Author: Ashe County Livery

There’s nothing quite like sipping a chilled glass of rosé on a warm summer afternoon, surrounded by rolling vineyards and Blue Ridge mountain views. North Carolina’s Yadkin Valley — the state’s premier wine region — produces some truly outstanding rosé wines, and summer is the perfect time to taste them. Whether you’re planning a girls’ weekend from Boone, a couples’ retreat from Blowing Rock, or a birthday celebration from Banner Elk, a rosé-focused wine tour is the ultimate warm-weather experience.

At Ashe County Livery, we specialize in private wine tour transportation from the NC High Country to Yadkin Valley and beyond. Here’s our curated guide to the best wineries for rosé lovers — and how to turn it into an unforgettable day trip.

Why Yadkin Valley Rosé Deserves Your Attention

Yadkin Valley earned its AVA (American Viticultural Area) designation in 2003, and winemakers here have been perfecting their craft ever since. The region’s warm summers and mineral-rich soils produce grapes ideally suited for refreshing, fruit-forward rosé wines. Many Yadkin Valley wineries release limited-run summer rosés that sell out quickly — another reason to plan your visit sooner rather than later.

Top Wineries for Rosé Lovers

1. Shelton Vineyards — Dobson

As one of the largest family-owned estates on the East Coast, Shelton Vineyards offers a polished tasting experience with a fantastic rosé lineup. Their dry rosé, crafted from estate-grown grapes, is crisp, berry-forward, and pairs beautifully with a warm afternoon on their patio. The estate also features the Harvest Grill restaurant, so you can pair your tasting with a gourmet lunch overlooking the vines.

• Rosé highlight: Estate Dry Rosé — light, refreshing, with notes of strawberry and watermelon
• Best for: Groups who want a full-service experience with dining options

2. JOLO Winery & Vineyards — Pilot Mountain

JOLO Winery consistently ranks among North Carolina’s top wineries, and their rosé offerings are a highlight every summer. With panoramic views of Pilot Mountain from the tasting room terrace, JOLO delivers an experience that’s as stunning as the wine. Their rosé is typically a Grenache-based blend with bright acidity and stone fruit notes.

• Rosé highlight: Summer rosé blend — vibrant, dry, with peach and raspberry undertones
• Best for: Wine enthusiasts who appreciate award-winning wines and breathtaking views

3. Raffaldini Vineyards — Ronda

Inspired by the Italian winemaking tradition, Raffaldini Vineyards brings a Mediterranean flair to Yadkin Valley. Their rosato — the Italian term for rosé — is crafted from Italian grape varietals like Montepulciano and Sangiovese. The result is a uniquely elegant, food-friendly wine you won’t find anywhere else in the region. The Tuscan-style villa and hilltop piazza add to the charm.

• Rosé highlight: Rosato — dry, savory, with cherry and herb notes
• Best for: Couples and foodies who love Italian-inspired wines and a sophisticated atmosphere

4. Laurel Gray Vineyards — Hamptonville

Laurel Gray is a boutique, family-run winery that produces small-batch wines with exceptional care. Their rosé is a limited-production gem — light, floral, and perfect for a lazy summer afternoon. The intimate tasting room and friendly staff make this a must-stop on any rosé-themed tour.

• Rosé highlight: Limited-release rosé — delicate, with floral aromatics and a clean finish
• Best for: Small groups seeking a personal, intimate tasting experience

5. Piccione Vineyards — Ronda

Just down the road from Raffaldini, Piccione Vineyards offers another Italian-influenced wine experience. Their rosé leans into fresh, fruity flavors with a hint of minerality. The vineyard’s open-air pavilion is ideal for groups, and their wood-fired pizza pairs wonderfully with a glass of chilled rosé.

• Rosé highlight: Rosato — approachable, fruit-driven, with a crisp finish
• Best for: Groups who love pairing wine with pizza in a relaxed outdoor setting

Sample Summer Rosé Tour Itinerary

Here’s a day trip itinerary we frequently arrange for guests staying in the High Country:

1. 9:30 AM — Pickup in Boone, Banner Elk, or Blowing Rock in one of our luxury Sprinter vans
2. 11:00 AM — First stop: Shelton Vineyards for a guided tasting and lunch at the Harvest Grill
3. 1:30 PM — Second stop: Raffaldini Vineyards for a rosato tasting on the piazza
4. 3:30 PM — Third stop: JOLO Winery for sunset-view rosé on the terrace
5. 5:30 PM — Depart for the High Country, arriving back by 7:00 PM

Our luxury Sprinter vans seat up to 14 guests comfortably, with climate control, leather seating, and plenty of room for the bottles you’ll inevitably bring home.

