Author: Ashe County Livery

Beyond the Big Names — Discovering the Yadkin Valley’s Hidden Gems

North Carolina’s Yadkin Valley is home to over 40 wineries — and while names like Shelton, Raffaldini, and JOLO get much of the attention, some of the most rewarding wine experiences happen at the smaller, lesser-known producers scattered across the valley. These hidden gems offer intimate tastings, unique varietals, and the kind of personal attention you won’t find at the larger estates.

The Yadkin Valley Wine Trail — A World-Class Wine Region

The Yadkin Valley AVA was established in 2003 as North Carolina’s first federally recognized American Viticultural Area. Stretching across seven counties in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the region benefits from:

• Ideal elevation: 800-1,600+ feet above sea level
• European-comparable climate: Similar growing conditions to renowned wine regions in France and Italy
• Rich terroir: Well-drained soils ranging from clay to rocky mountain substrate
• Sub-AVAs: Swan Creek and Yadkin Valley proper, each with distinct characteristics

Key Towns Along the Wine Trail

Elkin, NC — Gateway to Wine Country

Elkin serves as the gateway to the Yadkin Valley wine region, with charming downtown restaurants and shops perfect for starting or ending your tour. Nearby wineries include Slightly Askew, Elkin Creek, and several more.

Dobson, NC — Home of the Largest Estate

Dobson is home to Shelton Vineyards, the largest family-owned estate winery in NC, plus several smaller producers in the surrounding area.

Ronda, NC — The Italian Cluster

Ronda boasts the highest concentration of wineries in a small area, including Raffaldini, Piccione, Castello Barone, and Sotrio — all within minutes of each other.

Hamptonville, NC — Swan Creek Heritage

The Swan Creek AVA around Hamptonville is home to Laurel Gray, Midnight Magdalena, and Dynamis Estate — some of the valley’s most storied and unique producers.

Building Your Perfect Wine Trail Itinerary

The Classic Route (Full Day — 4 Wineries)

1. Shelton Vineyards (Dobson) — Start big with NC’s largest estate winery
2. JOLO Winery (Pilot Mountain) — Fine dining and exceptional wines
3. Raffaldini Vineyards (Ronda) — Italian atmosphere and Appassimento wines
4. Piccione Vineyards (Ronda) — End with Sicilian-inspired wines on the ridge

The Boutique Discovery (Half Day — 3 Wineries)

1. Dynamis Estate Wines (Jonesville) — Bordeaux blends at 1,640 feet
2. Laurel Gray Vineyards (Hamptonville) — 10 generations of family heritage
3. Midnight Magdalena (Jonesville) — Rare varietals, dry wines only

The Wine & Beer Tour (Half Day — 3 Stops)

1. Sotrio Vineyards (Ronda) — Wine AND craft beer
2. Castello Barone (Ronda) — Boutique estate wines
3. Raffaldini Vineyards (Ronda) — The Italian masterpiece

Why You Need Wine Tour Transportation

Between the tastings, the mountain roads, and the relaxed pace of a wine country day, having a professional driver isn’t just convenient — it’s essential. North Carolina’s DUI laws are strict, and the winding rural roads of the Yadkin Valley are challenging even when sober.

Ashe County Livery is the Yadkin Valley’s premier wine tour transportation provider. We offer:

• Luxury Mercedes Sprinter (up to 14 guests) and SUVs (2-6 guests)
• Custom itineraries — you choose the wineries, we handle the driving
• Local knowledge — we know the best routes, parking, and timing
• Door-to-door service from your hotel, Airbnb, or home

Book your Yadkin Valley wine tour or call (336) 484-1350 today. Groups of 2-14 welcome!

Explore More from Ashe County Livery

• Ashe County Livery — Premium transportation in NC’s High Country
• Book a Yadkin Valley wine tour — Explore the Surry County Wine Trail in luxury
• Reserve your wine tour — Mountain winery tours for groups of 2–14
• Wedding transportation — Shuttle service for NC High Country weddings
• Request a quote

Ashe County Livery — Family-owned luxury transportation in North Carolina’s High Country. Learn more or call (336) 484-1350.

