Discovering the Vines of the Tar Heel State: A Journey Through North Carolina’s Wine Country

North Carolina Wines & Wineries

Here’s a 2-day itinerary for exploring North Carolina’s wineries, featuring winery visits, dining options, and local attractions to enhance your experience.

Day 1: Asheville and the Blue Ridge Wine Trail

Morning:

• Arrival in Asheville, NC

  • Check into your accommodation. Consider staying at The Omni Grove Park Inn, which offers stunning views and luxurious amenities.
    • Website: The Omni Grove Park Inn

• **Breakfast at Tasty Beverage Company

  • Start your day with breakfast at this local favorite, known for its fresh, seasonal ingredients and delicious brunch options.
    • Website: Tasty Beverage Company

Late Morning:

• Visit Biltmore Winery
  • Head to Biltmore Winery, located on the estate of America’s largest privately-owned home. Enjoy a tour of the winery and tastings of their exquisite wines, including their signature sparkling wines.
    • Address: 1 Approach Rd, Asheville, NC 28803
    • Website: Biltmore Winery

Afternoon:

• **Lunch at The Stable Café

  • Enjoy lunch at The Stable Café on the Biltmore Estate, which features farm-to-table dishes in a unique setting.
    • Website: Stable Café

• Visit McRitchie Winery and Ciderworks

  • After lunch, drive to McRitchie Winery in the Yadkin Valley. Sample their range of wines and ciders while enjoying the scenic vineyard views.
    • Address: 1584 Old Highway 421 S, Thurmond, NC 28683
    • Website: McRitchie Winery

Evening:

• **Dinner at The Admiral

  • Savor a delicious dinner at The Admiral, known for its creative dishes and eclectic atmosphere. Be sure to try their seasonal specials!
    • Website: The Admiral

• Overnight in Asheville

Day 2: Yadkin Valley Wineries

Morning:

• **Breakfast at The Early Girl Eatery

  • Start your day with a hearty breakfast at The Early Girl Eatery, which offers Southern-inspired dishes made from local ingredients.
    • Website: Early Girl Eatery

• Drive to Yadkin Valley

  • Head towards the Yadkin Valley, North Carolina’s premier wine region, known for its diverse wineries and picturesque landscapes.

Late Morning:

• Visit RayLen Vineyards
  • Begin your wine exploration at RayLen Vineyards. Enjoy tastings of their extensive wine selection and take in the beautiful views of the vineyard.
    • Address: 3577 US-158, Mocksville, NC 27028
    • Website: RayLen Vineyards

Afternoon:

• **Lunch at The Forks

  • Enjoy a casual lunch at The Forks, a nearby restaurant offering Southern comfort food with a modern twist.
    • Website: The Forks

• Visit Old York Cellars

  • After lunch, head to Old York Cellars. Sample their award-winning wines and relax in their beautiful outdoor space.
    • Address: 80 Old York Rd, Ringoes, NJ 08551
    • Website: Old York Cellars

Evening:

• **Dinner at The Harvest Grill

  • Conclude your wine journey with a delightful dinner at The Harvest Grill, known for its fresh, locally sourced dishes and excellent wine selection.
    • Website: Harvest Grill

• Return to Hotel or Overnight in the Yadkin Valley

This itinerary offers a comprehensive experience of North Carolina’s wine country, combining winery visits with delicious dining and exploration of the local culture and landscapes. Enjoy your adventure through the unique flavors and beautiful scenery of North Carolina!

Positive Things in North Carolina

Here’s a list of fun activities and attractions you can enjoy while exploring North Carolina, especially in the areas around wineries and popular destinations:

1. Explore the Great Outdoors

• Visit the Great Smoky Mountains National Park

  • Experience stunning views, hiking trails, and diverse wildlife. The park offers a variety of trails for all skill levels, including the popular Clingmans Dome and Cades Cove.
  • Website: Great Smoky Mountains National Park

• Hike at Pilot Mountain State Park

  • Famous for its distinctive knob, Pilot Mountain offers hiking trails, rock climbing, and stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
  • Website: Pilot Mountain State Park

2. Cultural Experiences

• Visit the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences

  • Located in Raleigh, this museum features engaging exhibits on North Carolina’s natural history, including dinosaurs, marine life, and more.
  • Website: NC Museum of Natural Sciences

• Explore the North Carolina Art Museum

  • Also in Raleigh, this museum features a diverse collection of artworks from around the world, along with beautiful gardens and outdoor sculptures.
  • Website: North Carolina Museum of Art

3. Unique Attractions

• Tour the Biltmore Estate

  • Visit America’s largest privately-owned home in Asheville. Explore the mansion, gardens, and winery, and enjoy a day of history and stunning architecture.
  • Website: Biltmore Estate

• Discover the North Carolina Zoo

  • Located in Asheboro, this expansive zoo is home to a variety of animals in naturalistic habitats. It’s a great place for families to explore and learn about wildlife.
  • Website: North Carolina Zoo

4. Local Food and Drink

• Dine at Local Restaurants

  • North Carolina is known for its barbecue and Southern cuisine. Check out Lexington Barbecue for traditional North Carolina barbecue or The Pit in Raleigh for a modern take.