Why a Private Wine Tour Makes Rosé Season Better

Driving through the winding roads between wineries after tasting flights isn’t just inconvenient — it’s unsafe. A private wine tour with Ashe County Livery means:

• No designated driver needed — everyone gets to enjoy every pour
• Door-to-door service — we pick you up at your hotel, rental, or Airbnb in Boone, Banner Elk, Blowing Rock, or anywhere in the High Country
• Flexible itinerary — want to linger at a favorite winery or add a stop? Just say the word
• Expert route planning — we know the best routes, the best times to visit, and can help with reservations
• Safe and comfortable — relax in a luxury vehicle while we handle the mountain roads

Planning Tips for Your Summer Rosé Tour

• Book early: Summer weekends fill up fast at popular wineries. Reserve your tastings and your transportation at least two weeks ahead.
• Go mid-week: Tuesday through Thursday tastings are less crowded and often more relaxed — ideal for a VIP experience.
• Bring a cooler: We keep coolers on board so your wine purchases stay perfectly chilled on the ride home.
• Pair with food: Several wineries offer food pairings or on-site dining. Let us help you plan a route that includes a great lunch stop.
• Dress comfortably: Light layers and comfortable shoes are best — many tastings happen outdoors in the summer.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far is Yadkin Valley from Boone?

Yadkin Valley wineries are approximately 60-90 minutes from Boone, depending on which wineries you visit. Our drivers know the most scenic and efficient routes.

How many wineries can we visit in one day?

We typically recommend three to four wineries for a full-day tour. This gives you enough time to enjoy each tasting without feeling rushed.

Can you accommodate large groups?

Absolutely. Our fleet includes luxury Sprinter vans (up to 14 passengers) and Ford Transit vans for larger groups. For parties over 14, we can arrange multiple vehicles. Contact us for a custom quote.

Do you offer wine tours year-round?

Yes! While summer is peak rosé season, Yadkin Valley is beautiful year-round. Fall harvest tours, holiday tastings, and spring vineyard visits are all popular options.

Ready to Plan Your Rosé Tour?

Summer won’t last forever, and neither will those limited-release rosés. Book your private wine tour with Ashe County Livery today and let us take care of the driving while you focus on finding your new favorite bottle. Call us at (336) 484-1350 or visit ashecountylivery.com/book-now to get started.

Welcome to Wines Around the World — a new series from Ashe County Livery where we explore remarkable wine regions far beyond our home turf in North Carolina’s High Country. Because when you love wine, the conversation never stops at the county line.

A Village Built on Wine and Volcanic Fire

Perched on the sun-baked plains of southwest Santorini, the village of Megalochori feels like stepping into another century. Narrow cobblestone lanes wind between whitewashed walls and heavy wooden doors — relics of a time when wealthy wine merchants and land barons built high-walled mansions to protect both their families and their precious Vinsanto wine from marauding pirates.

Megalochori’s story starts roughly 400 years ago during Venetian and Ottoman rule, but the island’s winemaking tradition runs far deeper — over 3,000 years, making Santorini one of the oldest wine-producing regions on Earth.

What makes this tiny Greek island so special? It all starts beneath your feet.

The Volcanic Terroir: Wine From Fire and Ash

Around 1600 BC, one of the largest volcanic eruptions in recorded history blanketed Santorini in pumice and ash. That catastrophe created something extraordinary for winemakers: a near-sterile, mineral-rich soil that drains rapidly and forces vine roots to plunge 15 to 20 meters deep in search of groundwater.

This volcanic substrate also means Santorini’s vineyards have never been touched by phylloxera — the devastating root pest that wiped out most of Europe’s vineyards in the 19th century. Many of the vines growing in Megalochori’s surrounding fields are ungrafted and over 100 years old, with some exceeding 200 years. They are among the oldest continuously producing vines in the world.

