I admit it. I had a bad attitude about North Carolina wineries. It’s just that my beloved home state of North Carolina is quite well known for a sweet wine I can’t stand — muscadine wine. The scuppernong (one of its varieties) is our official state fruit. Blech.
But everything I thought I knew about NC wineries was turned upside down on my recent press visit to the Yadkin Valley. The exceptional wines produced there have earned the Yadkin Valley American Viticultural Area (AVA) the unofficial nickname, “Napa of the East”, and based on the half dozen wineries I visited, it more than deserves to be compared to these beautiful wineries in Napa Valley. Not to mention the fact that many of the Yadkin Valley wineries have panoramic views of the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains from their piedmont and foothill locations.
Jones Von Drehle (Thurmond, NC)
One of the Yadkin Valley’s newer additions, this higher-elevation winery has already won multiple awards. Their expert vintner who hails from the West Coast is committed to fruit first wines with subtle oaking. All Jones Von Drehle wine is produced from their own grapes. The view over the vineyards is fantastic, and if you’re lucky, you’ll be able to say hello to the friendly resident dog while enjoying your wine tasting.
My wine picks: Petit Manseng and Rock & Rail (Rock & Rail’s name pays homage to the estate’s rocky soil and historic railroad heritage.)
Brushy Mountain Winery (downtown Elkin, NC)
This urban winery’s owner and winemaker, Jason Wiseman, is very up front that he likes making wine, not growing grapes, though all of his fruit does come from with a 10-mile radius. Not having to keep farmer’s hours allows him the time to focus completely on making the old world and Bordeaux-style wines.
The tasting room walls are covered with 1930’s advertisements from when the building housed a 5 and 10 cent store, and the label of the blackberry wine (my favorite) pays homage to the cannery that followed. Brushy Mountain also hosts rotating entertainment.
My wine pick: Blackberry
JOLO Vineyards & Winery (Pilot Mountain, NC)
The absolutely gorgeous views of the vineyards, lake and Pilot Mountain draw you in the moment you arrive. Indoors, the beautiful tasting room sits by the open kitchen, and at JOLO, your wine tastings are served in separate glasses according to varietal. (Trust me, I went to a Riedel wine tasting and the glass makes a huge difference in how a wine tastes!) If you have the chance to visit when the End Post restaurant is serving dinner, you’ll find the food to be exceptional.
If you’re wondering where the JOLO name come from, it’s a combination of Joey and Logan, the children of owners JW and Kristen Ray.
My wine picks: Golden Hallows and Pilot Fog
Old North State Winery (downtown Mount Airy)
The winery is located in a historic building that once housed a general store. A dynamite explosion left the building abandoned for years, and later during reconstruction, the skeletal remains of a human arm were discovered in the walls of the basement. This haunted tale led the Old North State Winery to name and label one of their wines Restless Soul. I’ve been to this winery a couple of times, and really enjoy the casual, relaxed atmosphere of the tasting room and cafe.
My wine picks: Fish Hippie Bare Bones and Restless Soul (the #1 selling wine)
Shelton Vineyards (Dobson)
Owned by brothers, Charlie and Ed, Shelton Vineyards was once a dairy farm and is now the largest family owned vineyard in North Carolina. The 400 acre estate includes 90 acres of vines, and it’s one of the most beautiful pieces of property we visited. Allow time to stroll the grounds and enjoy the landscaping outside. For a fine dining experience, you won’t want to miss the Harvest Grill restaurant. All Shelton wines are produced from grapes they grow.
My wine picks: Bin 17 Chardonnay and Estate Chardonnay
Herrera Vineyards (Dobson, NC)
The newest winery in Surry County opened after four years of extensive renovations and landscaping on the former Black Wolf Vineyards. A beautiful waterfall and two terraces overlook the 42 acres of vineyards, and the indoor tasting room/restaurant space is just as striking with rich wood furnishings and iron fixtures. There were some really unique wines at Herrera, and if you are a muscadine wine fan, it can be found here.
My wine pick: Dry Riesling
You can find a complete list of Yadkin Valley wineries in NC and suggestions on where to stay and what to do in the area at www.YadkinValleyNC.com.
Comments & Reviews
What a beautiful wine tour! These wineries look way nicer than the ones here in NJ.
How beautiful! I would love to take that tour. And taste the delicious wine
The same here, it really looks like such a beautiful place as well those views WOW!
