North Carolina is quickly becoming a wine tourism destination. With six distinct AVAs (American Viticultural Areas), diverse regions of the state, multiple wine trails, and numerous producers, a visit to one of these lovely vineyards and wineries is a must on any North Carolina itinerary. Travel with me as I share 16 sensational North Carolina wineries that will have you saying cheers! to planning your own visit.
November 2025: This post has been updated! Some of the wineries originally listed are no longer in business or have rebranded. However, I’ve revisited the blog post, updated information, and added a few discoveries to replace the ones that were listed previously. Enjoy!
16 Sensational North Carolina Wineries
1. Hinnant Family Vineyards & Winery - Pine Level
Hinnant Family Vineyards & Winery, located in Pine Level, Johnston County, is North Carolina’s largest Muscadine vineyard. Famous for its signature sweet wines, it also produces delectable dry wines in-house using grapes sourced from Washington’s Columbia Valley. The spacious and welcoming tasting room is a comfortable place for relaxing and sampling a flight, and the patio is perfect for sipping and enjoying music on the weekends. LEARN MORE
Hinnant Family Vineyards & Winery
826 Pine Level Micro Rd,
Pine Level, NC 27568
2. Duplin Winery - Rose Hill
Duplin Wine is recognized for the lighthouse on its bottle. Travel to rural Rose Hill, North Carolina, and visit the largest wine-making facility on the East Coast. Celebrated for its sweet, award-winning Muscadine wines, Duplin Winery is one of North Carolina’s most popular destinations.
The rustic décor and laid-back attitude make this a delightful place to stop in and “Sip Sweet.” Visitors are able to indulge their taste buds with a wine tasting or enjoy a tour and learn about the unique history of this family winery. They are open six days a week, closed on Sunday, and have a bistro where guests may enjoy a southern midday dining experience while visiting.
Duplin Winery
505 North Sycamore Street
Rose Hill, NC 28458
3. Twisted Vine Winery - Lenoir
Twisted Vine Winery in Lenoir is the type of place that welcomes both newcomers and regulars and makes them feel at home. A visit here is a must for anyone going through the Blueridge foothills or visiting the Hickory region.
This small-scale winery does an excellent job of producing tasty wines. The wine list features appealing whites, reds, seasonals, hard ciders, and a special sweet called Bodacious, which is full of taste and the aroma of ripe peaches.
Housed in a cozy red barn, the tasting room also features a small outdoor seating area with lovely views of the vineyards and foothills. Hours are limited to Thursday through Sunday, so visit their website before heading out. LEARN MORE
Twisted Vine Winery
487 Legion Road
Lenoir, NC 28645
(828)726-3185
4. ZincHouse Winery & Brewery - Durham
ZincHouse Winery & Brewery in Durham is one of those places that’s easy to fall for. It sits on a lovely stretch of countryside, yet it’s only a short drive from Raleigh and downtown Durham, so you get that “away from it all” feeling without actually being far from anything.
The setting is scenic and welcoming, with plenty of space to wander, sit back with a glass, and take in the view. It’s the kind of spot where you immediately feel comfortable, whether you’re stopping in for a casual afternoon or planning a little outing with friends.
What really makes ZincHouse shine is the mix of great wine, craft beer, and a steady lineup of events that keep the place buzzing. There’s live music, room for gatherings, and a relaxed, friendly vibe that makes it easy to settle in. I’ve even danced there during their St. Patrick’s Day festivities. And with the expansive, picturesque patio, spacious indoor seating areas, and food trucks serving up something for every palate, it’s a fun, lively destination that fits beautifully into any Triangle-area getaway or day trip.
5. Linville Falls Winery - Linville
Linville Falls Winery is a family-owned vineyard and winery in the Blue Ridge Mountains that is part of the Appalachian High Country viticulture area. This cutting-edge tasting room on a 40-acre farm is minutes from the Blue Ridge Parkway and offers a quintessential winery experience.
The Tuscany-inspired tasting room is inviting and expansive. There is also a spacious outdoor seating area providing stunning views of the vineyard and the Blue Ridge. Sit by the fire and take in the wonderful surroundings – ideal for socializing, sipping, and breathing in the fresh mountain air. Order a cheese platter and relax while taking in the natural beauty, tasty wines, and romantic environment.
