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It may not have the history of the Napa Valley or the “buzz” of Oregon’s Willamette Valley, but the Yadkin Valley of North Carolina is quickly becoming known as a hot spot for wineries. With its rolling foothills, the scenic Yadkin Valley begins just south of the Virginia state line near Interstate 77 and stretches west into the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains, east to just past Winston-Salem, NC, and south to just past Lexington, NC.
From Tobacco to Merlot
Before Prohibition, North Carolina produced more wine than any other state. But the nationwide ban on the manufacture and sale of alcohol essentially killed North Carolina’s wine industry, and few wineries in the state reopened after the 18th Amendment was repealed in 1933. Over the years, North Carolina farmers built a reputation for being skillful at growing tobacco, not grapes. The Yadkin Valley, with its mixture of clay and loam soils, provides excellent drainage for growing tobacco. But as use of tobacco declined, farmers in the region looked for other profitable crops to grow. They learned quickly that the state’s long, warm growing season and mild winters make it ideal for growing grapes. The Yadkin Valley’s wine industry took a big step forward in 2003 with the designation of the Yadkin Valley American Viticulture Area (AVA), which allowed wineries to bottle under a single geographic pedigree. This AVA was the first AVA in North Carolina and brought new wineries to the Yadkin Valley. As of June, 2012, there are 34 operating wineries and vineyards along the Yadkin Valley Wine Trail.
Rolling Hills and Beautiful Vistas
The Yadkin Valley now includes all or part of two AVAs: Yadkin Valley and SwanCreek. Many winemakers consider Yadkin Valley the best terroir, or wine-grape climate and growing conditions, in North Carolina. Commonly planted vinifera grape varieties in the western and Piedmont regions of North Carolina include Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Syrah, Chardonnay and Viognier. Harvest time for Yadkin Valley grapes generally lasts from late August to early October.
Touring the Yadkin Valley
Traveling between wineries can be a perfect way to spend a weekend. If you want to plan your own trip, consider visiting www.visitncwine.com, which includes an event calendar and links to Web sites for many of the wineries in the Yadkin Valley. The Yadkin Valley Wine Trail® Web site, www.yadkinvalleywinetrail.com, includes links to Web sites of many local wineries. If you don’t want to plan your own tour, Yadkin Valley Wine Tours offers excursions on Saturdays between April and November that stop at three or four wineries.
List of Yadkin Valley Wineries & Vineyards
Allison Oaks Vineyard
221 East Main Street, Yadkinville 27055; Phone: 336.677.1388
The tasting room is open Thursday & Friday, 1-5 PM; Saturday noon-5 PM and closed Sundays. www.AllisonOaksVineyards.com
Benny Parsons Rendezvous Ridge – CLOSED 2011
172 Benny Parsons Road, Purlear 28665; Phone: 336.973.7375 Parsons, a car racing champion, opened his vineyard and winery on land that had been in his family for years.
Black Wolf Vineyards – CLOSED 2009 (see Herrera Vineyards)
Dobson, NC
Brandon Hills Vineyard
1927 Brandon Hills Rd (off Neelie Rd), Yadkinville; Phone: 336.463.WINE Tasting room hours are Saturdays noon to 6 PM, Sundays from 1-5 PM, Fridays (May-September) 3-8 PM. Closed the month of January. www.BrandonHillsVineyard.com
Brushy Mountain Winery
125 West Main Street, Elkin 28621; Phone: 336.835.1313 Located in historic downtown Elkin, the Brushy Mountain Winery is housed in a building that dates to the 1900’s. As of January 2013, the winery is closed for four to six weeks for remodeling. Hours vary by the season, so call for information. www.BrushyMountainWine.com
Buck Shoals Vineyard- CLOSED 2011 (see Windsor Run Cellars)
6121 Vintner Way, Hamptonville 27020; Phone: 336.468.9274
Carolina Heritage Vineyard & Winery
170 Heritage Vines Way, Elkin 28621; Phone: 336.366.3301 Opened in late 2008, they offer winery tours and the tasting room is open on Saturday and Sundays from 2 PM to 6 PM. Closed in January. Call to make sure they are open before you visit, especially in the winter season. www.CarolinaHeritageVineyards.com
Cellar 4201 Vineyard
