Published by Christina. Last Updated on August 8, 2024.
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It’s time to sip on the best at these North Carolina wineries and vineyards! From the mountains to the sandy coast, the Old North State boasts a diverse range of winemakers.
Enjoy European-style reds in the Yadkin Valley or simple Southern muscadine sweets in Eastern North Carolina. No matter which North Carolina winery you visit, you’ll find that each one offers something unique to experience.
This list is based on our personal experiences, categorized geographically, and organized alphabetically. Here’s how we’ve organized this guide:
- Wineries and Vineyards Defined
- North Carolina Wine Growing Regions & American Viticultural Areas
- Western North Carolina Wineries & Vineyards
- Central North Carolina Wineries & Vineyards
- Eastern North Carolina Wineries & Vineyards
We are never finished exploring North Carolina and will be updating as we continue to travel our beautiful state, but this list can be a great starting point for your own adventures.
Whether you’re a new resident, a frequent visitor, or a local, we’re leaving no detail behind. If you live in North Carolina and are wondering, “What are the best wineries near me?” we think this NC travel guide will help you out!
Read More: 100+ Unique Things to Do in North Carolina
Wineries Versus Vineyards
Throughout our guide, you’ll see the two terms interchange when sharing official business names. In case you didn’t know, a vineyard is a farm that grows grapes for production. A winery is the production facility that makes the wine.
North Carolina Wine Growing Regions
There are about 200 wineries and 400 vineyards in North Carolina. The state ranks 10th in the US in terms of production. Grapes for wine are grown in three regions—the Mountains of Western North Carolina, the Piedmont typically associated with Central North Carolina, and the Coastal Plain of Eastern North Carolina.
Within those three regions are 6 designated American Viticultural Areas (AVA). Some are shared with neighboring states.
Here’s a breakdown of the 6 AVAs found within North Carolina:
- Appalachian High Country: 5 North Carolina counties (Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Mitchell, and Watauga) share this AVA with 2 counties in Tennessee and 1 in Virginia, respectively.
- Haw River Valley: This AVA lies in Alamance County and parts of Caswell, Chatham, Guilford, Orange, and Rockingham counties in Central North Carolina.
- Swan Creek: The Swan Creek AVA sits on the western edge of the Piedmont. It’s a smaller AVA and is considered a “sub-appellation” of Yadkin Valley.
- Upper Hiwassee Highlands: On the far southwestern edge of North Carolina is the Upper Hiwassee Highlands. 2 counties in North Carolina (Cherokee and Clay) join three in Georgia to form this AVA.
- Yadkin Valley: Many of the best wineries and vineyards in North Carolina are found within the Yadkin Valley AVA. It encompasses all of Surry, Wilkes, and Yadkin counties and lies in parts of Davie, Davidson, Forsyth, and Stokes counties.
- Crest of the Blue Ridge Henderson County: While it’s still growing, this wine region is currently confined to the Hendersonville area, also known for its apples.
With those quick lessons out of the way, let’s visit the best wineries in North Carolina and sip!
Read More: 80+ of the Best North Carolina Breweries
Western North Carolina Wineries & Vineyards
These amazing wineries and vineyards in North Carolina’s mountains and foothills keep people (including us) coming back for more.
Here are the top wineries in Western North Carolina!
Adagio Vineyards
Address: 139 Benge Dr, Elkin, NC
Website
Violin makers, dentists, and wine lovers, the owners of Adagio Vineyards wanted to create a wine that was as beautiful as sweet melodies. Located just a little bit outside of downtown Elkin, Adagio Vineyards produces European varietals that are both smooth and elegant.
The property of Adagio features a “baby vineyard,” while the rest of the 7 acres are located a mile down the road. The tasting room is family-friendly, and they have an excellent outdoor area where you can sip wine beside the fire. Our favorites were their Petit Verdot, Vivace, and Coda.
Adagio is the first of a few North Carolina wineries that are kid-friendly, in case you brought the whole family.