I’ve never been to a winery in such a long time! This is breathtaking and they have so much to offer as well. How lovely is this place! It’s an escape, a great way to relax and enjoy good wine.
I’ve always wanted to go to a winery! Not just for the wine. Mainly because they look so pretty!
Oh wow what an absolutely amazing looking place, food and wine, what more could many people ask for. I know so many who would love to visit.
Oh wow. JOLO would be my first stop on these lists. I love the grounds so much!
I used to live outside of Raleigh and I can’t say enough great things about NC. It’s beautiful. I’ve never gone winery hopping there but I’m putting it on my list to go!
Looks like a great tour and some great wines! I have not tried many wines from that region but I am always open to trying more! Thanks for the heads up and now I will be on the lookout for these!
I always find great places to visit in the Carolinas when I read your posts. I didn’t know this winery existed. The scenery is beautiful and the restaurant looks warm and inviting.
It looks so relaxing and enjoyable. I’ve not tried many wines and typically stick with Rosé.
Absolutely beautiful photos of the wine, food, and scenery! I’ve only ever passed through the Blue Ridge Mountains – but I see there’s so much there to make it a destination in itself. I enjoyed the pictures and descriptions you shared of the Napa of the East.
Beautiful pictures! We moved to Va 7 years ago and frequent some vineyards nearby to us, it is such a great day and the views are breathtaking! I will have to add NC to our list of places to visit more vineyards now!
OH MY GOSH, my mouth is open. 1. The wineries are stunning. 2. What is more shocking is that you know where Mt. Airy, NC is. In a previous life I lived their for 6 months with my former in laws. I had no idea such beauty exist there.
I love how beautiful that winery is. I always enjoy going on those tours.
These wineries look absolutely beautiful. I don’t live far from here, I would love to plan a day trip for my husband and I.
WOW that is gorgeous! I have never been to a wine tour and have been dying to go. My husband and I love wine so this would be a great place to start.
This would make for a fun trip. My husband would love to visit these places.
What a lovely tour. Not just the wine, but the food too! And the scenery is just stunning.
Some of these vineyards are absolutely stunning and i am amazed at the meals you can get. No wonder you changed your mind! Got to love it when that happens.
Oh my gosh is that place look beautiful! I love wineries! They make them look beautiful. Of course the wine doesn’t hurt either LOL.
I just want to get a hammock and some bottles and relax there. The views are amazing. I’m sure it’s nice and cool and.. Yup I need to be there
That looks like a beautiful winery. It reminds me of the ones here int he DC area.
You’ve inspired me to make our next NC trip a winery visit! I love all of the local wineries we have here in NYS. I’d love to visit Yadkin!
What beautiful looking countryside. Love wine country. Visiting all the different ones are even better. Bet you had a great time.
Oh my, what gorgeous photography and wonderful scenes! North Carolina has so much to offer. I love living here!
I’ve never been to a wine tasting even though I am sure there are quite a few in New York State as well. Those pictures are magnificent and it would be worth it just to go and relax in there!
What a gorgeous place! I don’t like wine, but I’d still like to visit.
I have never been on a wine tour but these look amazing, must go to one, one day
Ever since I visited the Cognac vineyards to learn about the Cognac process, I have been fascinated by both wine and spirit making. I would love to do a vineyard tour next year.
Beautiful place and I want to visit it. The foods looks so delicious. I want it too
What a beautiful place. I’ve never visited a winery… I sure do want to now though!
Samantha xo
Would it shock you to hear that I have never been to a winery? LOL. I have always wanted to go, but just never did. Sounds like I need to plan a trip. Thanks for sharing
Visiting wineries is one of our favorite things to do. This one looks so pretty! What a fun time!
I have a good friend who lives in North Carolina Wine Country. She absolutely loves it there! So stunningly beautiful!
I love visiting wineries. It’s always so much fun tasting the wine and walking around the vineyard. If I’m ever in this area, I will stop by this place for sure.
That muscadine wine is SO BIG HERE! I’m in eastern TN and that’s all people want to drink around here. I definitely can’t handle the sweetness. I’m from California and I miss my California wines!
Thanks for the love for #NCWine. I would like to point out two corrections though. Jones von Drehle is actually in Wilkes County not Surry. Also, the varietal is Petit Manseng not Petite Manseng.