4201 Apperson Rd (off NC Hwy 67), East Bend; Phone: 336.699.6030 In Winter, the tasting room is open Saturdays and Sundays from noon-5 PM. Monday – Thursday by appointment. www.Cellar4201.com
Childress Vineyards
1000 Childress Vineyards Road, Lexington 27295; Phone: 336.236.9463 In the spring, the tasting room is open between 10 AM and 6 PM on Mondays through Saturdays and from noon to 6 PM on Sundays. Hours may vary by the season. Winery tours are given at noon, 2 PM and 4 PM, and on the hour between noon and 4 PM on Saturdays. The Bistro serves lunch with an Italian flair on Mondays through Saturdays and offers brunch on Sundays. www.ChildressVineyards.com
Divine Llama Vineyards
5349 Macedonia Rd., East Bend 27018; Phone 336.699.2525 The tasting room is open Fridays and Saturdays noon to 5PM and Sundays from 1-5PM. During the months of January and February, the tasting room is only open Saturdays and Sundays or by appointment. www.DivineLlamaVineyards.com
Dobbins Creek Vineyards
4430 Vineyard View Lane, Hamptonville 27020; Phone: 336.468.4770 Dobbins Creek Vineyards is open from 1 PM to 5 PM on Wednesdays; from noon to 5 PM on Thursdays and Fridays; from 11 AM to 5 PM on Saturdays; and from 1 PM to 5 PM on Sundays. www.DobbinsCreekVineyards.com
Elkin Creek Vineyard
318 Elkin Creek Mill Road, Elkin 28621; Phone: 336.526.5119 The facility closes for private events so call before visiting. The Kitchen at Elkin Creek features rustic northern Italian dishes inspired by the seasons. www.ElkinCreekVineyard.com
Flint Hill Vineyards
2133 Flint Hill Road, East Bend 27018; Phone: 336.699.4455 In March through December, the tasting room is open from noon to 9 PM on Thursdays through Saturdays, and from noon to 5 PM on Sundays. In January and February, the room’s hours are more limited – from noon to 9 PM on Saturdays and noon to 5 PM on Sundays. www.FlintHillVineyards.com
Grassy Creek Vineyard & Winery
235 Chatham Cottage Circle, State Road 28676; Phone: 336.835.2458 (tasting room) Grassy Creek’s grounds and gardens can be rented for special events, and cabin rentals also are available. The tasting room is open from noon to 6 PM on Thursdays through Saturdays, from 1 PM to 5 PM on Sundays, or by appointment. In January and February the tasting room is open on Saturdays and Sundays only. www.GrassyCreekVineyard.com
Hanover Park Vineyard
1927 Courtney-Huntsville Road, Yadkinville 27055; Phone: 336.463.2875 A favorite local winery, the Hanover Park tasting room is a charming 1897 farmhouse with friendly staff and a nice Southern front porch on which to enjoy a glass. Owners Michael and Amy Helton are often on hand to give tours and tell the story of their vineyard sparked by their honeymoon. The winery and vineyard are open from noon to 6 PM on Thursdays through Saturdays, and from 1 PM to 5 PM on Sundays. Hanover Park is closed on some holidays. The fee for tasting all of the winery’s offerings – about 12 – is $10, or five wines for $5. You can keep the glass. www.HanoverParkWines.com
Herrera Vineyards – OPENING 2013
206 Vineyard Lane, Dobson 27017; Phone: 336.374.6164 Formerly the site of Black Wolf Winery, Herrera Vineyards and restaurant plans to open soon in 2013. Business hours are Mondays through Thursdays from 11:30 AM to 10 PM and Fridays and Saturdays from noon to 11 PM. www.HerreraVineyards.com
Hutton Vineyards
176 Hutton Vineyards Lane, Dobson 27017; Phone: 336.374.2621 Tours and tastings are held from 11 AM to 5 PM on Mondays through Saturdays, and from 1 PM to 4 PM on Sundays. The 45-acre property is less than a mile from historic Rockford. Hutton Vineyards on Facebook
JOLO Vineyards – OPENING Sept. 2013
219 JOLO Winery Lane; Pilot Mountain, NC 27041; Phone: 1-855-JOLOWINE. www.jolovineyards.com
Jones von Drehle – OPENING 2013
Located in Thurmand, NC, the Jones von Drehle Vineyards plan to open in 2013. www.JonesVonDrehle.com
Junius Lindsay Vineyard
385 Dr. Zimmerman Rd, Lexington; Phone: 336.764.4050 Designed by architect Don Ruth, Junius Lindsay Vineyard boasts one of the few open air tasting rooms in the state and features mostly French-style wines. The tasting room is open Thursdays through Sundays from 1 PM-5 PM. www.JuniusLindsay.com
Kimron Springs – OPENING 2013
Located in Copeland, NC, the Kimron Springs Winery plans a 2013 opening.