Baker Buffalo Creek Vineyard & Winery (Lawndale)
Address: 3521 Fallston-Waco Rd, Lawndale, NC
Website
Baker Buffalo Creek is located in the fertile soil of Cleveland County. Its name comes from both the Buffalo Creek that winds its way through the property and the Baker family, who have owned the land for over 100 years.
The vineyard supplies 8 different grape varieties: red muscadine, chardonnay, scuppernong, cabernet sauvignon, merlot, cabernet franc, Riesling, and traminette. They offer their own blends as well, one of which is CD Baker, a bourbon barrel-aged cabernet sauvignon with a hint of bourbon flavor.
Find your favorite flavor by visiting their tasting room, which is open Thursday to Sunday, or book an appointment.
Read More: Spirit-Filled North Carolina Distilleries, Liquor History, and What to Sip!
Biltmore Estate Winery
Address: 1 Lodge St, Asheville, NC
Website
When visiting Biltmore Estate in Asheville, make sure to stop by their winery, included complimentary with your visit. Biltmore started producing wine in the 1970s and now produces about 150,000 cases annually.
They offer a variety of reds, whites, mixed, and sweet wines. Some of their selection includes Chardonnay, Zinfandel, Blanc de Noir, Dry Rose, and more. Biltmore also offers behind-the-scenes winery tours & tastings, as well as a red wine & chocolate tasting.
If you are searching for more things to do in Asheville (either downtown, the River Arts District, or elsewhere), check out our articles on hikes and waterfalls nearby and restaurants, too!
Read More: How to Enjoy Christmas at Biltmore
Burntshirt Vineyards
Vineyard Address: 2695 Sugarloaf Rd, Hendersonville, NC
Chimney Rock Address: 438 Main St, Chimney Rock, NC
Website
Burntshirt Vineyards is a family-owned business with two locations: the flagship vineyard in Hendersonville and a second location in Chimney Rock, near the entrance of Chimney Rock State Park.
Burntshirt is located in Hendersonville and is one of the best Vineyards in NC. The vineyard opened in 2013, boasting state-of-the-art equipment and offering tours for guests to learn more about the winemaking process.
Wine offerings at Burntshirt Vineyards include Sweet and Dry Riesling, Malbec, Gruner Veltliner, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, their own special blends, and more. Sample delicious wine pairings from the Burntshirt Vineyards food truck, open from spring through fall.
They are also dog-friendly, so bring your furry friends to enjoy a day out on the property.
The tasting room is open Thursday to Sunday and offers two different flights; a set 7-wine tasting of 1-ounce pours for $10/person and a 5-wine pick-and-choose tasting of 2-ounce pours for $15/person.
Read More: 10 Great Hendersonville Restaurants (+ Where to Eat and Drink!)
Curran Alexander Vineyards
Address: 1697 South, NC-150, Lexington, NC
Website
One of our personal favorite NC wineries is Curran Alexander Vineyards. Curran Alexander is intimate, a true hidden gem, and the property is filled with history.
Enjoy a tasting, and we guarantee that you’ll come home with a bottle of this Lexington winery’s Cabernet Franc as I did! We look forward to their new tasting room and the renovated historical home!
Read More: 25 Wonderful Wineries Near Asheville (Vineyards Within 2 Hours)
Divine Llama Vineyards
Address: 4126 Divine Llama Ln, East Bend, NC
Website
Divine Llama Vineyards is a unique North Carolina vineyard, as its 91 acres are both a vineyard and a llama farm in the heart of the Yadkin Valley.
Divine Llama is nationally recognized for its award-winning wines, stunning scenery, and being the largest llama farm in the Southeast. They grow four grape varieties: Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Chardonel, and Traminette, and over 11 different wines.
While visiting this Yadkin County vineyard, try llama trekking! Visitors are given the opportunity to hike through two miles of rolling hills along Miller Creek. These treks begin and end near the wine-tasting facility, making it the perfect activity before enjoying a nice glass of wine.
Food trucks stop by on weekends and add to your wine-tasting experience.
Divine Llama is a short day trip from Winston-Salem and Hanging Rock State Park. It is definitely worth a visit before heading back to the city!
