Plan Your Perfect Yadkin Valley Wine Tour Day
The Yadkin Valley is North Carolina’s premier wine region — home to more than 40 wineries across rolling Piedmont hills just south of the Blue Ridge. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, planning a girls’ trip, or just craving a day among the vines, this itinerary hits five of the best wineries in one seamless route.
And the best part? When you book a private wine tour with Ashe County Livery, you don’t have to worry about driving between stops, designated drivers, or navigating unfamiliar back roads. Just sit back, sip, and enjoy.
Stop 1: Raffaldini Vineyards (Ronda, NC)
Start your morning at Raffaldini Vineyards, one of the Yadkin Valley’s most stunning estates. This Italian-inspired winery sits on 75 acres of rolling hills and specializes in Italian grape varieties — Montepulciano, Vermentino, and Sangiovese.
Their terrace offers panoramic vineyard views that feel like you’ve been transported to Tuscany. Arrive when they open to beat the crowds and enjoy a relaxed first tasting.
Don’t miss: The Montepulciano reserve and the outdoor bocce court.
Stop 2: JOLO Winery & Vineyards (Pilot Mountain, NC)
JOLO Winery has earned a reputation as one of the Southeast’s best wineries — and for good reason. Their tasting room overlooks Pilot Mountain, and their wines consistently win national awards.
JOLO’s kitchen serves elevated farm-to-table dishes that pair perfectly with their wines. Plan to spend a bit more time here for lunch.
Don’t miss: The Midnight wine (a rich, velvety red) and the charcuterie board.
Stop 3: Shelton Vineyards (Dobson, NC)
Shelton Vineyards is one of the largest family-owned estate wineries on the East Coast, with over 200 acres of vineyards. Their tasting room is spacious and welcoming, and the grounds include a beautiful picnic area.
Shelton produces an impressive range — from crisp whites to bold reds — and their prices are surprisingly approachable.
Don’t miss: The Salem Fork Red and the Harvest Grill restaurant on-site.
Stop 4: Piccione Vineyards (Ronda, NC)
Just down the road from Raffaldini, Piccione Vineyards brings a modern Italian flair to the Yadkin Valley. Their sleek tasting room and outdoor patio feel upscale without being pretentious.
Piccione focuses on Italian varietals like Aglianico and Vermentino, and their staff is incredibly knowledgeable about food pairings.
Don’t miss: The Aglianico (one of the best reds in the valley) and the sunset views from the patio.
Stop 5: Elkin Creek Vineyard (Elkin, NC)
End your day at Elkin Creek Vineyard, a hidden gem built around a historic grist mill with a creek running through the property. It’s the most unique setting of any Yadkin Valley winery.
Their wines are handcrafted in small batches, and the brick-oven pizza is legendary among locals. It’s the perfect way to wind down after a day of tasting.
Don’t miss: The creek-side seating, the wood-fired pizza, and the Cabernet Franc.
Why You Need a Driver for This Itinerary
Five wineries means five tastings — and five tastings means you shouldn’t be behind the wheel. Here’s why a private wine tour with Ashe County Livery makes this itinerary work:
- Safety first — no designated driver needed, everyone gets to enjoy every tasting
- Door-to-door service — we pick you up from your hotel, Airbnb, or home and handle every stop
- Local knowledge — our drivers know the best routes, hidden gems, and timing to avoid crowds
- Groups of 2-14 — whether it’s a couple or a full party, we have the right vehicle
- Flexible schedule — want to skip a stop or add one? No problem. It’s your tour.
How to Book Your Yadkin Valley Wine Tour
Ready to experience the Yadkin Valley the right way? Visit our Yadkin Valley Wine Tours page to see pricing, available dates, and tour packages. Or call us directly at (336) 484-1350.
We’ll customize the itinerary to your group’s preferences — whether you want to focus on reds, include a lunch stop, or add a sixth winery to the route. Every tour is private and personalized.
Ashe County Livery provides luxury wine tour transportation throughout the Yadkin Valley, High Country, and NC mountains. Learn more about our services.
🍷 Planning a Wine Tour in the NC High Country?
Ashe County Livery offers private, luxury wine tour transportation throughout the Blue Ridge Mountains. Skip the driving and let our professional chauffeurs take you from winery to winery in comfort and style.
Serving Banner Elk, Blowing Rock, Boone, and all NC High Country destinations • (336) 484-1350
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