Before they began crafting exquisite wines for Linville Falls Winery, this was a Christmas Tree farm. Red Barn Tree Farm is still an important part of the holidays here. Plan your winery visit around a trip to the tree farm and start a delicious new holiday tradition. LEARN MORE
Linville Falls Winery
9557 Linville Falls Highway
Linville Falls, NC 28647
828) 765-1400
Open 7 days a week, 12:00-6 pm
6. Rayson Winery & Vineyards with Bistro Europa Restaurant - Mocksville
Rayson Winery & Vineyards is one of North Carolina’s Yadkin Valley Wine Country’s premier wineries. Because of its rich soil and pleasant environment, this region of the state is ideal for cultivating European-style grapes, and Rayson does an excellent job of crafting exquisite wines with these grapes.
Previously known as RayLen Vineyards & Winery, this thriving winery changed hands in late 2023 and has since embraced a new name and an exciting refresh.
Filled with all things wine, the tasting room offers a warm welcome from friendly staff, whether you’re a regular or a road-weary traveler in need of a break.
The vineyards surrounding the tasting room are stunning, and there is patio seating should you prefer to sit outside and enjoy the view. Furthermore, Rayson boasts a spectacular dining option for guests— Bistro Europa Restaurant. Visitors can indulge themselves in a world-class dining experience featuring tasty dishes crafted using seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. Not only is the food outstanding, but it also pairs perfectly with Rayson’s signature wines.
Conveniently accessible off of I-40, the tasting room at Rayson Winery & Vineyards is open Thursdays through Sunday. Additionally, they offer a sensational Sunday brunch from 11-2. Call ahead to book your reservations.
Rayson Winery & Vineyards
322 Brix Lane Mocksville, NC 27028
7. Childress Vineyards - Lexington
Childress Vineyards has become a wine destination since its inception in 2004, playing a vital part in the state’s wine production and being a driving force behind North Carolina’s re-emerging wine sector. The vineyard is the realization of Richard Childress, one of NASCAR’s most well-known racing team owners.
Perched on a hill with views of 72 acres of verdant vines, this stunning Tuscan-styled tasting room includes a large wine shop, event space, and a bistro. Whether you’re a wine connoisseur or a novice, they provide a selection of sampling options that are certain to delight every palate.
Open daily from 10 to 5, Childress Vineyards is the perfect place to make a pit-stop to savor wine and enjoy a memorable North Carolina winery experience. LEARN MORE
Childress Vineyards
1000 Childress Vineyards Road
Lexington, NC
Planning a special occasion or simply don't want to do the driving? There are numerous companies that offer wine tours in North Carolina. Do an online search and find the one that best suits your requirements. It's a great way to experience North Carolina wineries!
8. Grassy Creek Vineyard & Winery - State Road
Grassy Creek Vineyards, located in the heart of the Yadkin Valley and a significant element of the Surry County Wine Trail, is housed in a historic dairy barn, and the tasting room is in the converted horse stable of the legendary Klondike Farm.
The pet-friendly vineyard not only serves a selection of award-winning wines, but it also provides gorgeous scenery, hiking trails to nearby Carter Falls, and lodging at its sister property, Klondike Cabins.
Grassy Creek’s tasting room is open from Thursday to Monday and frequently features live local music. During our visit, we savored a scrumptious craft cheese and crackers while sipping Riesling while listening to music on the lawn. It was magnificent. LEARN MORE
Grassy Creek Vineyard & Winery
235 Chatham Cottage Circle
State Road, NC 28676
9. Carolina Heritage Vineyard & Winery - Elkin
Carolina Heritage Vineyard & Winery has the distinction of being the first organic winery in North Carolina. In the wine world, getting that USDA organic certification is a big deal. It means the grapes are grown without synthetic pesticides, herbicides, or chemical fertilizers.
Carolina Heritage was first certified organic in 2008. As a result, every bottle of wine is produced on-site using strict organic practices to create delicious wines, both dry and sweet. Likewise, they also create some incredible blends that make sitting on the porch, sipping, and enjoying the peaceful surroundings an enjoyable way to spend time in North Carolina’s Yadkin Valley AVA.
