The Best Yadkin Valley Wineries: Events, Restaurants, Tours & More

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essentially killed North Carolina’s wine industry, and few wineries in the state reopened after the 18th Amendment was repealed in 1933.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. At his time, there are 44 operating wineries and vineyards in Yadkin Valley.

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

Adagio Vineyards

139 Benge Drive, Elkin 28621; Phone: 336-258-2333. Tasting hours are Monday and Thursday through Saturday, 12 PM-5 PM; Sunday, 1 PM-5 PM. Tastings include eight wines plus the logo glass if you like. For more information, visit Adagio Vineyards.

Allison Oaks Vineyard

221 East Main Street, Yadkinville 27055; Phone: 336-677-1388. The tasting room is open Thursday – Saturday, 12-6. Winery tours are also available. Awards received by Allison Oaks include Gold Medal for Proprietor’s Blend and a Silver Medal for Orchard Wite. Visit Allison Oaks Facebook page for more information.

Brandon Hills Vineyard

1927 Brandon Hills Rd (off Neelie Rd), Yadkinville 27055; Phone: 336-463-WINE. This is a small family owned winery. Tasting room hours are (February) Saturday & Sunday, 1 PM-5 PM (March-December) Friday & Sunday, 1 PM-5 PM; Saturday, 12 PM-6 PM. Closed the month of January. In the 2023 NC State fair Wine Competition Brandon Hills won Double Gold for their 2017 Raptor Red and three Silver Medals for 2022 Dry Riesling, Cranberry Delight, and 2019 Raptor Red Reserve. Visit Brandon Hills Vineyard for more information.

Carolina Heritage Vineyard, Winery & Brewery

170 Heritage Vines Way, Elkin 28621; Phone: 336-448-4781 Opened in late 2008 and featuring dry and sweet organic wines, they offer winery tours, and the tasting room is open on Friday, 4 PM-8 PM; Saturday, 12 PM to 8 PM, Sunday 12 PM-6 PM. They feature live music and other events during the day on Saturdays and Sundays. Call to make sure they are open before you visit, especially in the winter season. They offer a cabin for rent to enjoy the tranquillity of the countryside. For more information, visit Carolina Heritage Vineyard.

Cellar 4201 Vineyard

4201 Apperson Rd (off NC Hwy 67), East Bend 27018; Phone: 336-699-6030. A boutique-style, family-owned vineyard, Cellar 4201, is open January-December, with tasting room hours on Saturday and Sunday from 12 PM-5 PM or by appointment. Sangiovese, which is difficult to grow, is currently their signature wine. For more information, visit Cellar 4201.

Childress Vineyards

1000 Childress Vineyards Road, Lexington 27295; Phone: 336-236-9463. Open 10 AM-5PM daily. Signature wine tasting on the Terrace is offered daily, 10 AM-2:45 PM. Hours may vary by season. Reservations are recommended. Winery tours are given Monday-Friday at 12 PM and 3 PM and Saturday and Sunday at 11 AM, 1 PM, and 3 PM. The Bistro serves lunch daily, 10 AM-4 PM, and a Signature Brunch Trifecta is available on Sunday and includes three wines and a 3-course brunch plate. Visit Childress Vineyards for more information and upcoming events.

Christian Paul Vineyards

156 Tuscan Way, Elkin 28621; Phone: 336-909-2723. This new winery is open Thursday-Saturday 11 AM-6 PM, Sunday 12 PM-6 PM, and by appointment Monday-Wednesday. Outside food is allowed on their patio and in the tasting room. Food trucks are sometimes available. Well behaved dogs are welcome. Visit Christian Paul Vineyards website for more information.

Divine Llama Vineyards

4126 Divine Llama Lane, East Bend 27018; Phone 336-699-2525. The tasting room is open Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 12 PM to 6 PM and Sunday from 1-6 PM. Llama trekking is available most Saturdays and Sundays. The treks are 2 miles and last 1 3/4 to 2 1/4 hours. Must be at least ten years old. Reservations required. There is a $10 fee for entry for anyone that is 4-20 years old and those who just come to visit the llamas. Dogs on leashes are welcome in the tasting room only. For more information, visit Divine Llama Vineyards. 

