9 Best North Carolina Wineries and Vineyards (2024)

States like California, New York, and Washington are popular for Wine in America, but they aren’t the ones alone. A hidden name that has been a winery gem of America is ‘North Carolina’. This eastern U.S State is where America’s first grape wine was discovered in 1584. Since then, North Carolina has been cultivating some of the finest grapes in America. The state has three grapes-growing regions, including Yadkin and Swan Valley and another Piedmont and Mountains. The diverse climate here has molded the wine industry into rising success, making the end product simply divine.

North Carolina welcomes wine enthusiasts from all across the state, despite their taste preferences, palate choices, and knowledge level. Beautiful views surround wineries and Vineyards here, and they boast great Southern hospitality from the inside. North Carolina is home to 5 recognized American Viticultural Areas (AVA’s), over 525 vineyards, and 185 wineries. No matter your preferences, you will find several options for your taste.

9 Best North Carolina Wineries and Vineyards

So, are you ready to discover the Most Popular Wineries and Vineyards in North Carolina? Continue Reading Below then:

1. Biltmore Estate Winery

What’s better than visiting a castle and winery altogether? Well, undoubtedly nothing. Biltmore is a well-established North Carolina winery operating since the 1970s in around 150 acres. It got its first bottle of home-produced wine in 1984, and it was when it invited the public and is still continuing to do the same. Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot were its first wine producers though today, the options have grown over 20 different varieties, including reds, whites, and roses. Biltmore Estate Winery features a large wine bar and an extravagant tasting room. Though Biltmore provides its products in over 40 different states, the experience of being here is still different. Individuals visiting here can opt for tours, including Behind-the-Scenes Winery Tour & Tasting and Red Wine & Chocolate Tasting. The winery is also popular for its selection of cheeses, local-made truffles, and charcuterie.

2. Raffaldini Vineyards & Winery

One of the Best North Carolina Wineries and Vineyard, the Raffaldini Vineyards & Winery is a must-visit place. It is located in the countryside of the Yadkin Valley, high on a hill. Its picturesque villa features Tuscan-style terracotta and stone architecture which looks like something real out of Tuscany. The villa too overlooks a 42-acre vineyard and distant mountains. There’s a large patio with additional seating on the outside, allowing guests to sip on their favorite wine while enjoying the natural vistas. Some of their best wine offerings include Vermentino, Montepulciano, and Sangiovese. Individuals who prefer lighter wines can go with Rose and Moscato d’Asti. Raffaldini Vineyards operates through the week except for Tuesday. Guests can taste a sample of seven wines anywhere between 11:00 am to 5:00 pm.

3. Addison Farms Vineyard

Addison Farms is a family-owned vineyard in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, only 17 miles away from Ashville. This fourth-generation farm is spread over 55 acres and grows a wide range of grapes fruits, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Cab Franc, Petit Verdot, Sangiovese, Montepulciano, etc. Addison Farms Vineyard has several local partners, and they collectively grow about 800 cases of small-batch wines in the state every single year. With advance reservations, individuals can visit here for vineyard tours or attend a session at their tasting room. The facility operates throughout the year on Fridays and Saturdays from afternoon to evening. From May to the middle of November, they also operate on Thursday for wine tasting. Addison Farms Vineyard offers a 360-degree view of the breathtaking mountains, and that’s what captivates individuals the most.

4. Treehouse Vineyards

Being at the Treehouse Vineyards in North Carolina is a cute, peaceful, and intimate affair. This family-owned and operated winery and vineyards have been operating since 2010 (founded in 2005) near Monroe. The facility occupies the grounds of the 200-year-old family farm, which are still maintained to their best condition. The Treehouse Vineyard got its name from a series of treehouses, to be exact. Yes, the Vineyard is home to actual fancy treehouses that are available for an overnight stay on rent. Individuals can rent one of them and enjoy the exclusive wine stay like nowhere else. In addition, treehouse Vineyards offer wine tasting and vineyard tour opportunities throughout the week, from afternoon to evening. Some of the must-try options from their handcrafted wines include Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Muscadine, a dry white blend.