This small but mighty winery has an inviting tasting room and a welcoming porch that serves up not only tasty organic wines but a laid-back atmosphere that is second-to-none.
Situated close to downtown Elkin, Dobson, and Mt. Airy, Carolina Heritage is a wonderful stop along both the Surry County and Yadkin Valley Wine Trails. It’s in a great spot—so many Yadkin Valley wineries are just a quick drive away—making it an easy and enjoyable addition to any wine-trail outing. READ MORE
10. Shelton Vineyards - Dobson
Shelton is a popular location in the Yadkin Valley and one of the largest wineries on the East Coast. Visitors can not only sample their award-winning wines, but there are also guided tours available Monday through Saturday at 12:00, 2:00, and 4:00 pm. Guests can get an overview of the 33,000-square-foot winery, vines, and wine-making process, as well as sample wine.
This grand winery has a large tasting room, wine shop, event space, and is pet-friendly. During our visit, we sipped a great Cab Franc while sitting on the lawn, listening to live music, and watching the sun dip behind the foothills. We ended the day checking into the Hampton Inn & Suites at Shelton Vineyards, which couldn’t have been more convenient. LEARN MORE
Shelton Vineyards
286 Cabernet Lane
Dobson, NC 27017
11. Biltmore Estate Winery - Asheville
Biltmore Winery, located in Asheville, boasts of being the most-visited winery in the country. As a result, this is a busy winery and not exactly the ideal place for a quiet tasting. That being said, they manage to do an excellent job of giving guests plenty of time to enjoy tasting the wines, while keeping the crowd moving.
Wine tastings are included with admission into the estate, and the wine hosts are happy to treat guests to samples of their award-winning vintages. Moreover, once you’ve completed the tasting, you can take advantage of shopping in the ultimate wine store, The Biltmore Winery Shop. They have everything you could want, from their signature wines to gourmet foods to wine accessories and more. Or, visit their indoor/outdoor wine bar for a glass of wine with their charcuterie.
Although this is not a cozy, intimate winery, Biltmore Estate Winery is stunning, and the setting is spectacular. If you plan on visiting the Biltmore House and the vineyard on the same day, allow at least two hours for the house tour. Then make time to have a glass of wine. LEARN MORE
Biltmore Estate Winery
One Lodge Street
Asheville, NC 28803
800.411.3812
12. Stony Knoll Vineyards - Dobson
Stony Knoll Vineyards in Dobson is a family-run winery in the Yadkin Valley. This charming winery produces superb wines using the grapes they grow in their vineyards. Located on a family farm that began in the 19th century, in the late 1990s, a new cultivation became the driving force for keeping the farm alive and thriving. Enter grapevines and wine-making.
Today, this pleasing vineyard is an important stop on the Surry County Wine Trail, where guests enjoy sampling wines while gazing at the breathtaking views. Stop in and try a flight at this friendly winery steeped in farm history. They’re open Monday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. LEARN MORE
Stony Knoll Vineyards
1143 Stony Knoll Road
Dobson, NC 27017
13. Haze Gray Vineyards- Dobson
Another delightful stop on the Surry County Wine Trail is Haze Gray Vineyards in Dobson. Dean and Becky Muhlenberg redesigned what was formerly an 85-acre tobacco and cornfield to create what is today, Haze Gray Vineyards, a thriving vineyard, winery, and tasting room with breathtaking vistas of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
The Muhlenberg family has a deep military history, which runs through every aspect of Haze Gray. From the tasting room walls to the wine names to the name Haze Gray, which is the color of US Navy ships, this winery pays tribute to America’s military. In fact, Haze Gray is a Homegrown by Heroes certified farm.
Stop in for a tasting or a flight; they’re open Thursday through Sunday, check their website for hours. We had a flight on the porch while admiring the stunning view of the vineyards, with the Blue Ridge Mountains’ foothills peaking over the trees as a backdrop. LEARN MORE
Haze Gray Vineyards
761 Stony Knoll Road
Dobson, NC 27017
14. Grove Vineyards & Winery - Gibsonville
“A World of Flavor Grown Around the Corner, ” that’s the motto at Grove Vineyards & Winery in Gibsonville. The vineyards and winery located a short distance from the Greensboro city limits, is home to a thriving winery in the Haw River Valley AVA. Known for crafting exceptional European-style wines, this is a charming winery that produces 3000-5000 cases of premium wine each year.