Laurel Gray Vineyards
5726 Old US Hwy 421 West, Hamptonville 27020; Phone: 336.468.9463 Tastings are offered on Wednesdays through Saturdays from 10 AM to 5 PM, and from 1 PM to 5 PM on Sundays. Laurel Gray is closed in January. Wine tastings are $5 and include a souvenir glass. Guided vineyards tours are held between 2 PM and 4 PM and cost $5 per person. www.LaurelGray.com
McRitchie Winery & Ciderworks
315 Thurmond Post Office Road, Thurmond 28683; Phone: 336.874.3003 The winery is open from noon to 5 PM on Thursdays through Sundays or by appointment. Picnics are permitted. www.McRitchieWine.com
Medaloni Cellars
9125 Shallowford Rd., Lewisville; Phone: 336.398.7818 Call for tastings are sporadic before their official OPENING SPRING 2013. www.MedaloniCellars.com
MenaRick Vineyards & Winery
328 Luffman Rd., Ronda; Phone: 336.328.7038 Located along the Yadkin Valley Wine Trail in Wilkes County, but not yet an official member of the YVWT, this new winery is open Fridays and Saturdays from 11 AM to 6 PM and Sundays from noon to 6 PM. Picnics welcome on the patio. www.MenaRick.com
Misty Creek Vineyard
710 Wyo Rd, Mocksville; Phone: 336.998.3303 Tasting room hours are Fridays from 4 PM to 8 PM, Saturdays from 10 AM to 8 PM and Sundays from 2 PM to 6 PM. www.MistyCreekWines.com
Native Vines Winery
1336 NC Hwy 150 N, Lexington; Phone: 336.787.3668 Native Vines is the first American Indian owned and operated winery in the country. Hours of operation: Tuesdays through Saturdays from 11 AM to 7 PM, and Sundays from 1 PM to 6 PM. www.NativeVinesWinery.com
Old North State Winery & Brewery
308 N. Main Street, Mount Airy 27030; Phone: 336.789.9463 Started as a cooperative in 2002, the winery is now owned by two families. It is located in a former mercantile building; the vineyards are on nearby farms. The building also includes a restaurant, 308 Bistro. The winery is open from 11 AM to 9 PM on Mondays through Wednesdays; from 11 AM to 10 PM on Thursdays through Saturdays; and from noon to 6 PM on Sundays. Winery tours are held on Mondays through Saturdays at 11 AM, 1 PM and 3 PM. www.OldNorthStateWinery.com
Olde Mill Vineyards
2742 Simpson Mill Rd, Mount Airy 27030; Phone 336.374.6533 Olde Mill Vineyards is closed for winter, but will reopen March 1, 2013 with new hours: Fridays from 1 PM to 6 PM and Saturdays from noon to 6 PM. Closed Sunday through Thursday. www.OldeMillVineyards.com
Raffaldini Vineyards & Winery
450 Groce Road, Ronda 28670; Phone: 336.835.9463 The tasting room is open from 11 AM to 5 PM on Mondays and Wednesdays through Saturdays; from 12 PM to 5 PM on Sundays; and closed on Tuesdays. The tasting room and vineyards are closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. Tastings of wines available for purchase are $5. The price includes a souvenir glass. Groups of 10 or more may reserve a private tasting package at $20 per person that will be held with an expert staff member. A 1.5 hour Private Label behind the scenes tour is also available for $30 per person. www.Raffaldini.com
RagApple Lassie Vineyards
3724 RagApple Lassie Lane, Boonville 27011; Phone: 866.RAGAPPLE Named for a beloved calf, RagApple Lassie Vineyards is open daily from noon to 6 PM for wine tastings of up to 11 varietals. Tours are available by request, and a guest house is on site. www.RagAppleLassie.com
RayLen Vineyards and Winery
3577 US Hwy 158, Mocksville 27028; Phone: 336.998.3100 RayLen Vineyard is open for tastings and tours from 11 AM to 6 PM on Mondays through Saturdays, except on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. Red or white flights are $6 per person; complete flights are $10. www.RaylenVineyards.com
River de Vine – Tasting Room CLOSED 2011
Round Peak Vineyards
765 Round Peak Church Road, Mount Airy 27030; Phone: 336.352.5595 
Tasting room hours are 12 PM to 5 PM, Sundays through Thursdays, Friday 12 PM to 8 PM and Saturday 11 AM to 6 PM (and until sunset June – August). Other times by appointment. Private tastings for parties of eight or more (please call ahead). Dog-friendly with a fenced-in area to roam. A four-bedroom winery house available to rent. www.RoundPeak.com
Sanders Ridge Vineyard & Winery
