I’ve been drinking wine in North Carolina for more years than I’m willing to admit, and I’ve lived here for most of my life. For years, when someone mentioned “North Carolina wine,” I pictured sweet, syrupy, oddly colored wines made from scuppernongs and muscadines.
News flash: that’s a myth.
Don’t get me wrong—I have fond memories of picking those sweet, thick-skinned grapes right off the vine as a kid. But they’re not exactly what I want in my wine glass today. If you do–don’t worry, most (but not all) vineyards have some version of a sweet wine.
As news of wineries seemed to be everywhere I turned, I realized it was time to do some research and see for myself what was happening in North Carolina wine country.
What I found completely shocked me.
North Carolina’s Wine Regions
An AVA (American Viticultural Area) is a federally recognized wine-growing region with distinctive climate, soils, elevations, and weather patterns that influence the character of the wines produced there.
North Carolina is home to seven AVAs:
- Appalachian High Country (shared with Tennessee and Virginia)
- Crest of the Blue Ridge
- Haw River Valley
- Swan Creek
- Tryon Foothills
- Yadkin Valley
- Upper Hiwassee Highlands (shared with Georgia)
And wine grapes are being grown outside these AVAs as well. For example, Sanctuary Vineyards is producing wine near the coast in mainland Currituck County.
My First Stop: Yadkin Valley
I decided to begin my research with four days in the Yadkin Valley. Armed with a list of wineries, reservations at an RV park, and absolutely zero expectations, I headed west.
Yadkin Valley became North Carolina’s first AVA in 2003, and much of the region’s success can be traced back to pioneers Ed and Charles Shelton of Shelton Vineyards. Often considered the founding fathers of the modern North Carolina wine industry, they opened Shelton Vineyards in 2000 and helped put North Carolina wine on the map.
While Shelton’s property spans hundreds of acres, approximately 84 acres are planted with vines, producing an impressive portfolio of wines that showcase the region’s potential.
The Heart of North Carolina Wine
While the larger wineries are impressive, some of my favorite experiences came from visiting smaller producers such as Piccione Vineyards, Castello Barone, and Jones von Drehle.
These are true boots-on-the-ground operations, with roughly 30 acres under vine and owners deeply involved in every aspect of the business.
At Castello Barone, owner and winemaker Scott Barone personally welcomed me into the tasting room, poured my wines, and answered every question I had. Meanwhile, his wife popped in from checking the vineyard to restock snacks for guests.
You simply can’t manufacture that kind of authenticity.
An Italian Escape in the Yadkin Valley
Another cornerstone of the region is Raffaldini Vineyards. Like Shelton, they’ve spent the past 25 years proving that North Carolina can produce world-class wines.
Their stunning property features an Italian-style villa overlooking the vineyards, complete with a spacious covered patio that’s perfect for a leisurely tasting. Guests can explore wines at their own pace or belly up to the tasting bar and let the knowledgeable staff guide them through the lineup.
The setting alone is worth the visit.
A Must-Visit: JOLO Winery & Vineyards
No trip to Yadkin Valley is complete without a stop at JOLO Winery & Vineyards.
JOLO offers a wide range of experiences, from traditional tastings and outdoor seating to full-service dining and private events. I was fortunate enough to attend one of their Cuvée Experience dinners hosted by Levi Banks, their ridiculously charming Vice President of Brand Experience.
The combination of food, wine, hospitality, and setting made for an unforgettable evening.
Luxury Meets Wine at Dynamis
If you’re looking for an elevated experience—and wines to match—Dynamis Estate Wines is the place.
The experience begins long before you reach the tasting room. The 2.5-mile drive from the entrance winds through impeccably maintained vineyards, orchards, and rolling fields that showcase the natural beauty of North Carolina.
Unlike the traditional tasting-bar setup, Dynamis offers seated tasting experiences in thoughtfully designed spaces overlooking the vineyards. Guests can pair their wines with a menu of shareable dishes specifically crafted to complement the estate’s wines.
It’s refined, polished, and unlike anything I expected to find in North Carolina wine country.
Tips for Planning Your Yadkin Valley Wine Trip
After spending several days exploring the region, here are a few things I learned:
Check Hours Before You Go
It may seem logical to group wineries by location, but operating hours often matter more than geography. Many tasting rooms are closed Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday—or some combination of those days. Always verify hours before finalizing your itinerary.
Research Food Options
Every winery handles food differently. Some offer only packaged snacks, some encourage picnics, and others have full-service restaurants. A little research beforehand can save you from unexpected hunger.
Plan Transportation Carefully
Uber and Lyft are not available in many of these rural areas. Roads can be narrow, winding, and unfamiliar. Designate a driver, monitor your wine-to-food ratio, and prioritize safety.
Know the Rules
Some wineries are family- and pet-friendly, while others are strictly adults-only experiences. Make sure your destinations align with your travel plans.
Look for Live Music
Many wineries host live music on weekends. If that’s your thing, check event calendars before your visit.
The Verdict
Over the course of four days, seven wineries, and roughly 65 wines, my perception of North Carolina wine completely changed.
I expected sweet muscadine wines and modest tasting rooms.
What I found instead was a thriving wine region filled with passionate growers, talented winemakers, beautiful properties, and wines that can confidently stand alongside bottles from far more famous regions.
Most importantly, I discovered just how wrong I had been about North Carolina wine.
I’m already planning my next trip. And my mind is racing with ideas for North Carolina wine tastings, vineyard tours, and all the other myths about NC wine that deserve to be busted.
Stay tuned.