander around the glittering displays before sinking a sundowner at the Airstream bar. It’s open Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings throughout the summer and tickets can be booked online in advance. 

Cairdeas Winery, Lake Chelan, Washington

To take in the best that Washington’s Lake Chelan region has to offer, make a beeline for  Cairdeas Winery  which sits on the lake’s stunning north shore near Manson. The influence of France’s Rhône Valley is evident here: Viognier, Roussanne and Picpoul grapes combine to create a range of traditional blends, which can all be sampled in the lakefront tasting room. Opt for a $15 tasting flight (the price is waived if you buy two bottles) and enjoy a selection of charcuterie, cheese boards and snacks to go with it. 

Little Bus Tours, Temecula Valley, California

In sun-splashed southern California you’ll find the Temecula Valley, a region famed for award-winning blends combined with plenty of charming small towns and a great culinary scene. You couldn’t possibly just visit one, so book one of Little Bus Tours ’ brilliant packages to see what this area has to offer. In the Deluxe 4 Wine Tour itinerary you’ll get to taste wines at four different locations, enjoy a private lunch and be driven around in a chauffeured limo. 

The Villas at Chaumette Vineyards and Winery, Ste. Genevieve, Missouri

Spread across an idyllic 310 acres of land in the Saline Creek River Valley, Chaumette Vineyards and Winery is a destination all of its own. It was founded in the 1990s by viticulture enthusiasts Hank and Jackie Johnson and has since developed into an established winery, restaurant and events space, but its most enticing offering is its luxurious villas. These self-catered vacation homes feature king-sized beds, high ceilings and plenty of terrace space in which to enjoy the picturesque surroundings. 

AIRE Ancient Wine Baths, New York City, New York

Ever wanted to bathe in wine? Turns out you can, at  AIRE Ancient Wine Baths  in the heart of New York City. This tranquil spa, inspired by Roman, Greek and Ottoman traditions, offers a “wine bath experience” for two, which involves a 30-minute soak in Spanish Ribera del Duero red – enjoying their supposed antioxidant benefits – before enjoying an hour-long grapeseed oil massage.

Benziger Family Winery, Glen Ellen, California

Producing great wine shouldn’t come at the cost of the planet, and thankfully there are a range of up-and-coming wineries prioritising sustainable farming. Well worth a visit is  Benziger Family Winery : a biodynamic, organic and sustainable producer located in California’s picturesque Sonoma County. The biodynamic methods used here include getting sheep, cattle and insects to naturally fertilize, maintain and pollinate the land. You can drop in for a tasting and tour from Monday to Thursday, or book the award-winning Biodynamic Tractor Tram Tour (pictured) for a fun way to experience this gorgeous vineyard. 

San Sebastian Winery, St. Augustine, Florida

Historic and quaint St Augustine is home to fascinating forts, Spanish colonial buildings and great beaches – but did you know it’s also a great destination for wine aficionados? Find out what we’re talking about by visiting San Sebastian Winery . This award-winning outfit, located in the heart of downtown, specializes in sparkling and dessert wines made with Muscadine grapes. If that’s your thing, pop along for one of their tours, which are offered seven days a week (and just happen to be free). Alternatively, head to the wine bar here to enjoy a glass of fizz while listening to music from local bands.

Divine Llama Vineyards, East Bend, North Carolina

Animal lovers look no further: we’ve got the perfect wine tasting experience for you. At Divine Llama Vineyards in North Carolina’s Yadkin Valley, you’ll get to sample a range of delicious wines, from a sunny rosé to a tobacco-tinged red blend, in the company of some 60 of these wooly-haired creatures. Fancy going all out? Book in advance to trek with the llamas, ending with a bottle of something back at the tasting room (note that treks are not offered in summer). 

Amavi Cellars, Walla Walla, Washington

Located in charming Walla Walla, the heart of Washington’s wine region, Amavi Cellars is a forward-thinking maker with a big focus on sustainable farming methods. At the tasting room here, which overlooks the picturesque Pepper Bridge vineyard, you’ll get to sip a range of expertly-aged varieties including a popular Cabernet Franc Rosé, an elegant Sémillon and a velvety Cabernet Sauvignon. The tasting rooms are open from 10am to 5pm daily and there are also regular seasonal events across its cellars in Walla Walla, Woodinville and Vancouver, Washington.

Now check out Florida's most beautiful small towns

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