Dobbins Creek Vineyards

4430 Vineyard View Lane, Hamptonville 27020; Phone: 336-468-4770. Dobbins Creek Vineyards is open from 12 PM to 5 PM on Friday, from 11 AM to 5 PM on Saturday, and from 1 PM to 5 PM on Sundays. Wine Tastings include a taste of the currently available wines and a complimentary wine glass. Guests are welcome to bring outside snacks or picnics. Leashed and friendly pets are welcome on the tasting lodge front porch. For more information, visit Dobbin Creek Vineyards.

Dynamis Estate Wines

1004 Highland Road, Jonesville 28642; Phone: 336-468-6702. Hours are Thursday through Saturday, 11 AM-5 PM; Sunday, 12 PM-5 PM. Reserve a tasting, either self-guided with detailed wine notes or with a knowledgeable wine ambassador. All guests must be at least 21 years old. No pets and no outside food permitted. Visit Dynamis Estate Wines for more information.

Elkin Creek Vineyard

318 Elkin Creek Mill Road, Elkin 28621; Phone: 336-526-5119. Open Thursday, Saturday & Sunday, 12 PM-5 PM, Friday, 2 PM-5 PM. The facility closes for private events, so call before visiting. On Sundays, The Kitchen at Elkin Creek features made to order brick-oven pizza. Reservations are required for the pizza, as they only make thirty. Monthly events posted on site. Cabins available for rental. Visit Elkin Creek Vineyard for more information.

Flint Hill Vineyards

2133 Flint Hill Road, East Bend 27018; Phone: 336-699-4455. The tasting room no longer has regular hours. They cater to special events and private rentals. A limited supply of their wines is available for purchase by appointment only. For information, visit Flint Hill Vineyards.

Golden Road Vineyards

542 Golden Road, State Road 28676; Phone: 336-827-0124. Tasting hours are Friday, 2 PM-7 PM; Saturday and Sunday, 12 PM-6 PM. Estate wines are made from the Petit Manseng, Traminette, Merlot, Petit Verdot, and Tannat grapes grown in the vineyard. Children and pets are welcome. Music and Food Truck events are held throughout the year, and they have a Spring Winemaker Dinner. See their events for more info. Visit Golden Road Vineyards.

Grassy Creek Vineyard & Winery

235 Chatham Cottage Circle, State Road 28676; Phone: 336-835-2458 (tasting room). Ranked #1 Winery in North Carolina by Sherman’s Travel. The often have live music, special dinners, and other events.. The tasting room is open from 12 PM-5 PM on Mondays (May 13-Oct 28), 12 PM-5 PM on Thursdays & Fri, 12 PM-6 PM on Saturdays, 1 PM-5 PM on Sundays, or by appointment. The tasting room is open on Saturdays and Sundays in January and February. They are family and pet friendly. Grassy Creek’s grounds and gardens can be rented for special events, and cabin rentals also are available. Visit Grassy Creek Vineyard for more information.

Hanover Park Vineyard

1927 Courtney-Huntsville Road, Yadkinville 27055; Phone: 336-463-2875. A favorite local winery, the winery and vineyard are open from 12 PM to 5 PM on Wednesday through Saturday and from 1 PM to 5 PM on Sunday. In January and February, open Friday & Saturday 12 PM-5 PM and Sunday 1 PM-5 PM. They offer 2 different flight options, You may choose a four wine flight or 6 reds with a Riedel glass. Tours available by request. Various events are held in their Gallery and Studio. Hanover Park also hosts special events like weddings or business meetings. Visit Hanover Park Vineyards for more information.

Haze Gray Vineyards

761 Stony Knoll Road, Dobson 27017; Phone: 336-374-1072. Tasting room hours: Thursday through Saturday, 10 AM-6 PM; Sunday, 12 PM-6 PM; or by appointment Monday through Wednesday. Groups of 6 or more call for reservations. They offer tastings or flights and grow nine varieties of grapes for their red and white wine. See their events section for wine sales, music, and other activities. Visit Haze Gray Vineyards for more information.

Hidden Vineyards

125 Hidden Vines Lane, Dobson 27017; Phone: 336-614-4219. Enjoy the spacious tasting room in industrial farmhouse design, rock on the porch and take in the view, and walk the open trail through the grapevines. Wine tastings and locally crafted beer is available. They also have live music, events, food trucks, and classes. Hours are Thursday through Saturday, 11 AM-6 PM; Sunday, 12 PM-6 PM. Pet friendly. Cabin rental available. For more information, Hidden Vineyards Facebook page.