Grove’s tasting room is open daily from noon to six o’clock and offers a full calendar of events and entertainment on their popular Wine & Song Concert series. Visit their website for the most up-to-date information, and keep in mind that they have winter hours from January to March. LEARN MORE
Grove Vineyards & Winery
7360 Brooks Bridge Rd
Gibsonville NC 27249
15. Divine Llama Vineyards - East Bend
If you’re looking for a unique wine destination that combines the great outdoors with fabulous wine, Divine Llama Vineyards in East Bend ticks all of the boxes. Beautiful scenery, delicious wine, laid-back atmosphere, and llamas– who could ask for more?
Tucked away in the shadow of Pilot Mountain in the Yadkin Valley, this pleasant winery and tasting room is a breath of fresh air that lets visitors savor estate wines while enjoying the company of llamas. Moreover, they even offer the opportunity to enhance your experience by trekking with the llamas.
Llama treks are a fun and memorable way to enjoy the great outdoors. These gentle, trail-friendly animals make surprisingly charming hiking buddies. The two-mile walk winds over a couple of hills and follows Miller Creek, with a mid-hike break that’s perfect for photos and llama treat time. Treks start and finish near the tasting room—because what better way to end a hike than with a glass of wine? It’s $50 per person, takes about two hours, and is offered most Saturdays and Sundays in spring, fall, and winter (with a few Fridays in the mix, too). Guests who are ages 10 and up can enjoy a trek, and reservations are required.
If you’re planning a trip to the Yadkin Valley Wine Region and want to include a visit to Divine Llama Vineyards, it’s a good idea to allow plenty of time for sampling wine and meeting the llamas. The winery is open year-round, Thursday – Saturday 12-6 and on Sundays 1 – 6. LEARN MORE
16. Round Peak Vineyards - Mount Airy
Just outside of downtown Mount Airy, sitting on a lush green hilltop, is Round Peak Vineyards. Their website puts it aptly: People, Place, Wines, Events, Shop, Cabins, Disc Golf, Weddings, and Private Events. Everything you’d want in a visit to a winery.
We happened upon Round Peak on a crisp October day and couldn’t have been happier with our choice. The views are spectacular, and the relaxed atmosphere made it a soothing visit. Adding to the beauty, at Round Peak, our pug, Lenny, was welcomed. There’s even a special area set aside for visiting pets to socialize.
Tucked in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the team at Round Peak grows 11 different varietals of grapes. Likewise, they hand-pick all twelve acres and only use estate grapes for their award-winning wines. This popular spot in the Yadkin Valley makes a wonderful stand-alone destination or a fantastic stop on a wine trail journey. They are open seven days a week, but you’ll want to visit their website for hours of operation. READ MORE
Round Peak Vineyards
765 Round Peak Church Rd
Mount Airy, NC 27030
More North Carolina Wineries to Explore
I’m a wine nerd and thoroughly enjoy visiting wineries to learn about the wine-maker, the grapes, and all that goes into creating delicious wines that are evocative of place. Visiting or living in North Carolina makes adding a wine-related itinerary item simple.
It’s possible to find a beautiful North Carolina vineyard no matter where you are in the state. Whether it’s the mountains, the coast, or the Piedmont, North Carolina’s wine growers are producing some incredible wines, and it’s easy to spend a day, a weekend, or more exploring vineyards, traveling wine trails, relaxing, sipping wine, and soaking in the ambiance.
With over 200 wineries and 400 vineyards, there is no shortage of places to experience North Carolina wine. So be sure to say Cheers! to North Carolina wineries when planning your next getaway!
Do you have a favorite North Carolina winery that isn’t on this list? Let me know in the comments!
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2 thoughts on “16 Sensational North Carolina Wineries”
I appreciate you showcasing 16 wineries in North Carolina! Which particular wineries, in your opinion, stand out for their distinctive products or stunning surroundings?
Any of the ones listed in the story are lovely! There are several more I want to visit and new ones popping up all the time too. If you visit one, let me know I’d love to hear about it. Cheers!