The Kouloura: Santorini’s Iconic Basket Vines

Walk through the vineyards outside Megalochori and you won’t see neat rows of trellised vines. Instead, you’ll find low, circular shapes hugging the ground — these are kouloura, the traditional basket-trained vines unique to Santorini.

Growers wind the vine shoots into tight, woven baskets close to the volcanic soil. The grapes hang protected inside the basket, shielded from the relentless Aegean meltemi winds and scorching summer sun. The system also traps humidity overnight, helping the vines sustain themselves on an island that receives almost no rainfall.

It’s a beautiful, ancient, self-sustaining system — and it produces remarkably low yields, making every bottle from these vineyards that much more precious.

Gavalas Winery: Five Generations in the Heart of Megalochori

Right in the old village of Megalochori sits Gavalas Winery, one of the oldest family wineries in all of the Cyclades islands. Established in 1895, Gavalas is now in its fifth generation — with winemaker Vagelis Gavalas carrying forward the legacy his great-great-grandfather started.

The winery itself is housed in a traditional stone building that once doubled as a distillery producing canava, a local spirit. Step inside and you’ll find the original cellars and grape-stomping rooms, now paired with modern stainless-steel fermentation tanks.

What sets Gavalas apart is their commitment to rare indigenous varieties. While every Santorini winery produces Assyrtiko — the island’s flagship white grape — Gavalas is the only winery on the island that vinifies Katsano and Voudomato, two nearly forgotten native grapes. They also work with Aidani, Mandilaria, and Mavrotragano, showcasing the full breadth of what this volcanic island can produce.

Wines Worth Seeking Out at Gavalas

• Assyrtiko (PDO Santorini) — Crisp, mineral-driven, citrus-forward with the volcanic salinity Santorini is famous for. Look for the distinctive blue bottle.
• Aidani — An aromatic white with floral notes, best enjoyed young at 2-3 years.
• Katsano — One of the rarest wines you’ll ever taste, from a nearly extinct indigenous variety.
• Vinsanto — Santorini’s legendary sweet dessert wine, made from sun-dried Assyrtiko, Athiri, and Aidani grapes aged in oak barrels for years. Rich, honeyed, and unforgettable.
• Skin-Contact Assyrtiko — An amber “orange wine” that’s become a favorite among natural wine enthusiasts.

Tastings run about an hour with options for 3, 5, or 7 wines. No caldera view here — instead, you get something rarer: an intimate, authentic experience inside centuries-old Cycladic architecture with volcanic stone floors and coved ceilings.

Beyond Gavalas: Megalochori’s Wine Neighborhood

Megalochori sits at the epicenter of Santorini’s wine country. Within a short walk or drive, you’ll find several other outstanding producers:

• Venetsanos Winery — Founded in 1947, carved vertically into the volcanic cliff face overlooking the caldera. The gravity-flow winemaking system once sent wine through pipes more than 300 meters down to ships waiting in the port below.
• Boutari Winery — One of Greece’s most recognized wine brands, with a Santorini outpost near Megalochori.
• Antoniou Winery — Another traditional producer in the Megalochori area.

A few more kilometers away, you can reach world-class estates like Estate Argyros in Episkopi, Domaine Sigalas near Oia, and Hatzidakis Winery in Pyrgos — each offering its own distinct take on Santorini’s volcanic terroir.

Underground Caves and the Legacy of Vinsanto Pirates

One of Megalochori’s most fascinating features is its network of traditional underground caves. Dating back to the 17th century, these passages were carved from soft volcanic rock and originally used as homes and storage spaces. The naturally cool, stable temperatures made them ideal for aging wine, olive oil, and other perishable goods.

During the island’s golden age of wine trade, Megalochori became a hub — and a hiding place — for pirates who cruised the Mediterranean and smuggled the highly sought-after Vinsanto wine to buyers across Europe, Russia, and Egypt. The village’s high-walled mansions with their fortified wooden doors weren’t just for show — they were built for protection.

Today, many of these caves have been restored and opened to visitors, offering a remarkable glimpse into the underground world that helped build Santorini’s wine reputation.

What Megalochori Teaches Us About Wine

At Ashe County Livery, we spend our days taking guests through the beautiful wine regions of North Carolina — from the Yadkin Valley vineyards to the emerging High Country wine scene. We know firsthand that great wine is always a product of place: the soil, the climate, the people who tend the vines.

