North Carolina boasts more than 250 wineries, stretching from the coast to the rolling foothills, and all the way up through the Blue Ridge Mountains.
You’ll stumble upon everything from old-school vineyards to brand-new tasting rooms, so there’s really something for every kind of wine fan.
Top North Carolina Wineries and Wine Regions
If you’re hunting for wine in North Carolina, Yadkin Valley tops the list.
This area packs in well-known vineyards like Shelton Vineyards, Laurel Gray, and Rag Apple Lassie. The green hills and vineyard trails feel almost endless, and the rich soil? It gives the grapes a fantastic flavor.
Near Asheville, you can swing by places like Stone Ashe Vineyards, where mountain views meet some truly unique wine styles.
Duplin Winery sits near the coast and is a must if you’re craving sweet wines. Every region brings its own vibe, and a lot of places even let you throw down a blanket for a picnic right on the grounds.
Yadkin Valley really shines with its muscadine, cabernet, and chardonnay wines. You’ll find plenty of outdoor seating and space to wander.
These vineyards love to host seasonal festivals, food trucks, and live music. Scenic drives and trails make it easy to hop between stops.
Wine Tasting Experiences
Booking a wine tasting in North Carolina is usually a breeze, and you get a peek behind the curtain at what goes into each bottle.
Most wineries offer wine flights, single pours, and guided tastings. The staff, who genuinely care about their craft, love to chat about what makes their wines special.
At a lot of vineyards, you can settle in outside and sample reds, whites, and specialty bottles. Spots like Biltmore or Childress even throw in food pairing tips or samples.
Each place sets its own mood—sometimes it’s cozy and laid-back, other times there’s music or bigger group events.
Tasting experiences run the gamut from walk-ins to reservation-only. Some spots welcome last-minute visitors, but others want you to book ahead, especially for groups or private tastings.
You’ll usually find shaded patios or indoor areas if the weather turns. Some tasting rooms let you bring your own food, which is honestly a nice touch.
Featured Wineries and Brands
Shelton Vineyards stands out in the Yadkin Valley, known for smooth cabernets, relaxing grounds, and guided tours.
Stone Ashe Vineyard has built a reputation for French-inspired wines, gorgeous mountain views, and a sleek tasting room.
Duplin Winery, over by the coast, claims the title of oldest and largest in the state. It’s especially famous for sweet muscadine wines.
Biltmore Winery in Asheville draws crowds for its wide range and the historic estate setting.
Vineyards like Laurel Gray and Rag Apple Lassie stick to small-batch production. They often roll out new blends during seasonal events or host community gatherings.
Some places even have in-house brands for special releases, so you might taste something you won’t find anywhere else.
Tour Options and Visitor Information
Arranging a wine tour is pretty straightforward. You can book through the winery’s site or just show up in person.
Choose from self-guided apps, group bus tours, or private tastings if you want something more intimate.
Most vineyards offer short walking tours of their fields and production spaces.
If you want to dodge the crowds, making a reservation helps—especially on weekends or during special events.
Group tours sometimes include extras like tasting flights, cheese platters, or a chat with the winemaker. Wineries post details about seating, group sizes, and tours on their websites and social media.
Tables and shaded spots fill up fast, so booking ahead is smart if you plan to hang out for a while.
A lot of places are cool with you bringing outside food, and picnic blankets pop up everywhere during busy seasons.
Amenities and Guest Comfort
North Carolina wineries go out of their way to make you comfortable. You’ll find plenty of outdoor seating, shaded patios, and space to roam the vineyards.
Many spots offer blankets for lawn seating, so you can kick back with a bottle outside.
At bigger places like Biltmore or Duplin, you’ll see restrooms, parking lots, and even charging stations.
Wine shops and cafes are common for snacks or lunch. Guided tastings usually come with simple menus that describe each wine.
Most major wineries keep things accessible with ramps and flat trails. Pet-friendly patios are a big hit, and water bowls for dogs are everywhere.
It’s pretty common for tasting rooms to let you bring outside food, especially if you’re planning a picnic.
Digital Presence and Community
Nearly all the top North Carolina wineries keep active online.
You can follow Shelton Vineyards, Stone Ashe, and Duplin Winery on Instagram or Facebook for updates about tastings, new releases, or community events.
Booking tours, reserving tables, and checking hours is easy on their official websites—VisitNC’s North Carolina wineries and wine trails page is a good place to start.
Social media is where they announce live music, food trucks, and seasonal festivals.
Some wineries even livestream tastings or set up virtual experiences if you can’t visit in person.
Newsletters and blogs keep you in the loop about special events or wine club memberships. Getting involved online makes planning a breeze and gives you a real feel for each place.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can visit wineries across North Carolina all year, but certain seasons really bring out the best views and experiences.
Many wineries offer tasting rooms, good food, or even overnight stays, so you can make your trip as chill or as lively as you want.
What’s the best time of year to check out wineries in NC?
Most folks love visiting in the fall, when grape harvest is in full swing and the leaves explode with color.
Spring is another great choice for mild weather and budding grapevines.
Some wineries throw special events and festivals throughout the year, so it really depends on what kind of vibe you’re after.
Can you recommend the top winery to visit in North Carolina?
Biltmore Winery in Asheville is a classic pick, especially since it’s on the famous Biltmore Estate.
You get tours, tastings, and beautiful grounds all in one spot.
Childress Vineyards and Raffaldini Vineyards are also favorites, thanks to their wines and stunning views.
What are some North Carolina wineries where I can also stay overnight?
A few wineries have rooms or cottages right on the property.
The Biltmore Estate offers overnight stays at their on-site hotel.
Shelton Vineyards and Treehouse Vineyards also have private cabins or cozy treehouses if you want to spend the night.
Where’s the most stunning winery to see in North Carolina?
Raffaldini Vineyards in Ronda is famous for its sweeping Blue Ridge Mountain views and its Italian villa-style tasting room.
Linville Falls Winery, near the Blue Ridge Parkway, is another gorgeous spot to relax and sip wine with a mountain backdrop.
For more about what to expect, check out their frequently asked questions.
Which NC wineries offer a good bite to eat onsite?
Childress Vineyards has a full bistro for lunch, and Shelton Vineyards features the Harvest Grill restaurant.
Many wineries serve small plates, cheese boards, or bring in food trucks on weekends.
It’s always a good idea to check ahead since not every place has a full kitchen. For more details about food policies, visit NC Wine Festival’s FAQ.
Who’s the big dog of wineries in North Carolina, size-wise?
Biltmore Winery takes the crown as North Carolina’s largest. You’ll find it right on the sprawling Biltmore Estate, where they craft a surprising range of wines every year.
Biltmore isn’t just huge; it’s got some real history and draws plenty of visitors too.