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essentially killed North Carolina’s wine industry, and few wineries in the state reopened after the 18th Amendment was repealed in 1933.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. Visit Allison Oaks Facebook page for more information.

Brandon Hills Vineyard

1927 Brandon Hills Rd (off Neelie Rd), Yadkinville 27055; Phone: 336-463-WINE. 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. Visit Brandon Hills Vineyard for more information.

Carolina Heritage Vineyard & Winery

170 Heritage Vines Way, Elkin 28621; Phone: 336-448-4781 Opened in late 2008 and featuring organic wines, they offer winery tours, and the tasting room is open on Friday, 5 PM-9 PM; Saturday and Sunday from 12 PM to 9 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. 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 noon-5 PM or by appointment. For more information, visit Cellar 4201.

Childress Vineyards

1000 Childress Vineyards Road, Lexington 27295; Phone: 336-236-9463. The tasting room is open daily, 10 AM-5 PM. Hours may vary by season. Winery tours are given Monday-Friday at 12 PM and 3 PM and on Saturday and Sunday at 11 AM, 1 PM, and 3 PM. The Bistro serves lunch daily 10 AM-4 PM, and Brunch on Sunday. Visit Childress Vineyards for more information.

Christian Paul Vineyards – OPENING IN 2023

156 Tuscan Way, Elkin 28621; Phone: 239-404-1070.

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 for Fall, Winter, and Spring of 2023-24 is available Thursday, Friday & Saturday, 12 PM-6 PM, and Sunday, 1 PM-6 PM. 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 fee for entry to just visit the llamas. 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. For more information, visit Dobbin Creek Vineyards.

Dynamis Estate Wines

1004 Highland Road, Jonesville 28642; Phone: 336-468-6702. Hours are Wednesday through Saturday, 11 AM-5 PM; Sunday, 12 PM-5 PM. Reserve a tasting, either self-guided or with a knowledgeable wine ambassador. Visit Dynamis Estate Wines for more information.

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. 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. Events are held throughout the year. See 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). Grassy Creek’s grounds and gardens can be rented for special events, and cabin rentals also are available. Live music on Saturdays and Sundays. The tasting room is open from 12 PM-5 PM on Mondays, 12 PM to 6 PM on Thursdays through Saturdays, 1 PM to 5 PM on Sundays, or by appointment. The tasting room is open on Saturdays and Sundays in January and February. 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 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 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. 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 grow nine varieties of grapes for their red and white wine. 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. Hours are Thursday through Saturday, 11 AM-6 PM; Sunday, 112 Pm-6 PM. Pet friendly. Cabin rental available. For more information, Hidden Vineyards Facebook page.

Hutton Vineyards

178 Hutton Vineyard Lane, Dobson 27017; Phone: 336-374-2621. Tours and tastings are held Thursday through Saturday from 12 PM to 5 PM, Closed Sunday. The 45-acre property is less than a mile from historic Rockford. Hutton Vineyards on Facebook

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. 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. 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. 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. Tastings are offered Wednesday through Saturday from 10 AM to 5 PM and from 1 PM to 5 PM on Sunday. Saturday only in January. Guided vineyard tours are held at 2 PM and 4 PM. 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. The tasting room will be closed from August 18-25, 2023. Also available are wine flights, 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. 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 and for tastings. Both include a souvenir wine glass. 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. Limited indoor seating. The patio and Picnic tables are available. No pets are permitted. Visit Native Vines Winery 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. The winery is open from 11 AM to 3 PM on Tuesday; from 11 AM to 9 PM on Wednesday through Saturday. 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. For information, visit Piccione Vineyards.

Pilot Mountain Vineyards

1162 Bradley Road, Pinnacle 27043; Phone: 336-488-4186. Summer Tasting Room hours: Saturday and Sundays only, 12:30 PM-5 PM. Enjoy flights (4 pours), a glass, or a bottle. Sit inside or on the patio. No children under 5 are allowed, except infants in carriers. They have snacks available, or bring your own food. See Upcoming Tasting Room Events. Visit Pilot Mountain 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 recommended. Pets are not permitted. Infants and children are no longer permitted except on Family Days. Raffaldini’s 18th Annual Festa Italiana, the largest Italian festival in the area, will be held Saturday and Sunday, September 16th and 17th. Visit Raffaldini Vineyards and Winery for more information.

RayLen Vineyards and Winery

3577 US Hwy 158, Mocksville 27028; Phone: 336-998-3100 RayLen Vineyard is open for tastings from 11 AM to 6 PM Monday through Saturday and Sunday 12 PM-6 PM. They don’t take reservations for groups of 8 or less. Red, white, and sweet flights are available, as well as tasting from their reserve selection and an extended flight. For more information, visit Raylen Vineyards and Winery.

Roaring River Vineyards

439 Brewer Mill Road, Traphill 28685; Phone: 336-957-1332. 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, Monday through Sunday. The vineyards are open daily for hiking and birding. Sanders Ridge Restaurant serves lunch and dinner. 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-6 PM, and Sunday, 12 PM-5 PM. 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. 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 through 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. You can sample five wines and take a guided tour of the 33,000-square-foot winery. The Harvest Grill Restaurant offers upscale dining (call for hours). 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 and Thursday through Saturday. In January and February, the winery is open from 10 AM to 6 PM on Friday and Saturday. 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. 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. 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. 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 (coming soon!). 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