Dynamis Estate Wines
Address: 1004 Highland Rd, Jonesville, NC
Website
Welcome to Dynamis Estate Winery, North Carolina’s first premier luxury estate winery and one of the best vineyards in NC.
Dynamis can only be experienced by reservation. During your flight tasting, you’ll taste the most exquisite wines in North Carolina. It is the only winery in North Carolina that produces wines priced at more than $100 per bottle. Learn about the history of the estate and the wines in a luxurious setting along the Ridgeline of the Brushy Mountains.
Elkin Creek Vineyard
Address: 318 Elkin Creek Mill Rd, Elkin, NC
Website
Sitting on the babbling Elkin Creek, Elkin Creek Vineyard is a North Carolina winery destination. The outdoor vibe is made for relaxing with a glass of their Soft White while the kids play in the creek.
One thing we loved about Elkin Creek Vineyard beyond the ambiance was the wood-fired pizza they served. We tried two different combinations, and they were both incredible, crispy, and flavorful!
Established in 2001, Elkin Creek Vineyard was built from an old mill to a thriving viticulture experience. To make it a total adventure, check out their cabins and sip wine all weekend!
Wine tastings are available for $10 and include seven 2 oz pours and a branded wine glass. This may be one of the most generous and inexpensive tastings and really gives guests a chance to try the broad range of wines that Elkin Creek Vineyard offers!
Read More: 20+ Kid-Friendly Waterfalls In NC (Easy Hikes And Swimming Holes!)
Grandfather Mountain Vineyard
Address: 225 Vineyard Lane, Banner Elk, NC
Website
Grandfather Mountain Vineyard started growing grapes in 2003 and officially opened to the public in 2011. Spanning over five acres of grapevines located at a 3,300-foot elevation, this North Carolina vineyard overlooks the profile of Grandfather Mountain.
Some grape varieties they grow are Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, St. Croix, Lando Noir, Chambourcin, and Vidal Blanc.
Visit their Banner Elk tasting room from Wednesday to Monday, where you can try their wines and bring a picnic for the whole family to enjoy (including your leashed furry friends). Enjoy a local food truck and live music every Sunday during spring and summer.
Read More: Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster in Banner Elk (7 Important Tips Before You Go!)
Grassy Creek Vineyard and Winery
Address: 235 Chatham Cottage Ln, State Rd, NC
Website
With 15 acres under the vine, Grassy Creek Vineyard is a kid-friendly and dog-encouraging winery in the Yadkin Valley.
The European wines are all processed, aged, and bottled in a renovated 10,000-square-foot dairy barn. Preserving the history and beauty of the dairy barn was important for the owners of Grassy Creek, and they worked with winery architects to protect it.
The wines at Grassy Creek Vineyard are robust but also pleasing to a variety of palates. Do a wine tasting and learn more about each wine they offer before sipping on a glass.
Grassy Creek Vineyard also has hiking access to Carter Falls. The trail is approximately 4 miles round trip.
And if you are hungry after your hike, Grassy Creek Vineyards has a great assortment of charcuterie items for purchase, including Ashe County Cheese!
JOLO Winery & Vineyards
Address: 219 Jolo Winery Ln, Pilot Mountain, NC
Website
JOLO Winery & Vineyards has been producing superior wines since 2013 and is one of North Carolina’s most acclaimed vineyards with some of the most highly rated wines on the East Coast. Stainless steel is used to ferment their whites and rosé, while a combination of American, French, and sometimes Hungarian oaks is used for the reds.
The Pilot Fog wine, made of Cynthiana grapes, is barrel-aged exclusively in 100% new American Oak.
Enjoy seven of their award-winning wines: one sparkling, one white, one rose, three reds, and a choice of dessert wine for $15/person or $20/person if you keep their glass.
Want to try their premier wines? Go for their Reserve Tasting at $40/person (including the glass), and you’ll get a sparkling wine and 6-7 of their finest dry red wines, including their new premier offerings.
Tastings and their restaurant, End Posts, are open Thursday to Sunday by reservation only.
