Category: Wine Tours

Curran Alexander Vineyards: A Family Farm Turned Vineyard

The land that is now Curran Alexander Vineyards came into the family in the late 1800s, when Curran Alexander Snider (born 1868) and his wife Frances (born 1870) bought a partially finished farmhouse and surrounding acreage in the Reeds community of Davidson County. They completed the house, raised eight children there, and farmed the land in tobacco, corn, wheat and vegetables for generations. It stayed a working farm for more than 150 years before a shift toward wine.

In 2001, Curran and Frances’s direct descendants recognized that the property’s soil and elevation were well suited to European Vitis vinifera grapes, and planted the first vineyard rows. The goals were straightforward: make good wine, honor the family’s agricultural legacy, and keep the land working. Two decades later, the family has restored the original Snider farmhouse into a four-bedroom guest house and built a new tasting room and event tent on the property — a rare combination of a genuine 19th-century family homestead and a modern Yadkin Valley wine destination.

The Wines of Curran Alexander Vineyards

The vineyard sits at 800–810 feet in elevation on Cecil sandy clay loam soil — clay that holds moisture through dry spells, sand that keeps the vines from sitting in too much water, in a spot with hot summer days and cool evenings that help the fruit ripen fully. The estate grows French-clone Cabernet Sauvignon (clone 337, first planted in 2001), Cabernet Franc (clone 332, also planted in 2001), and Merlot (clone 181, planted starting in 2005) — the backbone of their celebrated Meritage-style red blend. In 2021 the family added Sauvignon Rytos, a Sauvignon Blanc × Bianca hybrid planted on cooler, north-facing, granite-pebbled slopes, producing an aromatic white with citrus, tropical fruit and green apple notes and a mineral finish.

It is a small, focused lineup built entirely around what actually grows well on this particular hillside, rather than a long list of imported styles — the kind of estate-driven approach we point out to guests who want to taste the difference between site-specific wine and a broader commercial blend.

Planning Your Visit

Address: 1697 S NC Highway 150, Lexington, NC 27295
Tasting Room Hours: Friday 4pm – 8pm, Saturday 12pm – 5:30pm, Sunday 1pm – 5pm

Wines are available for tasting by the bottle every weekend, with select wines also poured by the glass, and the winery hosts occasional live music and food truck events — worth checking their social channels before you go. Beyond the tasting room, the grounds hold genuine local history: the foundation stones of the old Red House Inn, where George Washington is said to have once dined; a cave where Daniel Boone reportedly took shelter; and a centuries-old millstone visitors can still turn by hand. The restored Curran Alexander Snider farmhouse — four bedrooms, each with its own bathroom — is also available to book for a stay, and the property regularly hosts weddings under its 3,500-square-foot tent or in the newer tasting room, both of which can seat well over a hundred guests.

A few practical notes we have learned from bringing groups here: because the tasting room only opens Friday through Sunday, it works best as a weekend-tour stop rather than a weekday one, so plan your route around its hours rather than the other way around. The property rewards a slower visit — between the tasting room, the historical landmarks scattered across the grounds, and the view of the working farm, we recommend budgeting at least an hour to ninety minutes here, longer if your group wants to walk the property.

Where Curran Alexander Fits in Your Tour Route

Curran Alexander sits in the southern end of the Yadkin Valley AVA, near Lexington in Davidson County — the same corner of the valley as Childress Vineyards, Junius Lindsay Vineyard and Weathervane Winery, which makes it easy to pair with any of those three on a single day trip rather than trying to cross the whole valley. Coming down from the High Country, this cluster works well as either the first stop of the day or the last, depending on which direction you are headed.

Plan on roughly 1.5 hours per winery plus drive time between stops. Because Curran Alexander only opens in the afternoon on Fridays and doesn’t open until noon on weekends, it pairs best as a mid-afternoon or evening stop rather than the first winery of the morning.

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• Request a free quote — or call (336) 484-1350

Christian Paul Vineyards: Five Generations of Winemaking, Brand New in Elkin

Christian Paul Ercolani carries winemaking in his blood — his family has owned and operated a vineyard in Montepulciano, Italy, for roughly 125 years, and a century-old wine press that traveled from Italy with his great-grandfather still sits just inside the entrance of the tasting room. Christian holds a PhD in Geochemistry and spent years in restaurants building his palate before deciding, during the pandemic, to pursue the family tradition himself. Alongside co-owner Andrew Weyl, a lawyer who grew up crop farming and hand-built the tasting room, Christian opened Christian Paul Vineyards with a soft opening over Labor Day weekend 2023 and a grand opening that November — making it the Yadkin Valley’s 44th winery and the 18th on the Surry County Wine Trail.

