A Guide to North Carolina’s Wine Scene

Point Lookout Vineyards, Piedmont Wine Region | Stephanie Klepacki

There’s much to know about the pronounced wine scene in North Carolina. So, in this brief guide, we’ll delve into some of its key details.

Where is North Carolina Wine Country?

The diverse stretch of North Carolina’s Wine Country encompasses three primary zones. NC Wine dubs these the Mountain Makers, Piedmont Producers, and Coastal Crafters. Specific grape-growing regions lie in each of these zones, which offer an abundance of vineyards and wineries to explore.

The Yadkin Valley, in the Piedmont zone, might be the most renowned region. Featuring dozens of wineries, it does not only hold the distinction of being the largest wine-producing region in the state but also has an exceptionally well-developed tourism industry. The region boasts wine trails that lead through the area’s many vineyards. It also offers a delectable food scene and exceptional accommodations. Many Yadkin Valley cabins and resorts provide wine-oriented experiences, including local tours and tastings.

North Carolina’s Wine Varieties

North Carolina’s wine community has been evolving for hundreds of years. It has reached a highly advanced stage and features an abundance of exciting options. North Carolina’s wineries have gained recognition for crafting four popular types of wine: cabernet sauvignons, merlots, chardonnays, and rieslings. Visitors can also taste muscadines, Bordeaux-style reds, and more.

Wine Country Experiences

North Carolina’s wine country offers many activities allowing those who participate to learn about the state’s culture while also indulging in delicious beverages. Among the industry’s many popular activities are wine pairings, where you can savor wine alongside North Carolina’s renowned barbecue. Below, we’ll outline two other popular experiences:

Swan Creek Wine Trail: Visit four different vineyards within five miles of each other that specialize in varietal blends.

Divine Llama Vineyards: This unique wine-tasting experience allows you to sample products at a winery that doubles as the largest llama farm in the Southeast.

Major Wine Events in North Carolina

North Carolina hosts numerous festivals and celebrations that showcase the state’s renowned wine scene and cast a spotlight on local creators. 

North Carolina Wine Festival: This event in late October is arguably the state’s most significant wine occasion of the year. Held in Cary, a major city near Raleigh, this festival showcases incredible local wineries with a backdrop of live music and entertainment. The North Carolina Wine Festival allows attendees to sample fantastic vintages from North Carolina vineyards and meet the producers behind the drinks.

Yadkin Valley Wine Festival: This event shines a spotlight on the most prominent wine region in North Carolina. Typically, more than 15 regional wineries participate, and visitors can enjoy live music as they taste the best wine Yadkin Valley has to offer. 

Raleigh’s International Wine Festival: This occasion involves a more global experience, as an ideal opportunity to expand your wine palette. While there, visitors can relish tastings from dozens of wineries spanning the globe, including renowned regions such as Argentina, Italy, and New Zealand, as well as lesser-known up-and-coming wine countries, including Armenia and Hungary, among many others.