Jones von Drehle
Address: 964 Old Railroad Grade Rd, Thurmond, NC
Website
As an Estate Winery, Jones von Drehle makes wines exclusively from grapes that are harvested from their 30 acres of vines. Nestled in the mountains of Wilkes County, the view from the tasting room is absolutely breathtaking and compliments the sips you’ll have.
Enjoy Jones von Drehle Wednesday-Sunday, and feel free to bring your pets! Jones von Drehle is 10 minutes away from Stone Mountain State Park and a perfect addition to your weekend adventure!
At that wonderful state park, we love hikes along the Stone Mountain Loop to Stone Mountain Falls and a drive down the road to Widow’s Creek Falls.
Read More: 25+ Fun Things to Do in Wilkesboro (+ North Wilkesboro and Nearby!)
Linville Falls Winery
Address: 9557 Linville Falls Hwy, Newland, NC
Website
Linville Falls Winery is family-owned and operated in the High Country. The vineyard and farm are situated on over 40 acres and is filled not only with rows of vines for grape growing but also blackberries, blueberries, and other fruits and vegetables.
Grape varieties include Seyval Blanc, Vidal Blanc, Noiret, Marquette, Petit Verdot, Marechal Foch, and Riesling. The winery is open Thursday-Monday and offers wine flights by the glass and by the bottle.
Enjoy food trucks that stop by every Saturday and Sunday. Stay awhile at this North Carolina vineyard, enjoying delicious wine and good company. Make sure to visit nearby Linville Falls for a hike before you enjoy a delicious glass of wine.
Raffaldini Vineyards & Winery
Address: 450 Groce Rd, Ronda, NC
Website
Raffaldini Vineyards and Winery is nestled near the Yadkin River and the Blue Ridge Mountains and produces classical Italian dry wines. They produce reds such as Sangiovese Classico, Montepulciano Riserva, Sagrantino, and Grande Riserva, and whites such as Vermentino and a sparkling Prosecco style called Auguri.
This North Carolina winery uses Appassimento, which is the ancient Italian method of incorporating dehydrated grapes into production. The process is time and labor-intensive, but Raffaldini takes great pride in being the most prominent Appassimento practitioner in the United States.
Visit Raffaldini from Wednesday to Monday for a wine tasting starting at $12/person. They have a gourmet deli case of delicious food to pair with your wine, with the occasional visit from food trucks and pizza ovens.
Enjoy a guided vineyard tour when they’re open, and plan a trip in September when they host the Annual Festa Italiana.
Make sure you visit nearby Wilkesboro for local arts, great food, awesome music, and world-class mountain biking trails!
Read More: 15+ Great Things to Do in North Wilkesboro (Speedway and More!)
Round Peak Vineyards
Address: 765 Round Peak Church Rd, Mt Airy, NC
Website
Looking for French and Italian varietals? Round Peak Vineyards, named after nearby Pilot Mountain, features 12 acres of vines and produces both dry and sweet wines. They are a kid-friendly North Carolina winery and even have a disc golf course on the property!
Rent one of their two cabins and make an entire weekend out of it. Round Peak Vineyards also works closely with Skull Camp Brewery in Elkin and has its delicious beers on tap.
Read More: 14 Delicious Restaurants in Elkin (+1 Great Cocktail Bar)
Saint Paul Mountain Vineyards
Address: 588 Chestnut Gap Rd, Hendersonville, NC
Website
Saint Paul Mountain Farms is home to Saint Paul Vineyard in Henderson County. Their tasting room was established in 2008 on land that has been in the family for centuries.
Saint Paul Vineyards specializes in French Vinifera and offers almost 30 wines that are locally grown, processed, and served in their three tasting rooms. Some of the wines include Cabernet Franc, Dry Riesling, Vidal Blanc, Merlot, Petit Verdot, and blends of their own, such as their red Jasper wine.
They regularly offer tastings, wine events, live music, classes, and pairing dinners. Guests can visit their Saint Paul location 7 days a week or visit their Appalachian Ridge Hard Cider location in Flat Rock.
Read More: Colorful Fall Hikes in North Carolina (+ 20 Beautiful Places to Explore!)