The two had two requirements when scouting locations: excellent soil and proximity to an interstate. They found both just outside Elkin, a mile east of I-77, on a 25-acre property sitting at 1,200 feet of elevation. Ercolani, the geochemist, personally tested soil samples on-site and confirmed an 18-inch cap of mineral-rich red clay topsoil over sandy, silty loam — an ideal structure for growing grapes in the heart of Yadkin Valley wine country.

The Wines of Christian Paul Vineyards

The estate has planted 5.5 of its 25 acres in Vitis vinifera and hybrid grapes, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Traminette, Malbec, Albariño, Chambourcin, and Montepulciano — a nod to Ercolani’s family homeland. While the young vines mature, Christian Paul has partnered with fellow Yadkin Valley producers, including Childress, Haze Gray, Jones von Drehle, and Stony Knoll, to source grapes for its debut wines: Grenache Rosé, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc, Shiraz, and a Blanc de Blancs sparkling Chardonnay. The tasting menu, aptly named “Around the World,” leads guests through wine styles from Italy, France, Australia, and California in a single visit — a first-class flight without leaving Elkin.

Planning Your Visit

Address: 156 Tuscan Way, Elkin, NC 28621
Tasting Room Hours: Thursday–Saturday, 11am – 6pm; Sunday, 12pm – 6pm; Monday–Wednesday by appointment

The tasting room, called Villa del Sole, offers several ways to experience the wines:

• Around the World Tasting — a customizable flight at the counter or seated, priced roughly $16–$22.
• Champagne Room — a private space for tastings, wine-and-cheese pairings, and small gatherings of up to 15 people.
• Wine Pairing Dinners — quarterly plated or casual sip-and-graze events for up to 40 guests.
• Live Music & Food Trucks — regular events on the covered patio; outside food is welcome any time.

A few practical notes we have learned from bringing groups here: Christian Paul is family- and pet-friendly, though guests must be 21+ at the tasting counter itself, and groups of six or more should call ahead so the staff can prepare proper service. Because the tasting room is still new and popular, we recommend budgeting at least an hour here — longer if there is live music or a food truck on-site, which tends to turn a quick tasting into an afternoon.

Where Christian Paul Fits in Your Tour Route

Christian Paul sits right in Elkin, minutes from several of the town’s other tasting rooms, which makes it easy to pair with two or three additional stops on the same day. Its later closing time on weekends (6pm Thursday through Sunday) also makes it a natural last stop on an Elkin-focused itinerary.

Plan on roughly 1.5 hours per winery plus drive time between stops. Because Christian Paul’s tasting counter offers an international range of styles in one visit, it works well as a contrast stop alongside wineries that focus more narrowly on a single style or region.

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• Request a free quote — or call (336) 484-1350

Chateau Jourdain: An Estate Built for Lingering in Swan Creek

Chateau Jourdain, also known as The Vineyard Cottage, sits in the heart of Swan Creek, a sub-region of the Yadkin Valley AVA known for its rolling hills and granite-and-schist soils. Rather than chasing volume, the estate follows the model of boutique European producers: the focus is on using the property’s acreage and terroir to grow high-quality grapes rather than maximize output. What makes Chateau Jourdain distinctive on the Yadkin Valley wine trail is how much it has built around the wine itself — the estate operates as a working vineyard and winery alongside a vacation rental, with views of the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains from its terraces.

The Wines and Grounds of Chateau Jourdain

The vineyard grows Vitis vinifera and hybrid grapes including Merlot, Chambourcin, Arandell, Norton, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Cayuga White. From these, Chateau Jourdain produces a small, distinctively named lineup: “Don Geronimo,” a limited-edition reserve French and Italian artisan blend; “The Count,” a port-style dessert wine; a Merlot Rosé; “Red October,” a Merlot-Chambourcin blend; “Conquistador,” a hybrid Arandell; the “Golden Deer” white blend; and “Wild Rabbit,” a semi-dry rosé. The estate’s 2022 Merlot Rosé took home a Bronze medal at the NC Fine Wines Competition Showcase. Alongside the wine, Chateau Jourdain also produces small-batch jams from its own grapes, including a Merlot Grape & Chili Pepper Jam and a Concord Grape Jam.