Midnight Magdalena — A Winery Born from Love and Loss

Down a quiet country road in Jonesville, North Carolina, a long driveway leads to a small, charming tasting house with a wrap-around front porch overlooking the Blue Ridge Mountains. This is Midnight Magdalena Vineyards — one of the Yadkin Valley’s most intimate and distinctive wineries, with a name that carries a deeply personal story.

In 2010, Jim and Tauny Zimmer bought the land and began their new life as vineyard owners. By 2013, they were planting vines alongside two beloved companions: their black lab mix, Midnight, and Tauny’s mother, nicknamed Magdalena. When both passed away that same year, the vineyard was named in their honor — Midnight Magdalena.

What Sets Midnight Magdalena Apart

All Dry, No Sweet — Uncommon Varietals

Midnight Magdalena deliberately set itself apart from other Yadkin Valley wineries with one bold decision: no sweet or fruit-infused wines. Every wine they produce is dry, and they grow grape varieties that are rare in North Carolina:

• Corot Noir — A hybrid grape developed at Cornell University
• Moschofilero — A Greek varietal similar to Traminer or Muscat
• Tempranillo — A classic Spanish grape (planted for future vintages)

If you’re a dry wine enthusiast who’s tired of the sweet wine trend, Midnight Magdalena is your sanctuary.

Small-Batch, Personal Experience

This is a small, family-run operation — visiting feels like being invited to a friend’s home. The intimate setting means you’ll often meet the winemakers themselves and hear the stories behind each wine. It’s the antithesis of a crowded, commercial tasting room.

Visiting Midnight Magdalena

• Location: Jonesville, NC (Swan Creek AVA, Yadkin Valley)
• Style: Boutique, intimate, dry wines only
• Atmosphere: Wrap-around porch, mountain views, peaceful countryside
• Best For: Dry wine lovers, couples seeking an intimate experience, adventurous palates
• Pro Tip: Ask about the Moschofilero and Corot Noir — you won’t find these at other Yadkin Valley wineries

Pair Midnight Magdalena with Nearby Wineries

• The Dry Wine Route: Midnight Magdalena → Dynamis Estate Wines → Castello Barone
• Swan Creek Discovery: Midnight Magdalena → Laurel Gray → Castello Barone
• Jonesville to Ronda: Midnight Magdalena → Raffaldini → Piccione

Book Your Wine Tour Transportation

Midnight Magdalena’s tucked-away location is part of its charm — but the rural roads mean having a professional driver is essential, especially after tasting. Ashe County Livery offers private wine tour transportation for 2-14 guests throughout the Yadkin Valley.

Book your private wine tour or call (336) 484-1350.

Explore More from Ashe County Livery

• Ashe County Livery — Premium transportation in NC’s High Country
• Book a Yadkin Valley wine tour — Explore the Surry County Wine Trail in luxury
• Reserve your wine tour — Mountain winery tours for groups of 2–14
• Wedding transportation — Shuttle service for NC High Country weddings
• Request a quote

Ashe County Livery — Family-owned luxury transportation in North Carolina’s High Country. Learn more or call (336) 484-1350.

Shelton Vineyards — The Crown Jewel of Yadkin Valley Wine Country

With 406 acres and approximately 200 acres of planted vines, Shelton Vineyards in Dobson, North Carolina, holds the distinction of being the largest family-owned estate winery in North Carolina. Founded by brothers Charlie and Ed Shelton in 1994 on land just miles from where they grew up, Shelton Vineyards has become the anchor of the Yadkin Valley wine region and a must-visit destination for anyone exploring North Carolina wine country.

The 33,000-square-foot winery building houses state-of-the-art winemaking equipment, a tasting room, and spaces for events — all set within a stunning landscape that mirrors the great wine regions of Europe.