Thanks so much! I appreciate it! Using audio notes can be a bit tricky sometimes. 🙂
What a beautiful winery to visit!!! The countryside looks so peaceful, what an amazing place for a getaway and to relax!
I am not a fan of wine but even that wouldn’t stop me from visiting these places. Absolutely picture perfect x
This looks like a wonderful winery. I will make sure I check it out if I am ever in the area.
Winery’s and lots of green land, it’s like a dream to me. Will keep these in mind for when i go travelling next year. Stunning pictures too!!
I am not a wine connoisseur by any means, but some of these wines have me interested. I’d like to try the Restless Soul wine after hearing about why it was named that.
Sounds like I need to visit some NC wineries! ha! I’m picky with my wine as well.
This looks like a gorgeous area to visit! I have family in NC so I’ll have to see if they have been here!
I visited North Carolina for the first time the past summer and now I wish I had stopped at a winery!!! They look beautiful 🙂
I would really enjoy visiting that place! I’m a wine lover and that is perfect for me.
I’ve never been there, I never thought that north carolina is a beautiful place until I found this. I think, it’s a great spot this coming Holidays.
Your pictures are transporting me to these wineries which totally rival the one I just visited in the hamptons in NY! I guess I know where we need to book our next trip for a couples getaway! Thanks for sharing
Wow these places look so beautiful! I wish I lived closer.
For as many times as I have been to California, I can’t believe I have never been wine tasting there. I think I need to plan a girls weekend ASAP!
I’ve never been to a winery before, but if I’m ever in the area, I’ll definitely give them a visit!
We went through wine country when we were traveling about in our fifthwheel. It’s a beautiful part of the country for sure. Maybe someday I’ll get back out there
I’ve never had the opportunity to tour a winery. It sounds like a really interesting place.
I have been to all of these wineries except North State and Brushy Mountain. Von Drehle is my favorite. Looks like another wine trip will have to be made to include the ones I missed. North Carolina (especially Yadkin Valley) are making some wonderful wines! Go out and explore. The people and staff at the wineries are as interesting as some of the wines!
Wow these all look beautiful! I would love to visit all of them. And, of course, taste all the wines. My husband and I did that locally once and had a blast.
Believe it or not, I’ve never actually been to a winery before. I have always wanted to and the ones you have featured look absolutely stunning.
I’m not a wine person, but my sister enjoys wine. I will have to tell her about this one!
I would love to bring my family there before the end of the year.
The Yadkin area is so beautiful! I absolutely love that part of NC and wish I could go back for a visit sometime soon.
I have never been to this part of North Carolina before but I know that I would enjoy myself. Wine is involved too so sign me right on up!
I love that with each location you included your wine picks. If I ever make it out there I definitely know where to go and what to enjoy.
I love going to wineries! I haven’t been to one in a long time. This looks like such a fun tour!
Wow, this place looks so beautiful! I am not a big wine drinker, but I am always down for some good eats!
I love in Virginia, so I could actually see myself checking some of these places out. I also need to try that sweet wine you mentioned! I like my alcohol sweet!
I have never been to a winery but it is on my list of places to visit. Love the stairway, it is beautiful.
My husband would love to visit there before the end of the year. Such a lovely pics.
I love going to wineries! I haven’t been to one since last year! This looks like a great place!
I love the name Fish Hippie for a wine. That is as memorable! Thanks for posting!
Wow this looks like a great place to visit and the food looks so yummy xxx
This looks like an amazing vacation. Thank you for sharing this information I will defiantly put this on my bucket lists of places to see.
North Carolina is such a beautiful place! It looks like a lovely trip.
You had me at wineries. I love explore vineyards in different locations. I’ve been to those in Cali and along the North Fork of Long Island. I would love to check out even more across the country. Adding NC to my list.
I would love to go on a wine tour with a few friends. The food looks so delicious. It would be a fantastic date as well.
I am just starting to learn about Wine. I would love to go on a Winery tour. It looks like fun and you would learn so much.
I have never been on a winery tour before. It looks like a great date idea. I would love to learn more about wine.
I regret that I never went to any of the wineries in the decade that I lived in NC. Maybe if I get to go back, I’ll check out Yadkin Valley.
I love going on winery tours. I haven’t been on one since the summer. I’m the same way. I am not a huge fan of sweet wines.
