9 Best Wineries in North Carolina - A Winery Guide

1. Biltmore Estate Winery

Biltmore Estate Winery may seem like an afterthought to visiting its massive estate, but it is worth exploring. There are daily complimentary tastings as well as more expensive tours available.

2. Shelton Vineyards

Shelton Vineyards, one of North Carolina's premier family-owned wineries, is located on an idyllic property near Dobson. Our tour included its spacious tasting room, Harvest Grill restaurant, event pavilion, and picnic areas.

3. Raffaldini Vineyards and Winery

Raffaldini Vineyards and Winery bring Tuscany to North Carolina through Swan Creek Wine Appellation within Yadkin Valley. Commonly referred to as the "Chianti of the Carolinas," Raffaldini offers classic dry Italian wines like Sangiovese Classico, Vermentino, and Montepulciano Reserva from its Swan Creek location.

4. Childress Vineyards

Childress Vineyards was established in 2004 when NASCAR team owner Richard Childress fulfilled his lifelong ambition of owning a vineyard. This estate offers vineyard tours, tastings and even has an on-site bistro!

5. Hanover Park Vineyard

Michael and Amy Helton, two former art teachers from North Carolina, established Hanover Park Vineyard in the Yadkin Valley after spending a month-long honeymoon exploring southern France. A rustic barn set among rows of vines provides couples an aesthetically pleasing yet rustic venue for hosting their ceremony and reception in this romantic setting.

6. Duplin Winery

Duplin Wine Company was established in the 1970s after local grape farmers realized the potential of Muscadine grapes to create world-class wine. Today, this family-run business provides sweet wines and food in an informal atmosphere at Rose Hill and North Myrtle Beach.

7. Banner Elk Winery and Villa

Established in 2006, this upscale bed-and-breakfast offers year-round wine tastings and vineyard tours. Their distinctive specialty wines include blueberry wine crafted in tribute to their historic blueberry farm and ice wine created by leaving grapes at high elevation until they freeze over.

8. RayLen Vineyards and Winery

RayLen Vineyards and Winery is an esteemed Yadkin Valley American Viticulture Area leader, cultivating over 35,000 European varietal vines on their property and crafting wine from them. Joe and Joyce Neely began the winery in 1999. Its iconic cupola rooftop has become an acclaimed landmark along Interstate 40 and for those visiting regularly.

9. Jones von Drehle Vineyards & Winery

Jones von Drehle Vineyards and Winery, nestled under the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains northwest of Elkin, sits on a 65-acre farm where classic European grape varieties such as Merlot, Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, and Petit Verdot grow. Known for producing quality dry wines featured at many top North Carolina restaurants, they recently unveiled Chloe Hall as an event venue on-site!