The Wines of Shelton

Estate-Grown Excellence

Every wine at Shelton is grown, harvested, and bottled on site. Their estate wines showcase the best of Yadkin Valley terroir, with a portfolio spanning bold reds, crisp whites, and limited-edition blends. The Yadkin Valley AVA shares a similar climate and growing season to several renowned wine-growing regions in Europe, giving Shelton’s wines a character and depth that surprises many first-time visitors.

Chef-Inspired Dining

Shelton goes beyond tastings with chef-inspired dining experiences, wine-paired dinners, and seasonal food events. It’s one of the few Yadkin Valley wineries where you can enjoy a full culinary experience alongside your wine, making it ideal for an extended visit.

Events & Festivals

From wine-paired dinners and live music to seasonal festivals, Shelton has a year-round calendar of events. Their Southern hospitality approach means every visit feels like a special occasion.

Planning Your Visit to Shelton Vineyards

• Address: 286 Cabernet Lane, Dobson, NC 27017
• Region: Yadkin Valley AVA, near Mount Airy
• Size: 406 acres, 200+ acres of vines, 33,000 sq ft winery
• Amenities: Tasting room, tours, dining, events, gift shop
• Best For: First-time Yadkin Valley visitors, couples, groups, wine club members
• Pro Tip: Book a winery tour to see the full operation — at this scale, it’s impressive

Wine Tour Routes Featuring Shelton

Shelton’s Dobson location makes it a natural starting or ending point for Yadkin Valley wine tours:

• The Grand Yadkin Tour: Shelton → JOLO → Raffaldini → Piccione
• Dobson to Ronda: Shelton → Sotrio → Raffaldini
• The Big Three: Shelton (largest) → Raffaldini (most Italian) → JOLO (finest dining)

Wine Tour Transportation to Shelton Vineyards

Shelton Vineyards is the kind of place where you want to take your time — explore the grounds, enjoy a tasting, have lunch, maybe buy a case. Don’t cut your visit short because someone has to drive. Ashe County Livery specializes in private wine tour transportation throughout the Yadkin Valley for groups of 2-14.

Book your Shelton Vineyards wine tour or call (336) 484-1350 to plan your day.

Explore More from Ashe County Livery

• Ashe County Livery — Premium transportation in NC’s High Country
• Book a Yadkin Valley wine tour — Explore the Surry County Wine Trail in luxury
• Reserve your wine tour — Mountain winery tours for groups of 2–14
• Wedding transportation — Shuttle service for NC High Country weddings
• Request a quote

Ashe County Livery — Family-owned luxury transportation in North Carolina’s High Country. Learn more or call (336) 484-1350.

JOLO Winery — A Legacy of Family, Service, and Exceptional Wine

In the heart of North Carolina’s Yadkin Valley, at the foot of iconic Pilot Mountain, sits JOLO Winery & Vineyards — a veteran-owned, family-operated winery that has become one of the most celebrated wine destinations on the East Coast. Named after founders’ two sons, Joey and Logan, JOLO embodies the spirit of family, dedication, and the artistry of crafting exceptional wines.

JOLO’s vision goes beyond great wine — they’re building a multi-generational family business and a legacy. From the moment you arrive, you can feel the passion and pride that goes into every bottle, every interaction, and every detail of the guest experience.

The Wines of JOLO

East Coast Excellence

JOLO invites you to explore some of the finest wines the East Coast has to offer. Their vineyards benefit from the unique terroir of the Yadkin Valley — warm days, cool mountain nights, and well-drained soils that coax extraordinary flavor from their grapes. The result is a portfolio of wines that consistently surprises and delights even the most seasoned wine enthusiasts.

A Setting for Every Visit

JOLO is more than a tasting room — it’s a full-service winery experience with breathtaking views, outdoor adventures, and the kind of hospitality that makes you want to stay all day. The property includes a fine dining experience, making it perfect for a longer stop during your wine tour.