I need an urgent visit to North Carolina, seems this winery is perfect for a getaway and enjoy fine dining and good wine. Thanks or sharing.
Beautiful! I don’t drink wine {I know. I know. I’m the only person who doesn’t} but I’d love to go just for the atmosphere and relaxing!
How amazing! I so need this in my life. Cheers!
Looks beautiful! Can’t wait to go.
If we make it back east next summer, we may have to check this out, thanks for a great list of wineries!
What beautiful places to visit and the food looks amazing.
I love this beautiful place. My husband wanted to go there with me, I also wanted because of the wines and foods.
I would have never thought about going to a winery in North Carolina before seeing this. It looks like they have a great variety!
I am not a wine drinker but wineries sure are gorgeous! I want to visit them simply for that.
I haven’t been to a winery in a long time! It would be nice to go on a trip and visit these beautiful wineries!
Really nice place and I really want to try wine! I love the place
Amazing pics! North Carolina wine tour is on my ‘to do list’ now, when i get back to the States.
I just pinned this. The pics look so yummy and lovely. I think if the food is good then the wine must be good too. They have to complement well so that we can fully enjoy the experience.
Oh wow! This is a paradise for wine lovers like me! 😀 Definitely adding this to our bucket list!!
Wine tasting for that kind of fee – I would soooo take it, haha! I love wine tasting – seriously.
Looks like an amazing experience, what a beautiful place.
Wow! That is a stunning view! I lived in North Carolina for 2 years and I never knew there were wineries there! I wish I would have known I would have definitely checked them out.
Oh wow what a beautiful place! I’d love to visit Yadkin Valley x
Doing winery tours would be my parents ideal vacation. I’m not a huge wine fan so not as much for me x
This wine tour looks amazing! I really want to do this for my anniversary
I have never been to any vineyard or a wine tasting event before but this looks beautiful! I will put this on my bucket list.
I would love to visit all these place! Such an amazing trip to go in NC and visit all those wineries!
Some of these wineries look spectacular, love how you chosen a key wine too.
I am a huge fan of NC wines! For the first years of my marriage, we celebrated our anniversaries in NC because we lived there. Each anniversary we pick a winery to go to. I haven’t been to these places and now want to. NC has the best wineries and apple orchards!
Wow, what an awesome place! Perfect place to have a romantic date or wedding. I would love to visit North Carolina someday.
These wineries all sound amazing! I love the photos – they look beautiful
Wow this looks amazing! I’d love this kind of thing 🙂
Wow this looks like it would be incredible to take a tour of and enjoy. I’ve never been to a winery before so this would be something I would really enjoy doing!
Looks like a fab wine tour. Another reason I need to make the trip across the pond!
I’ve been to NC a few times but never to a winery. Sounds like I need to hit one up the next time I go!
Oh this is beautiful. We are in Oklahoma and have 2 within a couple of miles but they look nothing like this. One of them that comes with a house and 15 acres they want 13 million for. We all just laugh because they must think they live in California.
Even if you don’t drink wine, a winery is a fun place to visit. I grew up in Texas near a winery and we went there on a filed trip in elementary school.
I had no idea there are so many nice wineries in North Carolina, and that would be a wonderful place to visit. This sure got my attention – I want to check into this!
I love going to wineries! We have a ton of them here in California. This one is beautiful! 🙂
I see a trip to North Carolina in my future. I love trying new wines. I would love to tour these wineries.
These are beautiful wineries! I’ve never been to one in CA, only in AZ and I don’t think ours are anything by comparison. Not much of a wine drinker, but I actually do enjoy tastings.
Whoops…I MEANT N. Carolina! I haven’t been there either, lol.
This would be a nice weekend trip for us. I live in SC so it is doable. Absolutely beautiful scenery!
I’ve never been to a winery before. This looks like such a beautiful and relaxing place to visit!
Omg how fun!!!! I just love visiting wineries!!! We have several close by that I go to all the time
We love drinking good wines, daily. I had no idea there were wineries in North Carolina and this place looks so beautiful, good looks beyond amazing too!
Can you believe I’ve never been anywhere close enough to a winery to visit one? I’ve been having a fit to and the next time I’m in NC, I’m going to check the wineries out.
This looks like a fun trip.
I also like the scenery a lot.
I’m driving through NC right before Christmas. You’re making we want to take a detour through these lovely wineries.