Shelton Vineyards (Dobson)
Address: 286 Cabernet Ln, Dobson, NC
Website
Shelton Vineyards is another great Yadkin Valley grower and producer. Several varieties of grapes grown in this Surry County vineyard include Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, Malbec, Tannat, Petit Verdot, Reisling, Sauvignon Blanc, and Petit Manseng.
There are a variety of tours and tastings offered, ranging from $12/person to $55/person. You can also enjoy the onsite restaurant, Harvest Grill, to enhance your Shelton Vineyards visit.
Its upscale, bistro-style dining has been awarded the Triple-A three-diamond rating for its food, service, and decor. Make sure to try the Sonker while you are there!
Read More: 30+ Amazing Things to Do in Mount Airy and Nearby
Silver Fork Winery (Morganton)
Address: 5000 State Rd 1133, Morganton, NC
Website
Silver Fork Vineyard & Winery spans 32 acres in the mountains of Burke County, with both Silver Creek and White Fork Creek intersecting on the property.
This North Carolina winery offers Chardonnay, Chardonnay Reserve, Rose, Chambourcin, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and two variants: Four Dog Red and Nonsense Red Blend.
The owners have a deep love for their furry family members, and their Four Dog Red is inspired by their family puppies: Lil Bear, Callie, Lily, and Gus. Their Nonsense Red Blend is a new Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot release.
Visit the Tasting Room Friday to Sunday (Winter hours) and enjoy self-guided wine flights for $15 per person with the option to purchase farm-fresh cheeses, meats, and crackers. Take the breathtaking scenery with friends, family, or your leashed furry friends!
Read More: 25+ Amazing Restaurants in Morganton and Nearby! (Map Included!)
Central North Carolina Wineries & Vineyards
These Central North Carolina wineries and vineyards bring together some big names from neighboring industries (NASCAR) and animal friends on one property for the first time in this guide.
Childress Vineyards (Lexington)
Address: 1000 Childress Vineyards Rd, Lexington, NC
Website
Childress Vineyards is one of the most prominent North Carolina wineries and features over 70 acres of vineyards and over 30 wines for all palettes. Since its opening in 2004 by Richard Childress of NASCAR fame, this Lexington winery has won many wine competitions with a total medal count exceeding 750.
Wine flight tastings are offered daily from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. with three different flight options. They range from a regular wine flight to a reservation-only Luxe Wine Flight.
Enjoy their in-house, full-dining restaurant, The Bistro, for one of the best meals in Lexington. Open 7 days a week, The Bistro offers a beautiful view to enjoy during your delicious lunch.
Childress also offers online shopping for wine, wine-related items, and merchandise.
Read More: Lexington NC Map of 20+ Attractions (+ 7 Surrounding Counties!)
Daveste Vineyards (Troutman)
Address: 155 Lytton Farm Rd, Troutman, NC
Website
Come visit Daveste Vineyards near Lake Norman (and Statesville and Mooresville), where you can sip wine and experience outdoor live music events, vendors, and more throughout the year! Their wine comes from fruit grown on roughly 50 acres of land.
Wines at Daveste are typically developed in very small lots, producing about 25 cases for some estate wines and only 1,500 in a year.
Daveste produces red and white wines, including their award-winning Merlot, Chambourcin, Malbec, Cabernet Franc, Viognier, Dry Reisling, and more. When visiting, try their Portrait wine, their award-winning creation of Bordeaux style Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Malbec, and Petit Verdot.
The tasting room is a short day trip from Charlotte and is open from Thursday to Sunday (winter hours). Guests are welcome to try their wine or craft beer and can get them by the glass, bottle, or flight.
Read More: 30+ Awesome Things to Do in Statesville
Junius Lindsay Vineyard (Lexington)
Address: 385 Dr Zimmerman Rd, Lexington, NC
Website
Junius Lindsay Vineyard is the namesake vineyard for the owner’s grandfather, who started Zimmerman Farm in 1896. Zimmerman Farm is now home to the production of French-style wines at Junius Lindsay.
All grape varietals grown at this vineyard originate from the Rhône Valley of Southern France. When visiting, choose from reds, whites, dessert wines, and specialty wines such as rosé and sangria.