5. Banner Elk Winery & Villa

Banner Elk Winery is an award-winning destination and a winery gem in North Carolina. It is located in the Blue Ridge Mountains in a very idyllic setting. As its name suggests, the facility features a winery and a villa that draw guests from all across North Carolina and even beyond. With luxury accommodations comes a variety of great wines. Some of their home-produced great options include cabernet sauvignon, seyvel blanc, blueberry, and rose wine. Individuals can sample 6 wines for $10 and more; additional charges are implemented. Banner Elk Winery also offers vineyard tours for those who are interested in knowing and learning more about the growing and harvesting process. In addition, a visit to the Banner Elk estate will allow you to capture mesmerizing views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the Tennessee Valley, and the Pisgah National Forest.

6. Grandfather Vineyard & Winery

The Grandfather Vineyard & Winery is another popular Vineyard and Winery in North Carolina. Nestled in a relaxing setting along the banks of the Watauga River, the Vineyard is beneath the stunning Grandfather Mountain. What makes this facility a special place is the fact that it sits at an elevation of 3,300 feet on a 58-degree steep slope. The Vineyard though covers only 5 acres, but within that span, it grows several grape varietals. Its elevation and the cool climate add a distinctive flavor to the grapes and, similarly to, the wine. Grandfather Winery offers a range of wines, including dry wines, dessert wines, sweet wines, sparkling wines, mulled wines, as well as cranberry sangria. Visitors at Grandfather winery can choose from a half-ounce pour of each wine and a souvenir wine glass that they can either taste at the place or take back home. Individuals with pets can also bring their dog, though only under the lease.

7. A Secret Garden Winery

A Secret Garden Winery is a small, charming, and the best-kept secret of North Carolina. It is a family-owned winery located down a little country road in Pikeville, northern Wayne County. The facility is known for offering naturally fermented handcrafted wines that come to the glass without mixing or passing through chemicals or preservatives. They produce wines with their own native muscadine grapes, and that’s where the secret of their taste lies. Their wine offerings include Red wine, White wine, and Blush and Fruit wines. The Blueberry and Strawberry wines on their menu are a must-try. The winery operates for tours, and wine tasting on Fridays and Saturdays from 9:00 am until 5:00 pm. Enthusiasts can also take appointments for other days of the week.

8. Roaring River Vineyard

One of the best North Carolina Vineyards, the Roaring River Vineyard, is a must-visit. It is located on the banks of the majestic roaring river a few miles outside of Elkin. The facility features tasting rooms just beside the river with comfortable seating and excellent views. The tasting room is also one of the area’s best restaurants and is known by the name ‘Chez Josephine’. It has everything from local microbrews on tap to small plate snacks and full meals. For wines, it offers endless choices, including Traminette, Norton, Cab Sav, and Chardonnay. The Vineyard also features riverside lodging in the form of rooms, suits, and cabin rentals. Individuals staying back can indulge in multiple activities, including lawn games and fishing, or they can even visit the river beach.

9. Chatham Hill Winery

Chatham Hill Winery is an urban winery operating since 1999. It was the very first winery in the Chapel Hill/Durham/Raleigh area and the first urban winery in North Carolina. The wines produced at Chatham focus on high-quality grapes from different vineyards of Yadkin Valley. Some common varietals they use include Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Viognier, and Chardonnay. Chatham Hill Winery calls for wine tasting from Wednesday through Sunday from afternoon to evening. Enthusiasts can utilize both indoor and outdoor seating and enjoy every sip of their wine while observing some great views. Or, for extravagating, the experienced pair the glass of wine with their snacks and other small plate options. In addition, Chatham Hill Winery is a dog-friendly winery where you can bring your furry pet.