Beyond the tasting itself, the estate is built for a longer stay: guests can book a Vineyard Glamping Pod or the Vineyard Cottage vacation rental, and add on horseback and pony riding, a private chef, or a private masseuse — amenities that go well beyond a typical Yadkin Valley tasting-room stop.

Planning Your Visit

Address: 2406 Swan Creek Rd., Jonesville, NC 28642

Because Chateau Jourdain operates as much as a boutique vineyard estate and vacation rental as a walk-in tasting room, we recommend confirming current tasting availability and hours directly with the winery before your visit, since they can vary by season and by what is booked on the property that day. Once you’re there, the visit generally centers on:

• Estate Tasting — sampling the current lineup, including the distinctive “Don Geronimo” reserve blend and the port-style “Count.”
• Terrace Views — open and closed terraces looking out over the vines toward the Blue Ridge Mountains.
• Add-On Experiences — horseback or pony riding, a private chef, or a private masseuse, arranged in advance.

A few practical notes we have learned from bringing groups here: because Chateau Jourdain blends a working vineyard with an overnight rental property, it is worth calling ahead to confirm what is available on the day of your visit rather than showing up unannounced. We recommend budgeting at least an hour for tasting and terrace time, more if you plan to add one of the estate’s extra experiences.

Where Chateau Jourdain Fits in Your Tour Route

Chateau Jourdain sits in Jonesville, within the Swan Creek AVA, alongside a handful of other boutique producers in the same corner of the Yadkin Valley. It pairs naturally with other Jonesville-area estates for a route focused on this quieter, more spread-out part of the wine region rather than the denser cluster of tasting rooms in Elkin.

Plan on roughly 1.5 hours per winery plus drive time between stops. Because Swan Creek’s wineries tend to sit further apart than Elkin’s, we build in a little extra drive time when routing a day through this part of the valley.

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• Request a free quote — or call (336) 484-1350

Cellar 4201: A Deliberately Small Vineyard in East Bend

Greg Hutchins and Donna Carlyle Hutchins planted their first acre of Chardonnay and acre of Merlot in the spring of 2003, then added three more acres the following year, including Cabernet Sauvignon and Sangiovese. From the start, the goal at Cellar 4201 Vineyards was to stay small: extensive pruning for quality fruit over volume, with the majority of sales happening face-to-face in the tasting room. Greg handles vineyard management and sales; Donna runs marketing and works hands-on in the vines. After a trip to Italy, Donna developed a passion for Sangiovese — a notoriously difficult grape to grow well — and it has become the winery’s signature wine.

Cellar 4201 takes its name from its address on Apperson Road in East Bend, and its founders are active in the wider NC wine community, holding memberships in the American Wine Society and the NC Winegrowers Association.

The Wines of Cellar 4201

The vineyard covers five acres of premium grapes, all produced in small lots with hands-on attention through every phase. Depending on the season, the tasting room carries around seven or eight wines: Stainless and Barrel-aged Chardonnay and a Rosé for white-wine drinkers, and a red lineup that runs from the food-friendly Sangiovese up to the fuller-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon, Warrior, and Cherokee Red blends. It is a compact, well-curated list rather than an overwhelming one — easy to taste through in a single visit.

Planning Your Visit

Address: 4201 Apperson Road, East Bend, NC 27018
Tasting Room Hours: Saturday & Sunday, 12noon – 5pm, year-round (or by appointment); closed all Sundays in January

Visitors here typically choose between:

• Guided Tasting — a walk through the current lineup, poured at the tasting counter.
• Patio Time — cushioned seating on the patio, with cornhole set up and flowering plants surrounding the space.
• Private Events — Cellar 4201 hosts private parties, small weddings, and corporate events by arrangement.

A few practical notes we have learned from bringing groups here: Cellar 4201 does not allow outside pets or outside alcohol on the property, so plan accordingly if traveling with a dog. Because the winery is only 15 minutes from Winston-Salem, Wake Forest University, and Reynolda Village, it is an easy add-on to a Piedmont-area day trip. We recommend budgeting at least an hour here to taste through the lineup and enjoy the patio, which is one of the more relaxed spots on the Yadkin River Wine Trail.