JOLO Vineyards

219 JOLO Winery Lane; Pilot Mountain, NC 27041; Phone: 336-614-0030. Rated one of the top seven wineries outside California. JOLO Tasting Flight is seven wines and includes a variety of white, rose, red, and one sweet wine. Tastings are available by appointment only. End Posts restaurant offers luxurious lunch or dinner options. Enjoy the dining room or the outside dining area with a view of Pilot Mountain. Jolo features Cuvee Tasting Experiences throughout the year, which include 5 different wines with 4 food pairings. Winery entry only open to those 21 or older. Visit Jolo Vineyards for more information.

Jones von Drehle Vineyards and Winery

964 Old Railroad Grade Road, Thurmand, 28683; Phone: 336-874-2800 ext 3. They have a beautiful patio for bottle and glass service that is children and pet friendly. Available space on the patio is first come, first served. The Tasting Room is open Wednesday through Saturday, 11 AM-5 PM, and Sunday, 12 PM-5 PM. The last tasting is at 4:30 PM. Walk-ins are welcome if space is available. Reservations are recommended. Summer Concerts are held in their scenic amphitheater. They will have food trucks and their great wine available. Tickets required. See the music/events tab on their website. Visit Jones von Drehle for more information.

Junius Lindsay Vineyard

385 Dr. Zimmerman Rd, Lexington 27295; 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 from 1 PM-5 PM Friday through Sunday. Last tasting, 4 PM. The tasting room is enclosed and heated in the colder months. Tastings include 6 wines and a crystal Riedel souvenir glass with complimentary table service. Guests are invited to bring a picnic and enjoy the wine and scenery. The Vineyard hosts events throughout the year, including their Music In The Vineyard series. Children and well-behaved, leashed pets are welcome. For more information, visit Junius Lindsay Vineyard.

Laurel Gray Vineyards

5726 W Old US Hwy 421 West, Hamptonville 27020; Phone: 336-468-9463. Specializing in small lots of award-winning artisan wines and hard cider. The vineyards are open February-December, Wednesday through Saturday from 10 AM to 5 PM and from 1 PM to 5 PM on Sunday. Saturday only in January. Tastings can be booked , Saturdays only, 11:30 AM, 1:30 PM, and 3:30 PM. Flights, glasses and bottles are available anytime during open hours. Guided vineyard tours are held at 2 PM and 4 PM. Enjoy the outdoor spaces on the veranda, porches, and patios, or have your wine in the indoor rooms. Special events are held throughout the summer. Visit Laurel Gray Vineyards for more information.

McRitchie Winery & Ciderworks

315 Thurmond Post Office Road, Thurmond 28683; Phone: 336-874-3003. Tasting Room is open from 12 PM to 5 PM Friday through Sunday. Tastings are for wine only and only with reservations. Flights are available for walk-ins, which feature four of their wines and can be enjoyed in the outdoor pergola area. This is a great option for guests with dogs, picnics, or children. Flights for groups of four only, if group is larger call ahead. Picnics are permitted. Visit McRitchie Winery & Ciderworks for information.

Medaloni Cellars

9125 Shallowford Rd., Lewisville 27023; Phone: 336-946-1490. Located 10 minutes outside Winston-Salem, Medaloni Cellars offers flights for relaxing on your own and sampling or guided tastings. Both include a souvenir wine glass. Private tastings are also available by reservation. Hours are Wednesday and Thursday, 2 PM-8 PM, Friday, 12 PM-8 PM. Saturday, 11 AM-6 PM, and Sunday, 12 PM-6 PM. Music and events are held on many days. Cabins are also available for rental. Visit Medaloni Cellars for more information.

Menarick Vineyards & Winery

328 Luffman Rd., Ronda 28670; Phone: 336-328-7038. Located along the Yadkin Valley Wine Trail in Wilkes County, this winery, specializing in Spanish and Portuguese varietals is open Friday and Saturday from 11 AM to 5 PM and Sunday from 12 PM to 5 PM. They offer wine flights, tastings, or wine by the glass or bottle. Picnics are welcome on the patio. For more information, visit Menarick Vineyards & Winery.

Native Vines Winery

1336 N NC Hwy 150 N, Lexington 27295; Phone: 336-787-3688. Native Vines is the first American Indian-owned and operated winery in the country. Hours of operation: Tuesday through Friday from 11 AM to 5 PM. Saturday, 11 AM-6 PM, and Sunday from 1 PM to 5 PM. Tastings include any 6 wines, no reservations needed. Summer Concert Series, June 8, June 22, and July 27, 7pm – 10pm, free admission. Limited indoor seating. The patio and picnic tables are available. No pets are permitted. Visit Native Vines Winery for more information.