Megalochori reminds us that this truth is universal. Whether it’s volcanic pumice on a Greek island or the clay-loam soils of the Yadkin Valley, wine tells the story of the land it comes from. And whether you’re tasting a bone-dry Assyrtiko in a Santorini cave cellar or sipping a crisp Chardonnay at a North Carolina winery, the magic is the same: place, passion, and time in a glass.

Stay tuned for more destinations in our Wines Around the World series — and when you’re ready to explore the wine country in our own backyard, book your High Country wine tour with Ashe County Livery.

About This Series: Wines Around the World is a personal exploration by Ashe County Livery owner James Armstrong. When he’s not behind the wheel taking guests through North Carolina wine country, he’s exploring wine regions across the globe — and bringing those stories home to share with you.

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Some of the best days in North Carolina start with trail dust on your boots and end with a glass of Yadkin Valley wine in your hand. If you’re visiting the High Country this summer, a combined wine-and-waterfall day trip is one of the most rewarding ways to experience the region — and with the right transportation plan, you won’t have to worry about winding mountain roads or choosing a designated driver.

Here’s how to build the perfect day pairing Blue Ridge waterfalls with Yadkin Valley tastings, complete with route suggestions and timing tips.

Why Combine Waterfalls and Wine?

The NC High Country sits at a lucky crossroads: the Blue Ridge Mountains to the west and north deliver some of the most dramatic waterfall hikes on the East Coast, while the Yadkin Valley — North Carolina’s premier wine region — unfolds just an hour southeast along the foothills. Stacking both into a single day gives you morning adventure and afternoon relaxation without backtracking or rushing.

For groups — bachelorette parties, anniversary getaways, family reunions, or couples retreats — the combination is especially appealing. A morning hike builds up an appetite, and a leisurely tasting afterward feels well-earned. With a private luxury shuttle handling the driving, everyone can sip freely and enjoy the views from the window.

Morning: Hit the Trails

Start your day early and choose a waterfall hike that matches your group’s fitness level. Here are three standout options within easy reach of Boone, Banner Elk, and Blowing Rock:

Linville Falls (Easy to Moderate)

Off the Blue Ridge Parkway near Marion, Linville Falls is one of the most photographed waterfalls in North Carolina. Multiple overlook trails range from 0.5 to 2 miles round-trip, so you can pick your pace. The upper and lower falls each offer stunning views of the Linville Gorge — sometimes called the “Grand Canyon of the East.” Plan about 60–90 minutes here.

Elk River Falls (Moderate)

Just outside Banner Elk, Elk River Falls is a powerful 50-foot cascade with a short but rocky trail (about 0.4 miles each way). The trailhead is off Elk River Road, and the hike takes 30–45 minutes including time to linger at the base. It’s a crowd favorite for good reason — the falls are spectacular after summer rain.

Glen Burney Trail in Blowing Rock (Moderate)

Starting right in the town of Blowing Rock, the Glen Burney Trail descends through a lush forest to a series of three cascades: Glen Mary Falls, Glen Burney Falls, and Glen Marie Falls. The round-trip is about 3 miles and takes roughly two hours. It’s a workout on the way back up, but the payoff is immense.

Midday: Transition to Wine Country

After your hike, clean up and grab lunch before heading southeast toward the Yadkin Valley. From Boone, the drive to the heart of wine country around Elkin and Dobson takes about an hour and fifteen minutes — a scenic route that drops from the mountains into rolling vineyard hills. If your group has a private Sprinter van or luxury SUV, the drive itself becomes part of the experience: stretch out, rehydrate, and swap photos from the morning’s adventure.

Lunch stop suggestion: The town of Elkin, gateway to Yadkin Valley, has several great options. Grab a bite at a local café before your first tasting so you’re fueled up and ready to enjoy the wines responsibly.

Afternoon: Yadkin Valley Wine Trail

With over 40 wineries dotting the Yadkin Valley AVA, you won’t run out of options. Here’s a curated three-winery route that balances variety, quality, and scenery:

Stop 1: Shelton Vineyards (Dobson)

One of the largest estate vineyards on the East Coast, Shelton Vineyards is a great first stop. The tasting room is elegant, the grounds are beautiful for photos, and their Cabernet Franc and Chardonnay regularly win regional awards. Allow 45–60 minutes.