Planning Your Visit to JOLO

• Address: 219 JOLO Winery Lane, Pilot Mountain, NC 27041
• Phone: 1-855-JOLOWINE or (336) 614-0030
• Hours: Thursday-Sunday 11am-8pm (Closed Mon-Wed)
• Reservations: Required for parties of 6 or more
• Dining: Full fine dining available on-site
• Pro Tip: JOLO is open until 8pm Thurs-Sun — perfect for a sunset wine tasting experience

Building Your JOLO Wine Tour

Pilot Mountain is a short drive from the Ronda/Elkin wine cluster, making JOLO an excellent addition to a multi-winery tour:

• The Complete Yadkin Tour: JOLO → Shelton Vineyards → Raffaldini
• Pilot Mountain to Dobson: JOLO → Shelton Vineyards → Round Peak Vineyards
• Sunset Route: Start at Shelton/Raffaldini, end at JOLO for their evening hours

Private Wine Tour Transportation to JOLO

JOLO’s Pilot Mountain location is stunning but rural. With evening hours and fine dining available, you may want to extend your visit — which means you definitely want a driver. Ashe County Livery provides luxury wine tour transportation for groups of 2-14 throughout the Yadkin Valley and surrounding areas.

Book your JOLO wine tour or call (336) 484-1350.

Explore More from Ashe County Livery

• Ashe County Livery — Premium transportation in NC’s High Country
• Book a Yadkin Valley wine tour — Explore the Surry County Wine Trail in luxury
• Reserve your wine tour — Mountain winery tours for groups of 2–14
• Wedding transportation — Shuttle service for NC High Country weddings
• Request a quote

Ashe County Livery — Family-owned luxury transportation in North Carolina’s High Country. Learn more or call (336) 484-1350.

Laurel Gray Vineyards — 250 Years of Family Legacy, World-Class Wine

On a gentle slope in the Swan Creek AVA of the Yadkin Valley sits Laurel Gray Vineyards — a place where over 250 years of farming history meets award-winning winemaking. For 10 generations, the Myers family has farmed this valley, starting with a 400-acre land grant from Queen Charlotte of England in 1773.

Fast forward to 1999, when Ben and Kim Myers transformed their family’s heritage into something new: planting French wine grapes and converting an old milking parlor into a tasting room. Over 25 years later, Laurel Gray has earned a reputation for producing some of the finest wines not just in North Carolina, but on the entire East Coast.

The Wines of Laurel Gray

Award-Winning & Sustainably Farmed

The Myers family sustainably farms their vineyards, honoring the land their ancestors first tilled centuries ago. Wine critics have praised Laurel Gray for producing some of the best wines in North Carolina, with accolades for both their reds and whites. The boutique-style winery means limited production and exceptional attention to detail.

The Tasting Room

Laurel Gray’s tasting room is housed in a converted milking parlor — a charming piece of the farm’s dairy heritage. The 84-acre property includes a beautiful flower and herb garden surrounding the winery, creating a peaceful and picturesque setting for your visit.

Planning Your Visit

• Address: 5726 Old Highway 421, Hamptonville, NC
• Phone: (888) 769-4635 or (336) 468-9463
• Hours: Wednesday-Friday 10am-5pm, Saturday 10am-5pm, Sunday 1pm-5pm
• Setting: 84-acre farm with flower gardens, herb garden, vineyard views
• Region: Swan Creek AVA, Yadkin Valley
• Historical Note: The Myers family’s connection to this land dates back to 1773 — you’re tasting wine grown on some of the oldest continuously-farmed land in NC

Combine Laurel Gray with Nearby Wineries

Laurel Gray is in the Hamptonville area of the Yadkin Valley, close to several other outstanding wineries:

• Heritage & Boutique: Laurel Gray → Castello Barone → Midnight Magdalena
• Hamptonville to Ronda: Laurel Gray → Raffaldini → Piccione
• Swan Creek Showcase: Laurel Gray → Castello Barone → Sotrio Vineyards

Book Transportation to Laurel Gray Vineyards

Laurel Gray’s rural Hamptonville location is scenic and peaceful — but the winding country roads are best navigated by a professional driver after wine tasting. Ashe County Livery offers luxury wine tour transportation for 2-14 guests in Mercedes vehicles throughout the Yadkin Valley.

