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:
- 9:30 AM — Pickup in Boone, Banner Elk, or Blowing Rock in one of our luxury Sprinter vans
- 11:00 AM — First stop: Shelton Vineyards for a guided tasting and lunch at the Harvest Grill
- 1:30 PM — Second stop: Raffaldini Vineyards for a rosato tasting and bocce on the lawn
- 3:30 PM — Third stop: JOLO Winery for sunset-view rosé on the terrace
- 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.
🍷 Planning a Wine Tour in the NC High Country?
Ashe County Livery offers private, luxury wine tour transportation throughout the Blue Ridge Mountains. Skip the driving and let our professional chauffeurs take you from winery to winery in comfort and style.
Serving Banner Elk, Blowing Rock, Boone, and all NC High Country destinations • (336) 484-1350
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