Because Greg and Donna keep production genuinely small, the tasting room staff are often the same people growing and making the wine, which means questions about a specific vintage or the vineyard’s history get real, first-hand answers rather than a rehearsed script. It is the kind of stop that rewards conversation as much as the pour itself.

Where Cellar 4201 Fits in Your Tour Route

Cellar 4201 sits in East Bend, part of the Yadkin River Wine Trail and close to several other small producers in Yadkin County, including Divine Llama Vineyards just down the road. Because it is on the eastern side of the Yadkin Valley, it works well as a stop that bridges a Piedmont pickup with wineries further west toward Elkin and Ronda.

Plan on roughly 1.5 hours per winery plus drive time. Since Cellar 4201 only opens on weekends, we typically build it into a Saturday or Sunday itinerary alongside its East Bend and Yadkinville-area neighbors.

Because it sits closer to Winston-Salem than most of the Yadkin Valley’s wineries, Cellar 4201 is also a practical option for groups starting or ending their day near the Piedmont Triad rather than deep in Surry or Wilkes County. Its small-batch, low-key approach makes it a nice counterpoint to a bigger estate winery earlier in the day.

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• Request a free quote — or call (336) 484-1350

Carolina Heritage: North Carolina’s First Certified Organic Winery

Clyde and Pat Colwell spent more than a year looking at farm properties before settling on a spot just outside Elkin, and in 2005 they established Carolina Heritage Vineyard & Winery as a retirement project built entirely around sustainability. It became North Carolina’s first USDA-Certified Organic vineyard and winery, first certified in 2008, and it was also the state’s first solar-powered winery. The Colwells grew grapes without synthetic pesticides, kept chickens and guinea fowl to manage insects, and used predatory bird sounds instead of chemicals to protect ripening fruit.

In 2022, after the Colwells retired a second time, Patrick and Wendy McNabb took over as new owners. The couple moved from Boca Raton, Florida, with their two sons to pursue the winery full time: Patrick, an Army veteran who also works in sustainable packaging, oversees the farm and financials, while Wendy, a former environmental science teacher, has taken over as winemaker and is studying viticulture and enology at Surry Community College. Because Patrick is a veteran, Carolina Heritage is now a certified Homegrown by Heroes farm.

The Wines of Carolina Heritage

Carolina Heritage farms roughly 9 acres of organic grapevines plus 1.5 acres of organic blueberries, growing American hybrid and native muscadine varieties. In addition to grape wines, the winery makes wine from apples, blueberries, and elderberries — its best-selling “Apple Pie” wine is a sweet, spiced apple wine mulled with almonds, cinnamon, and raisins. Because the wines use no animal by-products or grains, the full lineup is vegan-friendly and gluten-free.

The property also includes a half-mile hiking trail (a mile round trip) that connects to the NC Mountains-to-Sea Trail, and an on-site 1928 farmhouse — renovated in 2018 and known as The Olde Farmhouse — available as an overnight rental for visitors who want to stay on the vineyard grounds.

Planning Your Visit

Address: 170 Heritage Vines Way, Elkin, NC 28621
Tasting Room Hours: Friday–Monday, 1pm – 6pm (confirm current hours before visiting, as the winery has recently changed hands)

A visit to Carolina Heritage tends to be relaxed and down-home:

• Tasting Flight — a sampling of the current organic and fruit wine lineup, poured at the counter.
• Farm Walk — wander the property, meet the chickens and guinea fowl, and see the organic growing methods up close.
• Trail Access — the on-site Mountains-to-Sea Trail segment makes for a short walk before or after tasting.
• Live Music — the winery regularly hosts musicians on the grounds.

A few practical notes we have learned from bringing groups here: Carolina Heritage is pet-friendly, and the atmosphere is genuinely down-home rather than polished — part of its charm. Because the property is still settling into new ownership, we recommend calling ahead to confirm the day’s hours, and budgeting at least an hour if your group wants to walk the trail or explore the farm in addition to tasting.

Where Carolina Heritage Fits in Your Tour Route

Carolina Heritage sits right in Elkin, just a few minutes from several other tasting rooms in town, which makes it easy to combine with two or three other stops on the same afternoon. Its organic, farm-forward character makes for a nice contrast if you are also visiting one of Elkin’s more polished estate-style wineries the same day.

