By Tara Verna | April 2004

• 1: Introduction
• 2: Visit a Winery
• 3: Pick Your Own Grapes
• 4: Frequent Festivals
• 5: Learn More & Winery Listing
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Visit a Winery

Most wineries offer tours of their facilities and samplings of their wines which range from free to $5 and often include a souvenir glass (this fee is waived if you purchase wine). Many allow you to bring a picnic or purchase food on the premises to accompany your wine. The rural setting of most wineries and the fact that many grow at least some of their own grapes affords a picturesque setting appreciated by nature and wine lovers alike.

In addition to tours, tastings and wine sales, wineries offer all sorts of seasonal activities, some of which require extra fees. At RagApple Lassie Vineyards in Boonville, you can plant a vine in their vineyard, make a grapevine wreath, and go on a hot air balloon ride. Laurel Gray Vineyards in Hamptonville grows dozens of varieties of tea roses. Both Laurel Gray and West Bend Vineyards in Lewisville offer hayrides. Quite a few, such as Shelton Vineyards near Mount Airy, feature live outdoor music during the summer, plus Shelton makes its own cheeses. And others, like Silver Coast Winery near Ocean Isle Beach, hold themed festivals including the “Blue Grass Festival,” “Purple Feet Festival,” “Oktoberfest,” and “Festa Italia.” Be sure to call and confirm hours, events, fees and directions before you go.

Many of the wineries are still small enough to offer perks you might not find at bigger, more commercialized facilities. You’ll often be able to converse with owners, managers and other people directly involved in the grape growing or wine making process.

It’s this uniqueness and diversity that Janet Martin, owner/manager of Round Peak Vineyards in Mount Airy, encourages people to discover for themselves. “All of the wineries are so different. They really reflect the personalities of their owners and the local area.”

Follow the Yadkin Valley Wine Trail

There are 10 operating wineries and vineyards along the Yadkin Valley Wine Trail™, located in the Piedmont region of North Carolina. In 2003, this region earned the federal designation of Yadkin Valley Viticultural Area in recognition of its unique features, ideally suited to growing high-quality grapes with the potential to produce world-class wines. The region is within an easy drive of Winston-Salem, Greensboro and Charlotte.