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.
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