Plan on roughly 1.5 hours per winery plus drive time between stops. Because Carolina Heritage’s tasting room hours run into the early evening, it can work well as a later stop on an Elkin-area route.

We like recommending Carolina Heritage to groups who want a genuinely different kind of winery experience — less about a polished tasting counter and more about seeing organic, sustainable farming up close. It is a good conversation starter and a nice change of pace between two more traditional estate tastings elsewhere in Elkin.

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• Request a free quote — or call (336) 484-1350

Brandon Hills Vineyard: A South African’s Passion Project

Brandon Hills Vineyard was first established in 2005 southwest of Yadkinville, then closed for a period before Larry Mueller, originally from South Africa, bought the property in 2017. Larry works in the manufacture of steel crusher parts near Mooresville, but wine started as a hobby that grew into something closer to a calling. He and Elizabeth Mueller now run the tasting room together, and Larry is often on hand to greet guests personally, share the vineyard’s history, and pour a glass himself.

What sets Brandon Hills apart is its scale: the vineyard sits on 40 total acres, but only about four acres are planted in grapes, using an Open Lyre Trellis System that balances vine growth against grape production. It is a genuinely small, boutique operation, and visitors consistently mention how personal the experience feels — a rustic, well-manicured tasting room with a porch overlooking the vines and a gazebo out back.

The Wines of Brandon Hills Vineyard

The vineyard grows Barbera, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot, and Vermentino — a mix that leans into European varietals not every Yadkin Valley producer takes on. The current wine list runs to around 17 different pours, including the Raptor Red and Raptor Red Reserve Bordeaux blends, a bourbon-barrel-aged dry red, and the Rebel Red, a Syrah-Merlot blend that took Silver at the Great American International Wine Competition in New York and Gold at the NC Fine Wine Society competition, with a 90-point score from James Suckling. For every bottle of Rebel Red sold, Brandon Hills donates a dollar to the local animal shelter. The 2021 Barbera also picked up a Gold Medal and Best in Class at the 2024 NC Fine Wines competition.

Beyond the classic varietals, Brandon Hills makes a lineup of fruit-forward options — Blueberry, Pineapple, Peach, and Cranberry Delight wines, along with a Spanish-style Sangria — that give the tasting flight some range beyond dry reds and whites.

Planning Your Visit

Address: 1927 Brandon Hills Rd., Yadkinville, NC 27055
Hours: March–December, Saturday 12pm–6pm, Sunday 1pm–5pm; February, Saturday & Sunday 1pm–5pm; closed in January

A visit here is straightforward and unhurried:

• Tasting Flight — a guided pour through the current lineup, around $15 with a Riedel glass to keep.
• Porch & Gazebo — seating on the porch or in the gazebo overlooking the vineyard, a favorite spot for celebrations.
• Private Events — the patio, pergola, and fountain area can be rented for weddings and gatherings of up to about 50 guests.

A few practical notes we have learned from bringing groups here: Brandon Hills is pet-friendly, and the tasting room staff genuinely enjoy talking through the vineyard’s varietals and its history under new ownership. Because the property is off the beaten path compared to some of the busier Yadkin Valley stops, we recommend budgeting at least an hour here so your group has time to relax on the porch rather than feeling rushed in and out.

Where Brandon Hills Fits in Your Tour Route

Brandon Hills sits just outside Yadkinville, in the heart of Yadkin County, which puts it within easy reach of several other small producers in the same rolling countryside. It pairs naturally with a visit to nearby Hanover Park or Divine Llama Vineyards, both a short drive away, for a day built around smaller, family-run wineries rather than the larger estate experience.

Plan on roughly 1.5 hours per winery plus drive time. Because Brandon Hills only opens on weekends (plus limited February hours), we typically build it into a Saturday or Sunday route rather than a weekday itinerary.

Yadkin County’s back roads are part of the appeal here — rolling pastures, old farmhouses, and a slower pace than the busier stretches of the Yadkin Valley. If your group wants a day that feels more like exploring the countryside than checking off a list of tasting rooms, Brandon Hills and its Yadkinville neighbors are a good fit, and a private chauffeur means nobody has to worry about the winding country roads on the way back.