Their tasting room is open from Friday to Sunday and costs $10/person. Junius Lindsay is home to the only open-air tasting room in North Carolina and boasts amazing vineyard views.
Read More: Lake Norman State Park (8 Great Things to Do!)
Treehouse Vineyards (Monroe)
Address: 301 Bay St, Monroe, NC
Website
Treehouse Vineyards is a family-owned North Carolina winery and vineyard in Union County, southeast of Charlotte. It was established in 2005 and opened to the public in 2010.
The vineyard was named after the treehouses found on the property. The original treehouse is 30 feet off the ground and equipped with a deck that overlooks the vineyard.
They produce Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot Dry White blend, and other award-winning Native Muscadine wines and are open seven days a week for wine tastings. For a unique experience, we recommend renting out the treehouse for overnight visits and enjoying the views of the property!
Read More: 20 Awesome Wineries near Charlotte (Vineyards Within 2 Hours)
Eastern North Carolina Wineries and Vineyards
Cypress Bend Vineyards (Wagram)
Address: 21904 Riverton Rd, Wagram, NC
Website
Cypress Bend Vineyards in Wagram (Scotland County) has been around since 2005 and spans over 30 acres. They specialize in Muscadine wines, offer 16 different kinds spanning from dry to semi-sweet, and grow three Muscadine varieties–Carlos, Noble, and Magnolia.
Their wine array includes Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec. Enjoy and explore the wine flavors of Cypress Bend at their tasting room, open 7 days a week.
Tastings are $6/person and include a Cypress Bend Vineyard logo glass, a tour of the vineyards, and the option to purchase packaged snack items and merchandise. Stop by for their Jazzy Fridays filled with wine, friends, and good music.
Cypress Bend is one of a few great places to pick muscadine grapes in North Carolina, too! Check out our map of them and more farms if you want to plug them into your phone or GPS.
Duplin Winery (Rose Hill)
Address: 505 N Sycamore St, Rose Hill, NC
Website
Located in Rose Hill is Duplin Winery, home to many sweet wines. It has two locations, the other one in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.
Enjoy wine tastings Monday-Saturday, where you sample at least ten preselected award-winning Muscadine wines.
One of the Duplin Winery associates will walk you through the winery’s history while you sip on each of their wines. By the way, Duplin is the oldest winery in North Carolina, established in 1975.
Their $10 deluxe tastings also come with gourmet cheese dip, homemade gourmet crackers, and a glass of wine after the tasting is completed.
While on the property, enjoy lunch from The Bistro from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on the days that the winery is open. The Bistro offers daily lunch specials and has many offerings, such as gourmet soups and salads, sandwiches, and more.
Read More: Things to do in Duplin County
Sanctuary Vineyards (Jarvisburg)
Address: 7005 Caratoke Hwy, Jarvisburg, NC
Website
Located in Jarvisburg (Currituck County), Sanctuary Vineyards is the last but not least of our North Carolina wineries. This Outer Banks vineyard grows Syrah, Tempranillo, Viognier, Norton, and Muscadine grapes using age-old methods to bring out the sweetest flavors from the sandy land.
Each bottle from Sanctuary Vineyards is treated with care and attention to honor the hand-picked grapes. Visit The Winery and Cotton Gin Tasting Room from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. seven days a week.
Sanctuary sits just off US 158 and isn’t too far from Weeping Radish, North Carolina’s oldest microbrewery!
Read More: 30+ Amazing NC Coastal Towns (+ Things to Do in Each One!)
Ready to Sip at These North Carolina Wineries and Vineyards?
Sip! Sip! Hooray! All of these are the best wineries in NC and vineyards each offer fun and unique experiences.
Whether you are trekking with llamas, looking out from a treehouse, or simply enjoying estate-grown wines, these awesome places are proof that we’ve got something special in this state.
Have you ever visited any of these North Carolina wineries and vineyards? We’d love to know which you love and what bottle we should pick up next!
If you haven’t started exploring yet, we’re eager to know what’s first on your list.
Let us know in the comments, and feel free to share your NC wine adventures in our Facebook Group!