Old Homeplace Vineyard

623 McGee Road, Winston-Salem, NC 27107; Phone: 336-399-7293. This vineyard lies between a 1200 acre lake and 48 acres of beautiful pasture. Tasting room hours are Friday, 1 PM-5 PM and Saturday & Sunday, 12 PM-5 PM. Last call and last tastings at 4:30 PM. Taste 7 wines of your choice and take the glass home. They also offer a wine flight of 4 wines (3oz pours) and you keep the glasses. Old Homeplace features artists and songwriters performing on their deck overlooking the lake on Sundays. See their event calendar for all events. Non aggressive dogs on a leash allowed. Coolers with food are permitted, but will be inspected. No outside beverages of any kind are allowed. They sell wine, beer, sodas, and water. Children are permitted, but must be supervised. Visit Old Homeplace Vineyard for more information

Old North State Winery & Brewery

308 N. Main Street, Mount Airy 27030; Phone: 336-789-9463. Started as a cooperative in 2002, two families now own the winery. It is located in a former mercantile building; the vineyards are on nearby farms. The building also includes a restaurant, 308 Bistro, which offers lunch and dinner. The winery is open from 11 AM to 3 PM on Tuesday; from 11 AM to 9 PM on Wednesday through Saturday. There is a Thursday Night Tasting Club, featuring four international wines paired with four hors d’oeuvers. REservations required. Winery tours are also available. Visit Old North State Winery & Brewery.

Piccione Vineyards

2364 Cedar Forest Road, Ronda 28670; Phone: 336-571-1024. For wine tasting, Piccione currently offers flights, bottles, and glasses. Hours are Monday through Sunday, 12 PM-6 PM (last call at 5:30 PM). Food trucks are available on weekends, and you may bring small snacks on weekdays. There is live music at the vineyard almost every weekend and special events that take place. See Events on their webpage. For information, visit Piccione Vineyards.

Raffaldini Vineyards & Winery

450 Groce Road, Ronda 28670; Phone: 336-835-9463. Raffaldini Vineyards brings Tuscan charm to North Carolinas, producing only dry Italian-style wines, like Chianti. Open Monday, 11 AM-5 PM; Wednesday through Saturday, 11 AM-5 PM; and Sunday, 12 PM-5 PM. Groups of 6 or less can enjoy indoor wine tasting with a tour included. For groups of 8 or fewer, there is outdoor seating, in covered areas, for flights. Visitors must be 21 or older only. Reservations needed for tastings. Pets are not permitted. Infants and children are no longer permitted except on Family Days. Ouside food is permitted on weekdays but not when food trucks are available. Raffaldini’s 18th Annual Festa Italiana, the largest Italian festival in the area, will be held the third weekend in September. tickets are required. Visit Raffaldini Vineyards and Winery for more information.

Rayson Winery And Vineyards

322 Brixx Lane, Mocksville 27028; Phone: 336-998-3100 or 844-729-7667. Rayson Vineyard is open for tastings from 11 AM to 6 PM Wednesday-Sunday. They offer two types of tastings, Traditional featuring 7 wines from white, rose, and red, and Select Tasting, with 7 red wines, 3 of which are reserve red wine. Reservations are required. They will have a full service bistro beginning the summer of 2024. Food will be available Thursday-Sunday. Reservations are required. The winery has a 21 or over policy, including infants. No outside food or beverages or pets permitted. For more information, visit Rayson Vineyards and Winery.

Roaring River Vineyards

493 Brewer Mill Road, Traphill 28685; Phone: 336-957-2332. Hours April through October: Thursday through Saturday, 11 AM-6 PM; Sunday, 12 PM-5 PM. November through March hours: Friday and Saturday, 11 AM-6 PM; Sunday, 12 PM-5 PM. The tasting room offers both wine and beer. Have a glass, share a bottle, or enjoy a tasting to sample all RRV wines or available beers. Chez Joséphine is a restaurant located at Roaring River. Indoor and outdoor seating is available. Pets are permitted at outdoor dining areas and riverside pet play areas. Lodging is available. Visit Roaring River Vineyards for more information.