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• Request a free quote — or call (336) 484-1350

Adagio Vineyards: A Dentist, a Violinist, and Seven Acres of Harmony

Adagio is a musical term that means “slowly, with passion,” and that idea sits at the heart of this small Elkin winery. Tim and Jan Wahl first stood on the untouched land in 2006 and imagined a vineyard that reflected both their passions — wine and classical music. Tim, a dentist, went on to earn a winemaking certificate from UC Davis and became a member of the Guild of Sommeliers. Jan, an accomplished violinist who played 25 years with the Brevard Symphony Orchestra, also builds violins, several of which are on display in the tasting room. Vines went into the ground in 2009, and the winery and tasting room opened in 2013.

In 2025, Beau and Andrea Tiffany took over as Adagio’s new owners, together with their two sons. Beau spent 20 years in the automotive industry, including time in NASCAR and manufacturing, and has returned to farming, beekeeping, and winemaking. Andrea brings a background in corporate finance. They are honoring the Wahls’ foundation while bringing their own family-run energy to the next chapter — and the music, quite literally, plays on.

The Wines of Adagio Vineyards

Adagio farms seven acres in the Yadkin Valley, producing five varietals: reds Arandell, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot, and whites Chardonnay and Traminette. It is a small, focused list by design — every vintage is meant to reflect the harmony of the land and the winemaking, not to chase volume. Visitors have singled out selections like the Vivace, a stainless-fermented Traminette, as an easy favorite for a first pour.

The tasting room itself is a destination in its own right: a 2,400-square-foot space built above a 3,000-square-foot underground winery, engineered to keep temperature and humidity in check for the wine below. Guests can settle in on the porch or gather around the fire pit outside, with music — often violin — drifting through the space.

Planning Your Visit

Address: 139 Benge Dr., Elkin, NC 28621
Tasting Room Hours: Thursday–Saturday, 12pm – 6pm; Sunday, 1pm – 5pm; closed Monday–Wednesday

Adagio keeps its visitor experience simple and personal:

• Guided Tasting — a walk-in tasting at the counter, typically around 20 minutes (about 40 minutes for groups of six or more).
• Wine Flight — a relaxed, self-guided sampling of several pours, well suited to sipping on the porch.
• Porch & Fire Pit — bring a bottle or a glass outside and take in the vineyard views at your own pace.

A few practical notes we have learned from bringing groups here: Adagio is pet-friendly and kid-friendly, so it is an easy stop for families and dog owners alike. Groups of ten or more should call ahead to reserve, and an automatic gratuity applies for larger parties. Because the tasting room is intimate and the hosts genuinely enjoy talking wine, we recommend budgeting at least 45 minutes to an hour here — longer if the fire pit and porch pull you in, which they usually do.

Where Adagio Fits in Your Tour Route

Adagio sits right in Elkin, one of the most winery-dense towns in the Yadkin Valley, which makes it easy to pair with two or three other stops without much drive time in between. We often build routes that start or end here, since its afternoon hours (opening at noon Thursday through Saturday) work well alongside wineries that open a little later in the day.

Plan on roughly 1.5 hours per winery plus drive time between stops. Because several of Elkin’s tasting rooms sit just minutes apart, this is a good area to slow down and really linger at each one rather than rushing the itinerary.

Elkin’s cluster of small, family-run wineries makes for a different kind of day than a single large estate visit — you get several distinct personalities and pouring styles in a tight radius, which is part of why we like routing groups through this stretch of the Yadkin Valley. Coming down from Ashe County or the rest of the High Country, Elkin is usually one of the closer clusters to reach, which makes it a comfortable half-day or full-day option depending on how many stops your group wants to add.

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• Request a free quote — or call (336) 484-1350

Childress Vineyards: The Gateway to the Yadkin Valley

When NASCAR team owner Richard Childress opened Childress Vineyards in Lexington, North Carolina in 2004, he was fulfilling a dream that started years earlier, visiting California wineries with friends between races. He looked at land in California and New York before choosing farmland in Lexington — less than five miles from his Richard Childress Racing shop, and positioned as the gateway to the Yadkin Valley AVA, North Carolina’s first federally designated grape-growing region.