3200 Round Hill Road (2300 Sanders Ridge Lane), Boonville 27011; Phone: 
336.677.1700 The tasting room hours are noon to 6 PM Monday-Saturday and Sundays noon-5 PM. The vineyards are open daily for picnics, hiking and birding. Sanders Ridge Restaurant serves lunch and dinner. www.SandersRidge.com
Shadow Springs Vineyard
5543 Crater Road, Hamptonville 27202; Phone: 336.468.5000 A 5,000-square foot tasting room is technologically equipped for parties or meetings. It is open from 10 AM to 5 PM on Wednesdays through Saturdays; from 1PM to 5 PM on Sundays; or by appointment. www.ShadowSpringsVineyard.com
Shelton Vineyards
286 Cabernet Lane, Dobson 27017; Phone: 336.366.4724 Founded in 1999 by brothers Charlie and Ed Shelton, Shelton Vineyards is the largest family-owned estate winery in North Carolina. Award-winning winemaker Murphy Moore has received critical acclaim from top wine publications, including The Wine Enthusiast.Tours and tastings are offered daily from 10 AM to 5 PM on Mondays through Saturdays and from noon to 6 PM on Sundays. (Open until 6 PM during daylight savings time.) The winery is closed on New Year’s Day, Easter Sunday, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. For $5 you can sample five wines, take a guided tour of the 33,000 square-foot winery, and bring home a souvenir glass. The Harvest Grill Restaurant offers upscale dining (call for hours). www.SheltonVineyards.com
Slightly Askew Winery
913 N. Bridge St., Elkin; Phone: 336.835.2700 One of the newest wineries on the Yadkin Valley Wine Trail, Slightly Askew Winery hourse are Thursdays through Saturdays from 1 PM to 6 PM and Sundays from 1 PM to 5 PM. www.SlightlyAskewWines.com
Stony Knoll Vineyards
1143 Stony Knoll Road, Dobson 27017; Phone: 336.374.5752 In January and February, the winery is open from noon to 5 PM on Fridays and from 10 AM to 6 PM on Saturdays. From March through December, it is open from 10 AM to 6 PM on Thursdays – Saturdays and on Mondays. Tastings and wine by the glass are $5. www.StonyKnollVineyards.com
Surry Community College Winery
630 South Main Street, Dobson 27017; Phone: 336.386.3408 The community college offers a two-year Viticulture and Enology Technology degree. Tours of the school’s facility are available by appointment. www.Surry.edu
Surry Oak Vineyard
2936 Quaker Church Rd., Pinnacle; Phone: 336.325.2318 Another new winery not yet an official member of the YVWT, Surry Oak Vineyard is a “boutique” vineyard with a production of less than 300 cases per year. Visits to the winery are by appointment only. Tastings are offered off-site at locations listed on the website and on Facebook. www.SurryOakVineyard.com
Weathervane Winery
1452 Welcome-Arcadia Road, Lexington 27295; Phone: 336.793.3366 Visitors can taste Weathervane’s 14 wines for $5 and keep the wine glass. The tasting room is open Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from 11 AM to 5 PM, on Fridays from 11 AM to 6 PM and on Sundays from 1 to 5 PM. www.WeatherVaneWinery.com
Westbend Vineyards & Brewhouse – closed Fall 2013
5394 Williams Road, Lewisville 27023; Phone: 866.901.5032 or 336.945.5032
The tasting room was open from 11 AM to 5 PM on Tuesdays through Thursdays, from 11 AM to 8 PM on Saturdays, and noon to 5 PM on Sundays. Winery tours were given at noon, 1:30 PM and 3 PM on Fridays and Saturdays and at 1:30 PM and 3 PM on Sundays, and by appointment Tuesdays through Thursdays. A $3 per person fee was charged.
Windsor Run Cellars
6531 Windsor Rd, Hamptonville; Phone: 336.468.8400 Also new to the Yadkin Valley Wine Trail, Windsor Run Cellars is a winery and distillery. The the tasting room also offers wines from Ferguson Vineyards and is open Wednesdays through Saturdays from 10 AM to 5 PM and Sundays from 1 PM to 5 PM. Wine tastings include 6 wines for $5 and includes a souvenir glass. A separate tasting is offered for their two fortified wines, and costs $4 and includes a souvenir shot glass. Do both tastings and receive $1 off. Tours of the winery and distillery for $5 plus tax at 2 PM and 4 PM Wednesdays through Sundays or by appointment. www.WindsorRun.com
Windy Gap Vineyards – CLOSED 2007
Ronda, NC