Stop 2: JOLO Winery & Vineyards (Pilot Mountain)

JOLO (yes, all caps) sits high on a ridge with panoramic vineyard views. Their End Row Red and Blanc de Blancs are standouts. The outdoor terrace is the perfect place to linger as the afternoon sun warms the vines. Plan for about an hour here — it’s hard to leave.

Stop 3: Raffaldini Vineyards (Ronda)

End your wine trail at Raffaldini, an Italian-inspired estate known for its Montepulciano and Sangiovese. The villa, the stone courtyard, and the sunset light over the vineyards make this a photographer’s dream. Many groups wrap up their day here with a final glass and a charcuterie board.

Sample Day Itinerary

• 8:00 AM — Pickup from your Boone or Banner Elk hotel
• 8:30 AM — Arrive at Elk River Falls trailhead; hike and explore
• 10:00 AM — Return to vehicle, freshen up
• 10:15 AM — Scenic drive toward Yadkin Valley
• 11:30 AM — Lunch in Elkin
• 12:30 PM — Shelton Vineyards tasting
• 1:30 PM — Drive to JOLO Winery
• 2:00 PM — JOLO tasting and terrace time
• 3:15 PM — Drive to Raffaldini Vineyards
• 3:45 PM — Final tasting and charcuterie
• 5:00 PM — Depart for the High Country
• 6:15 PM — Drop-off at your hotel

Why Private Transportation Makes the Day

A wine-and-waterfall day covers a lot of ground — mountain roads, parkway curves, and vineyard lanes. Having a professional driver in a luxury Sprinter van or Mercedes GLS means:

• No designated driver needed. Everyone in your group gets to taste.
• Comfortable transfers. Stretch out between stops instead of cramming into a rental car.
• Local route knowledge. Your driver knows the fastest routes, the best scenic detours, and where to park at busy trailheads.
• Flexible timing. If your group wants to linger at a winery or add a fourth stop, the schedule adapts to you.

Ashe County Livery specializes in exactly this kind of day: luxury vehicles, professional drivers, and a deep familiarity with the Blue Ridge and Yadkin Valley. Whether your group is 2 or 14, we’ll build the right ride for your adventure.

Tips for Planning Your Wine and Waterfall Day

1. Book tasting reservations ahead. Popular wineries like JOLO and Raffaldini fill up on summer weekends. Reserve your spots at least a week out.
2. Wear layers. Mountain mornings can be cool at elevation, even in July. You’ll warm up on the trail, then want a light layer for air-conditioned tasting rooms.
3. Bring water and snacks. Stay hydrated on the hike so you’re in great shape for afternoon tastings.
4. Start early. Trailhead parking fills fast in summer. An 8 AM departure gives you the best shot at a peaceful hike.
5. Tell your driver your must-dos. If there’s a specific winery or waterfall on your list, let Ashe County Livery know when you book so we can route the day efficiently.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far is the Yadkin Valley from Boone, NC?

The Yadkin Valley wine region is approximately 60–75 miles southeast of Boone, depending on which wineries you visit. The drive takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes through scenic foothills.

Can I do a wine and waterfall day trip without a private vehicle?

Technically yes, but it’s not recommended. The distances between trailheads and wineries make rideshare impractical, and you’ll want a designated driver for the tasting portion. A private luxury shuttle is the safest and most comfortable option.

What size groups can Ashe County Livery accommodate?

We handle everything from couples in a luxury SUV to groups of 14 in a Sprinter van. For larger parties, we can coordinate multiple vehicles. Call us at (336) 484-1350 to discuss your group size.

Are waterfall hikes pet-friendly?

Linville Falls and Elk River Falls allow leashed dogs. Check individual winery policies before bringing pets to tastings — some welcome dogs on their patios, others don’t.

Ready to plan your wine and waterfall day? Book your luxury transportation with Ashe County Livery and let us handle the driving while you enjoy the best of the Blue Ridge and Yadkin Valley. Call (336) 484-1350 or visit our website to get started.

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• A First-Timer's Guide to Yadkin Valley Wine Tours
• Yadkin Valley Wine and Fall Foliage: The Ultimate Autumn Day Trip