Today it is one of the most impressive winery estates in the state, and one of the most popular stops on our Yadkin Valley wine tours. The tasting room has been voted one of the “Top 25 Tasting Rooms in America” by Wine Enthusiast magazine.

The Wines of Childress Vineyards

Childress farms more than 70 acres of vineyards across two sites — Richard’s Hampton Road Estate in Davidson County and Vineyard Crossing at the winery itself — growing 15 varieties of European Vitis vinifera. The humid climate, long growing season, and gravelly red clay soil support a portfolio of more than 30 wines, spanning everything from approachable sweet whites to serious dry reds.

That range is deliberate: there is something here for the first-time taster and for the collector. And the results speak for themselves — Childress has taken home over 750 medals since opening, including Double Gold, Concordance Gold, Best of Show, and multiple NC Governor’s Cup awards.

Planning Your Visit

Address: 1000 Childress Vineyards Rd., Lexington, NC 27295
Tasting Room & Gift Shop: Daily, 10am – 5pm
The Bistro: Lunch Monday–Friday 11am – 3pm, Saturday–Sunday 10am – 4pm

Childress offers several tasting experiences, so it is worth deciding in advance which one fits your group:

• Champion Tasting — a walk-in guided tasting in the Tasting Room, about 20–25 minutes. First-come, first-served, offered daily 10am–4:30pm.
• Luxe Tasting — a seated tasting of elevated and limited-release wines in the Victory Lounge, roughly 45 minutes to an hour. Booking recommended.
• A Taste of Childress — an intimate tasting and tapas pairing in the Barrel Cave, offered Saturdays.
• Winery Tour — a guided walk through the production facility, with tour times typically at 11am, 1pm and 3pm.
• Wine Flights — a relaxed, self-guided sampling, great alongside light bites.

A few practical notes we have learned from bringing groups here: weekend dining at The Bistro requires reservations Friday through Sunday, and reservations are strongly recommended on weekdays too. The seated experiences fill up, so book them before your tour date rather than on arrival. And because the grounds, gift shop, terrace, and back lawn are genuinely worth lingering over, we recommend budgeting at least two hours here — more if you are eating lunch.

Where Childress Fits in Your Tour Route

Childress sits at the eastern edge of the Yadkin Valley, which makes it a natural first or last stop depending on where your group is staying. Coming down from the High Country, we usually start with the furthest winery and work back toward home — and we always build in enough time that nobody feels rushed out of a tasting.

Plan on roughly 1.5 hours per winery plus drive time. Most Yadkin Valley tasting rooms open at 11am (a few at noon), while Childress opens at 10am, so it can absorb an early start better than most.

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• Request a free quote — or call (336) 484-1350

There is a moment on a Yadkin Valley evening — the sun dropping behind the rows, glasses filled, plates coming out of the kitchen — that no ordinary dinner reservation can match. Vineyard dining has quietly become one of the best reasons to leave the NC High Country for a night, and for guests staying in Boone, Blowing Rock, Banner Elk, or West Jefferson, it makes for an unforgettable evening out.

The catch is the drive. Yadkin Valley sits roughly 60 to 90 minutes from most High Country towns, down US 421 or the Blue Ridge Parkway corridor, and the trip home comes after a long dinner and several tastings. That is exactly why so many of our clients book a private vehicle for the evening. Below is our guide to vineyard dinner experiences worth the drive — and how to plan the night so nobody has to be the designated driver.

Why Vineyard Dining Beats a Standard Night Out

• The setting does the work. Tuscan-style terraces, long views over planted rows, and golden-hour light no restaurant patio can replicate.
• Pairings are intentional. Kitchens on-site build menus around estate wines, so the pairing is the point rather than an afterthought.
• It scales beautifully. Vineyard dinners work for a couple’s anniversary, a rehearsal dinner, a milestone birthday, or a corporate group of 14.
• It fills an evening. Tasting, tour, dinner, and a slow drive home is a complete night — not a two-hour errand.

Wineries Known for Their Dining Experiences

Raffaldini Vineyards — Ronda

Raffaldini’s Italian-inspired villa and hillside terrace are the postcard image of the Yadkin Valley. The estate is best known for Italian varietals like Vermentino, Montepulciano, and its appassimento-style reds, and it hosts seasonal food-and-wine events through the warmer months. Even when a full dinner service isn’t on the calendar, the terrace at sunset is worth the trip on its own. Event schedules change, so check the winery’s calendar before you set a date.

