Grassy Creek Vineyard & Winery: Historic Charm and Award-Winning Wines in the Yadkin Valley AVA » Ashe County Livery blog

Grassy Creek Vineyard & Winery: Historic Charm and Award-Winning Wines in the Yadkin Valley AVA

Red wooden building with white trim and a stone chimney, signage reading 'Tasting Room,' and outdoor seating with green umbrellas in front.

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Tucked away on the historic grounds of the Klondike Farm in State Road, North Carolina, Grassy Creek Vineyard & Winery is one of the Yadkin Valley’s most distinctive wine destinations — a place where history, nature, and award-winning wine come together in a way you won’t find anywhere else in the region.

Whether you’re a longtime wine country regular or planning your first Yadkin Valley visit, Grassy Creek deserves a spot on your itinerary. And with Ashe County Livery handling the driving, your group can relax and enjoy every sip, every trail, and every story this remarkable property has to tell.

A Winery Steeped in Local History

The Klondike Farm traces its roots back generations — once serving as a private retreat and hunting lodge for the Hanes family and later for Chatham Manufacturing Company. The estate’s historic dairy barn now houses the winery’s production facility, while the original horse stable has been beautifully renovated into the Red Barn tasting room, complete with a stunning stone fireplace and a warm, inviting atmosphere that feels like stepping back in time.

On your way to the tasting room, be sure to stop at the Klondike Dam to see renowned artist Eva Crawford’s spectacular mural — one of the many unexpected treasures scattered across this one-of-a-kind property.

The Wines of Grassy Creek

Grassy Creek’s estate vineyard benefits from the Yadkin Valley AVA’s rolling hills, rich clay soils, and ideal growing conditions. Located in the Swan Creek area of the Yadkin Valley, the vineyard enjoys the unique terroir that makes this part of North Carolina so special for viticulture. Harvested and crafted on-site, the wines at Grassy Creek have earned recognition and awards across a range of varietals — from bold reds to crisp whites that showcase the character of the terroir.

The tasting experience in the Red Barn is relaxed and genuine — the kind of place where the person pouring your wine actually knows the story behind every bottle. For those who fall in love with the wines, Grassy Creek offers a Wine Club with regular deliveries straight to your door. And if beer is more your style, Grassy Creek also serves craft beer brewed by Lost Province Brewing in Boone, NC — a perfect complement to the wine menu.

More Than Wine: Trails, Nature, and Overnight Stays

What truly sets Grassy Creek apart from other Yadkin Valley wineries is the incredible property surrounding the tasting room. The estate features an extensive trail system that includes:

  • The Forest Bathing Trail — North Carolina’s first designated forest bathing trail, a serene 1-mile path designed for mindful, immersive walking through old-growth trees
  • Grassy Creek Trail — A meandering path along the creek that connects to Carter Falls Trail, about a 1.75-mile hike from the tasting room
  • Klondike Lake Trail — A scenic loop around the historic Klondike Lake

The trails are open anytime — even when the tasting room is closed — making this an ideal destination for guests who want to pair wine tasting with an outdoor adventure.

And for those who want to extend the experience, Klondike Cabins — Grassy Creek’s sister property — sits just up the hill from the winery. The cabins offer a simple, rustic overnight stay that’s perfect for couples or small groups looking to slow down and enjoy the countryside. To book, contact Klondike Cabins directly through their website at TheKlondikeCabins.com.

Live Music, Food Trucks, and Events

Grassy Creek regularly hosts live local music, food truck pop-ups, special dinners, and seasonal events on the grounds outside the tasting room. It’s the kind of place where an afternoon wine tasting turns into an evening of music and conversation — especially during the warmer months when the lawn fills with visitors and the mountains glow at golden hour.

Check their website or social media for the latest event schedule.

Photos from the Property

Photos courtesy of Grassy Creek Vineyard & Winery

Grassy Creek Vineyard wine tasting — photo by Bailey Batten Photography
Grassy Creek Vineyard wine tasting — photo by Bailey Batten Photography
Grassy Creek Vineyard exterior and grounds — photo by Vie Artistry
Grassy Creek Vineyard exterior and grounds — photo by Vie Artistry
Grassy Creek Vineyard and Winery estate views
Grassy Creek Vineyard and Winery estate views
Eva Crawford's mural on the Forest Bathing Trail at Grassy Creek Vineyard
Eva Crawford’s mural on the Forest Bathing Trail at Grassy Creek Vineyard
Klondike Lake view at Grassy Creek Vineyard estate
Klondike Lake view at Grassy Creek Vineyard estate

Planning Your Visit to Grassy Creek

  • Address: 235 Chatham Cottage Circle, State Road, NC 28676
  • Phone: (336) 835-2458
  • Hours: Wednesday–Saturday 11:00am–6:00pm, Sunday 1:00pm–5:00pm (winter hours may vary)
  • Reservations: Not required, but call ahead for groups larger than 8
  • Pet Friendly: Yes
  • Overnight: Klondike Cabins available on-site — book directly at TheKlondikeCabins.com
  • Pro Tip: Arrive early enough to hike the trails before your tasting — the forest bathing trail is a perfect warm-up for an afternoon of wine

Building Your Grassy Creek Wine Tour

Grassy Creek sits in the scenic Swan Creek area of the Yadkin Valley, making it easy to build a full-day multi-winery tour:

  • The Swan Creek Circuit: Grassy Creek → Raffaldini Vineyards → Piccione Vineyards — three of the best wineries in the Swan Creek AVA, all within 15 minutes of each other
  • The Elkin–Dobson Loop: Grassy Creek → Shelton Vineyards → Elkin Creek Vineyard — a classic Yadkin Valley tasting day
  • History & Trails Day: Spend the morning hiking Carter Falls, taste at Grassy Creek over lunch, then continue to JOLO Winery & Vineyards for sunset

Private Wine Tour Transportation to Grassy Creek

Grassy Creek’s location just outside Elkin makes it an easy stop on any Yadkin Valley wine tour — but the Swan Creek back roads are winding, rural, and best navigated by someone who knows them well. Ashe County Livery provides luxury wine tour transportation for groups of 2–14 throughout the Yadkin Valley, Swan Creek AVA, and surrounding wine regions.

Book your private wine tour today and let us handle every mile while your group enjoys the wine, the trails, and the incredible history of Grassy Creek Vineyard & Winery.

📞 Call or text: (336) 484-1350
🌐 AsheCountyLivery.com | YadkinValleyNCWineTours.com

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Grassy Creek Vineyard located?

Grassy Creek Vineyard & Winery is located at 235 Chatham Cottage Circle, State Road, NC 28676 — just minutes from Elkin in the Yadkin Valley AVA.

Can I hike the trails at Grassy Creek without visiting the tasting room?

Yes! The trails — including North Carolina’s first designated forest bathing trail — are open anytime, even when the tasting room is closed.

How far is Grassy Creek from Boone or Banner Elk?

Grassy Creek is approximately 60–70 minutes from Boone and about 75 minutes from Banner Elk. Ashe County Livery provides door-to-door transportation so your group can enjoy the ride without worrying about navigation.

Can I stay overnight near Grassy Creek Vineyard?

Yes — Klondike Cabins, Grassy Creek’s sister property, offers rustic overnight accommodations right on the estate grounds. It’s the perfect way to extend a wine tour weekend.

Does Grassy Creek host events?

Yes — the winery regularly hosts live music, food truck events, special wine dinners, and seasonal celebrations. Check their website for the latest schedule.

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