I had no idea there were wineries in North Carolina. This place looks just gorgeous, and the food pics look amazing!
It does look beautiful there, your photos are fantastic! I bet you had a wonderful time.
Holy! I did not know that there was wine made in NC. Crazy! I learned something new today 🙂
North Carolina is a lot easier for us to get to than Napa Valley. I’ll have to set up a trip soon!
So beautiful! I LOVE wine! I hope to visit my first winery soon! I’ve never been to NC so maybe I could I could knock out two first in one trip!
This looks like a great place for a date! Your pictures are beautiful!
I’ve never been to a winery before but would love to go see that place. How beautiful.
These are some beautiful wineries. We have tons around here in Traverse City, MI.
You know, I am not a big fan of wine, but wineries are so beautiful! I really need to stop procrastinating and take the time to visit one!
I will definitely enjoy my time in that winery and explore how amazing and delicious those wine are. I am into red wine lately and enjoying every Friday at home. Good place to go and include some good people to go with… perfect!
What a great place to visit. I would love to go there and see it in live.
Look at those beautiful grapes. The general store basement story, oy! I like to visit wineries, the scenery is always fan-tas-tic!
wow doesn’t this look amazing!!! I;ve wanted to visit for such a long time!!!
Wow! Yadkin Valley looks really beautiful. I haven’t ever drank an American wine but must put it on my today list. I’ll give North Carolina my first choice. Great photos too.
This place is just amazing. I would so love to visit one day. Those grapes look good too.
I don’t drink wine but the scenery is just breathtaking in all of these places. I live in NC and would love to visit them all!
I’ve been to a few wine tasting events but never visited a winery. Think it sounds like something I would love.
I would love to go to a place like this. It looks great!
The wine looks amazing, but that noodle dish is to die for. Looks like a place I could spend some time.
What a tour!
I would love to visit …visit a winery just to enjoy such a tour.
I have been trying to find a good red wine for myself for years now.
Going to the winery is one of my wishes. Looks like you had a wonderful journey exploring those wineries. The view is peaceful, a perfect place to be relaxed and enjoy the wines.
This winery really seems to be worth visiting! I have only been to vineyards near San Francisco and in Europe.
Se manifique views! Awesome photo journal & descriptions. My mom would go bonkers for a post like this. she’s a wine fanatic lol
The scenery is gorgeous and the food looks absolutely gourmet! I would love to visit someday.
I think I would enjoy visiting North Carolina then as I love love sweet wine lol
Beautiful wineries
I have never been to a Winery before, may be because we don’t drink wine at home. But this place is really worth visiting for the nature’s beauty around it and could be a dream come true for wine lovers!
That looks like an amazing tour and something I would absolutely love to do.
Unfortunately we’re not big fans of wine in this household and prefer gin and rum, however your photos of the vineyard are beautiful and you live in a lovely place, its so green!
I’ve always wanted to go to a winery as they just look so beautiful, they’re always in stunning locations. But sadly I’m not a wine drinker, unless there’s one out there that solely does Prosecco, I’d be all over that
I don’t drink but my best friend loves wines and would love to visit and try all these wines which all sound great.
I have never been to a winery. I would love to visit any of these gorgeous properties.
It’s always nice to explore new vineyards. This is such a great tour for everyone who appreciates good wine 🙂
I love a great Rose, and also I dont mind a sherry, our Visit to the Yadkin Wineries looks lie it was good fun and My kind of trip.
Those Images are very inviting an the blue Hills wow, Awesome share Liz Thanks 🙂
~Julie syl
Beautiful photography! I’ve never been on a wine tour but it’s something I’d love to do 🙂
There are so many things to do in North Carolina but I would have never thought of wine tasting. Beautiful scenery is also a plus.
This is so beautiful…the winery looks amazing!!next summer…need to plan a trip that side!! This is on my list!
I would love to be there now… It looks like an amazing place! …and some relax is needed 🙂 Have a wonderful weekend! Hugs
It is a lot of fun to visit wineries; we have a number of them where I live.
I live in NC but haven’t visited any of our famous beautiful vineyards yet. This post reminded me it’s a must do. What beautiful pictures.
I have never been to a winery because I do not drink but I love your photography! Amazing skills.
North Carolina is so gorgeous! It is like a whole new world that I have not seen. The winery is so pretty and a place that I would love to visit!