Whether you like red or white, dry or sweet… if you’re a wine lover, you need to take a trip to North Carolina to experience their wines. Not to be outdone by the “bigger” players like California and Virginia, the Tarheel State has actually been producing wine since the 17th century and is now home to more than 525 vineyards and 185 wineries. Although the oldest cultivated grapevine in America (often referred to as the “Mothervine”) that grows on the coast of North Carolina produces muscadine grapes, you can find something to satisfy every palate here. In fact, it is the only place in the world where every type of grape is grown, so you’re sure to find something you love!
And the best part is, you don’t even have to worry about traveling all over the state to sample the different vineyards. You can find some of the best wineries in North Carolina all in one place at these top wine festivals!
North Carolina Wine Festival - Cary and Durham
Aptly named, the North Carolina Wine Festival is the longest-running and largest wine festival in the state. In fact, it has gotten so large, that it has now expanded to two cities – Cary (in the fall) and Durham (in the spring). Multiple wineries will be on hand offering tastings and bottles available for purchase, as well as several breweries and cideries. Just pay one admission price at the gate and then feel free to taste as many wines as you want! And you’ll get to take home a commemorative glass as well to remember the day. While you’re there, you also want to browse the arts and crafts by local vendors, enjoy live music and sample the delicious food. Although you cannot bring in pets or coolers, you can bring lawn chairs, so plan to spend the whole day and relax!
Dates: Cary – October 16th, 2021, Durham – May 21st, 2022
Great Grapes Wine, Art and Music Festival - Charlotte
Also spread over several cities, the Great Grapes! Wine, Art, and Music Festival is held each year in Charlotte and Cary, NC, as well as two cities in Maryland. In Charlotte, the event is held at Symphony Park, a beautiful green space located just next to the upscale shopping destination, Southpark Mall. When you enter the park, you’ll receive a complimentary souvenir tasting glass with your admission and then have the opportunity to sample over 220 wines from more than 20 North Carolina wineries. Make sure to bring a blanket or some lawn chairs so you can relax on the lawn and enjoy the live music and fun festival foods with your friends and family. There’s also a special area just for kids, as well as a VIP area where, for an additional cost, you can enjoy early entrance to the event, water, soft drinks, and specialty wine selections that are not available to the rest of the festival-goers.
Dates: October 2nd, 2021
Yadkin Valley Wine Festival - Elkin
The Yadkin Valley, North Carolina’s first federally-approved American Viticultural Area (AVA), is now home to more than two dozen wine producers. Although the wineries here are small and rather intimate, don’t be fooled… they produce many award-winning varieties that have been recognized nationally and include many European varietals, as well as native breeds like Muscadine and Scuppernong. At the annual Yadkin Valley Wine Festival, you have the chance to sample wines from each of these vineyards, as well as numerous other NC wineries, with over 40 total in attendance. The festival also includes live entertainment, a wide selection of food, wine stomps for the kids, and even a chance to win some free wine!
Dates: May 21st, 2022
NC Muscadine Festival - Kenansville
Since Muscadine wine makes up a major portion of wine sales in the state of North Carolina, it only makes sense to have an entire festival devoted to the varietal! There are over 1,000 acres of Muscadine grapes in the state and the annual festival held in Kenansville celebrates the many NC wineries that offer Muscadine wines, as well as educates visitors on the many health benefits of Muscadine grapes. Nearly 20 wineries will be on-hand, including some well-known names like Duplin and Dennis Vineyards. There is also plenty of food, arts and crafts vendors, and live entertainment. But what makes this festival stand out from the rest, in addition to its focus on one particular varietal, is the annual contests held during the event. First, there’s the wine-making contest, where you can take a whirl at making your own Muscadine wine in one of four categories – red, white, blush or blend. Then, there’s the cooking contest, where chefs take their best shot at making a unique appetizer, entrée, bread, dessert, or jam using Muscadine grapes. For a little added fun, make sure to check out the Shag Dance Contest that is open to both amateur and professional dancers.
Dates: September 25th, 2021