• Visit Craft Breweries

  • North Carolina has a vibrant craft beer scene. Explore local breweries such as Wicked Weed Brewing in Asheville or Noble Cider in the western part of the state.
  • Website: Asheville Breweries

5. Festivals and Events

• Attend the North Carolina State Fair

  • If you’re visiting in October, the state fair in Raleigh features rides, food, and agricultural exhibits, celebrating the state’s rich heritage.
  • Website: NC State Fair

• Check Out Local Music Festivals

  • North Carolina hosts numerous music festivals throughout the year, including the MerleFest in Wilkesboro, celebrating traditional and contemporary music.

6. Relaxation and Leisure

• Visit a Spa

  • Treat yourself to a day of relaxation at one of North Carolina’s many spas, which often feature treatments using local ingredients.

• Explore the Blue Ridge Parkway

  • Take a scenic drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway, known for its breathtaking views, especially during the fall foliage season. There are plenty of overlooks and hiking trails to enjoy along the way.
  • Website: Blue Ridge Parkway

7. Family-Friendly Activities

• Visit the Discovery Place Science

  • Located in Charlotte, this interactive science museum offers hands-on exhibits and activities for children of all ages.
  • Website: Discovery Place Science

• Explore the North Carolina Aquarium

  • With several locations, including Pine Knoll Shores and Roanoke Island, the aquariums feature engaging exhibits showcasing local marine life and ecosystems.
  • Website: North Carolina Aquariums

8. Day Trips

• Explore the Outer Banks

  • Spend a day or two at the Outer Banks, where you can enjoy beautiful beaches, historic lighthouses, and water sports like kayaking and paddleboarding.
  • Website: Outer Banks

• Visit Historic Sites

  • Explore historical sites such as Historic Bath, North Carolina’s first town, or the Wright Brothers National Memorial to learn about aviation history.
  • Website: Wright Brothers National Memorial

With a mix of outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, local food, and family-friendly activities, North Carolina offers a rich variety of experiences to enjoy during your visit. Have fun exploring all that this beautiful state has to offer!

North Carolina Wines & Wineries

Here are some notable wine festivals in North Carolina where you can enjoy tastings, food pairings, and celebrate the local wine culture:

1. North Carolina Wine & Food Festival

• Location: Various locations in North Carolina
• Description: This festival typically showcases the best wines from North Carolina, accompanied by culinary delights from local chefs. Attendees can enjoy tastings, cooking demonstrations, and meet local winemakers. It’s usually held in the spring or early summer.
• Website: Check local tourism websites for specific dates and locations.

2. North Carolina Muscadine Festival

• Location: The Town of Wallace, NC
• Description: Held annually in September, this festival celebrates the Muscadine grape, a variety native to the southeastern U.S. The event features wine tastings, live music, and various local food vendors. It’s a fun event for families and wine enthusiasts alike.
• Website: Muscadine Festival

3. Yadkin Valley Wine Festival

• Location: Yadkinville, NC
• Description: Typically held in May, this festival celebrates the wines of the Yadkin Valley, North Carolina’s premier wine region. The festival features tastings from local wineries, live music, food vendors, and artisan crafts.
• Website: Yadkin Valley Wine Festival

4. Santa Fe Wine & Chile Fiesta

• Location: Santa Fe, NM (often attracts visitors from NC)
• Description: While primarily a celebration of New Mexico wines and cuisine, this festival often features wineries from North Carolina and celebrates the synergy of wine and food with tastings, cooking demonstrations, and gourmet dinners.
• Website: Santa Fe Wine & Chile Fiesta

5. N.C. State Fair

• Location: Raleigh, NC
• Description: Held in October, the North Carolina State Fair includes a wine competition and features tastings from award-winning local wines. It’s a great way to experience the state’s agriculture, including its burgeoning wine industry.
• Website: N.C. State Fair

6. Wine and Food Festival at Biltmore

• Location: Asheville, NC
• Description: This festival, held annually in the spring, features tastings from Biltmore’s own winery and various food pairings from local chefs. It often includes cooking demonstrations and special events within the beautiful estate.
• Website: Biltmore Wine & Food Festival

7. Grape Stomp Festivals

• Location: Various wineries across North Carolina
• Description: Many wineries host grape stomp events in the fall to celebrate the harvest season. These events often include wine tastings, live music, and family-friendly activities.
• Example Winery: La Viña Winery often hosts grape stomp events.

8. Wine & Beer Festival at the Great Smoky Mountains

• Location: Gatlinburg, TN (near NC border)
• Description: While not exclusively a wine festival, this event features local wineries, breweries, and distilleries. It includes tastings and a showcase of local culinary delights, often attracting visitors from North Carolina.
• Website: Gatlinburg Wine & Beer Festival

These festivals provide a fantastic opportunity to experience North Carolina’s vibrant wine culture, sample local wines, and enjoy food pairings and entertainment. Be sure to check the respective websites for specific dates, ticket information, and any updates related to the events!