Shelton Vineyards — Dobson

Shelton is one of the valley’s largest estates and one of the easiest for groups, thanks to its on-site restaurant, ample parking for larger vehicles, and a wide range of wines from Riesling to Cabernet. It’s a strong anchor for a group that wants a proper sit-down meal after a tasting and tour, and the grounds are comfortable for guests who’d rather walk than taste.

JOLO Winery & Vineyards — Pilot Mountain

JOLO pairs serious winemaking with a genuine culinary program, set against the profile of Pilot Mountain. It has long been a favorite for celebration dinners and small private events, and the property feels more like a destination than a stop. Reservations go quickly on weekends — book several weeks out for a group.

Piccione Vineyards — Ronda

Piccione is a smaller, family-feeling estate a short hop from Raffaldini, which makes the two an easy pairing for an afternoon-into-evening plan. Italian varietals, a relaxed tasting room, and a quieter pace suit guests who don’t want a crowd.

Laurel Gray Vineyards — Hamptonville

Laurel Gray sits on a century-old family farm and leans warm and unpretentious. It’s a good first stop of the evening — taste, walk the property, then head to dinner elsewhere in the valley. (For a daytime version of this route, see our summer rosé guide.)

Building the Perfect Vineyard Dinner Evening

If you like the shape of this plan, our sunset wine tour itinerary covers a tasting-focused variation on the same evening.

Here’s a sample timeline for a group leaving from Boone or Blowing Rock:

1. 3:00 PM — Pickup at your hotel, rental home, or venue in the High Country.
2. 4:15 PM — Arrive at your first winery for a tasting and a walk through the rows.
3. 5:30 PM — Short transfer to your dinner estate; most Yadkin Valley wineries sit within 15 to 30 minutes of each other.
4. 6:00 PM — Dinner and pairings on the terrace as the light goes gold.
5. 8:30 PM — Unhurried departure. No one is watching their glass, checking a map, or worrying about the drive.
6. 10:00 PM — Back in Boone, Banner Elk, or West Jefferson.

Planning Tips from Our Chauffeurs

• Reserve dinner first, transportation second. Vineyard kitchens are small and seasonal. Lock the table, then build the timing around it.
• Limit yourself to two stops before dinner. Three tastings plus a meal is more wine than most evenings need, and it dulls the food.
• Ask about group menus. Parties of eight or more are usually better served by a set menu, which also keeps the evening on schedule.
• Plan for weather. Terrace seating is the draw; confirm the indoor backup so a summer thunderstorm doesn’t end the night early.
• Mind the mountain drive home. US 421 and NC 194 after dark are no place for a driver who has been tasting. This is the single best reason to hand over the keys.

Vineyard Dinners for Weddings and Corporate Groups

A vineyard dinner makes an excellent rehearsal dinner for couples marrying in the High Country, especially when out-of-town guests want to see more of North Carolina than the venue. It also works well as a corporate reward evening — a real experience rather than another conference-hotel banquet room. In both cases, one coordinated vehicle keeps the group together, on time, and safe.

Our fleet includes Mercedes Sprinter vans for groups, a Mercedes GLS 450 and Audi Q5 for couples and small parties, and Ford Transits for larger gatherings — all with a professional chauffeur who knows the mountain roads in the dark.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far is Yadkin Valley from Boone?

Most Yadkin Valley wineries are 60 to 90 minutes from Boone, depending on the estate and the route. Ronda and Dobson are typically the closest cluster.

Can we bring wine home with us?

Absolutely. Our vehicles have room for cases, and guests routinely leave with a few bottles from each stop.

Do you handle the winery reservations?

We’re happy to advise on routing and timing, and we’ll build the schedule around the reservations you hold. Confirming tastings and dinner directly with each winery is the surest way to secure your table.

What size groups can you accommodate?

From a couple to a party of 30 or more across multiple vehicles. Larger groups should book several weeks ahead, especially on summer and fall weekends.

Book Your Vineyard Dinner Evening

A great meal, great wine, and a mountain sunset shouldn’t end with someone squinting at switchbacks on the way home. Let us handle the driving. Reserve your vineyard dinner transportation or call (336) 484-1350 to plan your evening in the Yadkin Valley.

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 bocce courts 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 and bocce on the lawn
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.