Round Peak Vineyards

765 Round Peak Church Road, Mount Airy 27030; Phone: 336-352-5595. Tasting room hours from April through December are 12 PM to 5 PM, Sunday through Thursday, Friday 12 PM to 8 PM, and Saturday 11 AM to 6 PM. January through March, open only Friday through Sunday. Other times by appointment. Private tastings for parties of eight or more (please call ahead). Choose six wines for tasting. Includes a souvenir glass. Cabins are available to rent. Visit Round Peak Vineyards for more information.

Sanders Ridge Vineyard & Winery

3200 Round Hill Road, Boonville 27011; Phone: 336-677-1700. The tasting room hours are 12 PM to 5 PM, Thursday through Sunday. Sanders Ridge Restaurant serves lunch. Cabin rental available. Visit Sanders Ridge Vineyard & Winery for more information.

Serre Vineyards

364 Beast Trail, Mt Airy 27030; Phone: 336-525-9463(WINE). Hours are Saturday, 12 PM-5 PM. Sunday-Friday 11 AM-5 PM by reservation only. Seasoned sommeliers and sipping students alike are invited. Bottles, glasses, and flights of wine are available. Beast Trail Brewing and Skull Camp beer are also served. Well-behaved pets on leashes and children are welcome. Food trucks and music. For more information, visit Serre Vineyards.

Shadow Springs Vineyard

5543 Crater Road, Hamptonville 27202; Phone: 336-468-5000. Shadow Springs’ 5,000-square-foot tasting room is technologically equipped for parties or meetings. It is open from 10 AM to 5 PM Wednesday through Saturday, and Sunday from 1 PM to 5 PM or by appointment. No reservations required. For more information, visit Shadow Springs Vineyard.

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. The tasting room is open Monday and Tuesday 11 AM-5 PM, Wednesday-Saturday, 11 AM-6 PM, and Sunday, 12 PM-6 PM. Tours are offered Monday through Saturday, 12 PM, 2 PM, and 4 PM, and at 3 PM on Sunday. For tastings, you can sample five wines and take a guided tour of the 33,000-square-foot winery. The Harvest Grill Restaurant offers upscale dining Wednesday & Thursday 11 AM-9 PM, Friday & Saturday, 11 AM-10 PM, and Sunday 11 AM-5 PM. Reservations recommended. Music in the vineyard and events are held on Saturdays and Sundays. See the event calendar. Visit Shelton Vineyards for more information.

Slightly Askew Winery

913 N. Bridge St., Elkin 28621; Phone: 336-835-2700. One of the newest wineries on the Yadkin Valley Wine Trail, Slightly Askew Winery hours are Thursday through Saturday from 1 PM to 6 PM and Sunday from 1 PM to 5 PM. For more information, visit Slightly Askew Winery.

Stony Knoll Vineyards

1143 Stony Knoll Road, Dobson 27017; Phone: 336-374-5752. Stony Knoll is open March through December, 10 AM to 6 PM Monday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. In January and February, the winery is open from 10 AM to 6 PM on Friday and Saturday only. Wine tasting is available or by the glass service. Lodge available for rental. Visit Stony Knoll Vineyards.

Weathervane Winery

1452 Welcome Arcadia Road, Lexington 27295; Phone: 336-701-5235. Tastings available – learn about their white, red, and sweet wines from their knowledgeable and friendly staff. Visitors can taste Weathervane’s wines and keep the wine glass. The tasting room is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11 AM to 5 PM and on Sunday from 1 to 5 PM. Tours also available. Cottages available for rental. Visit Weathervane Winery for more information.

Windsor Run Cellars

6531 Windsor Rd, Hamptonville 27020; Phone: 336-468-8400. Also, new to the Yadkin Valley Wine Trail, Windsor Run Cellars is a winery and distillery. The tasting room also offers wines from Ferguson Vineyards and is open Wednesday through Saturday, 10 AM to 5 PM, and Sunday, 1 PM to 5 PM. January & February open weekend only. Wine tastings include four wines and include a souvenir glass. Tours and tastings of Windsor Run liquors at the distillery are only available on Saturdays. No reservations required. Visit Windsor Run Cellars for information.

Local Wine Bars To Visit

Now that you are a wine expert after your visit to some of our vineyards, enjoy a relaxing glass at one of our Winston-Salem wine bar picks. A nice experience before or after dinner, or anytime.

Have you visited a vineyard? Tell us about your experience in the comments.

Tagged With: Vineyards