Reserve your wine tour or call (336) 484-1350 to start planning.

Explore More from Ashe County Livery

• Ashe County Livery — Premium transportation in NC’s High Country
• Book a Yadkin Valley wine tour — Explore the Surry County Wine Trail in luxury
• Reserve your wine tour — Mountain winery tours for groups of 2–14
• Wedding transportation — Shuttle service for NC High Country weddings
• Request a quote

Ashe County Livery — Family-owned luxury transportation in North Carolina’s High Country. Learn more or call (336) 484-1350.

Sotrio Vineyards — The Best of Both Worlds

What if you could enjoy award-winning wine and freshly crafted beer at the same place — all while gazing at the Blue Ridge Mountains? That’s exactly what you get at Sotrio Vineyards & Winery in Ronda, North Carolina.

Located in the heart of the Yadkin Valley wine region, Sotrio stands out from the crowd with a unique combination: a full-service winery paired with Sotrio Brewing Co., their in-house microbrewery offering eight rotating craft beers on tap. Whether your group includes wine lovers, beer enthusiasts, or both — Sotrio has everyone covered.

Wine & Beer at Sotrio

The Wines

Sotrio offers full wine tastings, create-your-own tastings, and wine flights. You can purchase bottles of your favorites along with a beautiful Sotrio logo wine glass. Their wines reflect the unique terroir of the Yadkin Valley — from crisp whites to bold reds, there’s something for every palate.

The Craft Beer

Inside the tasting room, Sotrio Brewing Co. pours eight rotating craft beers available in flights and cans. This is a rare find in North Carolina wine country and makes Sotrio the perfect stop for groups where not everyone is a wine drinker.

The Setting — Blue Ridge Mountain Views

Sotrio’s vineyard offers breathtaking views of the Yadkin Valley and the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains. The property is known for its colorful sunsets and, on clear nights, stunning full moon views. It’s the kind of place where you want to linger — which is exactly why having a designated driver matters.

Visiting Sotrio Vineyards

• Address: 211 Groce Road, Ronda, NC
• Phone: (336) 571-1002
• Family-Friendly: Yes — kids welcome when supervised, dogs welcome too
• Region: Yadkin Valley AVA, near Elkin, NC
• Pro Tip: Sotrio is just a few minutes from Raffaldini and Piccione — combine all three for an incredible Ronda wine day

Build Your Perfect Yadkin Valley Tour

Sotrio’s location in Ronda places it at the epicenter of some of the Yadkin Valley’s finest wineries:

• Italian Trio: Raffaldini → Piccione → Sotrio
• Wine & Beer Tour: Sotrio (wine + beer) → Castello Barone → Laurel Gray
• The Grand Ronda Loop: Raffaldini → Piccione → Castello Barone → Sotrio

Book Your Sotrio Wine Tour Transportation

Whether your group loves wine, beer, or both — don’t drive yourself through Yadkin Valley wine country. Ashe County Livery provides luxury transportation for groups of 2-14 in comfortable Mercedes vehicles. We’ll handle the driving so everyone can enjoy the tastings.

Book your private wine tour or call (336) 484-1350.

Explore More from Ashe County Livery

• Ashe County Livery — Premium transportation in NC’s High Country
• Book a Yadkin Valley wine tour — Explore the Surry County Wine Trail in luxury
• Reserve your wine tour — Mountain winery tours for groups of 2–14
• Wedding transportation — Shuttle service for NC High Country weddings
• Request a quote

Ashe County Livery — Family-owned luxury transportation in North Carolina’s High Country. Learn more or call (336) 484-1350.